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455 SAINT HELENS AVE, TACOMA Image With digital objects
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D28697-4

New location Mueller-Harkins Service Center showing foundation forms, Douglas Fir Plywood Association, Mr. O'Brien. New construction at 6th and Saint Helens Ave. The already existing service center can be seen adjacent to this construction. The Tacoma tideflats are in the distance.


Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950; Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Progress photographs;

A37914-5

Motors Insurance Co., several different views at Mueller-Harkins Motor Company, Mr. Mueller. Two men stand at the Insurance Department service window. An employee explains the plan to a customer wearing a three-piece tweed suit.


Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Offices--Tacoma--1940-1950; Insurance;

D30496-2

Mueller-Harkins Building was expanding and modernizing their automotive service center. Construction had started in the summer and the building was expected to be completed by spring 1948. Mueller-Harkins was the only authorized service center in Tacoma for Buick automobiles. View of laborers working on the new plywood foundations and the roof, photo ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.


Roofs--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Progress photographs; Plywood; Building construction--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);

D37167-18

Anyone interested in a full service automotive center had to go to Mueller-Harkins Buick Motor Company where they offered all types of services and the fastest, most efficient customer service. Mueller-Harkins also had the modern dynamometer, which reproduced actual road conditions that helped vehicle testing. Interior view of service area at Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency where a Buick is being washed by the "Washmobile" which was a "De Luxe Car Wash." An unidentified dealership employee is operating the equipment. (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28)..


Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Car washes--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);

A37989-3

Equipment at Mueller-Harkins, Walker Manufacturing Company, Racine, Wisconsin, Mr. Spaulding. A view of Mueller-Harkins' service area. Grease racks are shown with two late 1940s Buicks in the service bays, one lifted on a rack for easy access. A roll-away lube cart, overhead hoses for air, water, grease, etc., are seen with the two men working.


Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Buick automobile; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A37167-18

Service area at Mueller- Harkins Buick Agency. Car going through the "Washmoblie", automatic car washing machine. Bare concrete walls, reflection of outdoor advertising for the agency in window at top right in photo.


Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);

A43454-1

Mueller-Harkins showroom, ordered by Bonnell Construction Co. An exterior view of the very modern automobile showroom built by Mueller-Harkins showing the two circular display windows that each contained a revolving stage for the newest models of Buick automobiles. The large, monolithic tower displaying the name "Buick" in neon on top has recently been completed. The sign for the Walker Apartment Hotel can be seen on the far left, across Saint Helens Avenue.


Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A77876-2

Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. exterior, for the Condon Co. This facility was considered to be one of the most complete automotive centers in the U.S. Founded in 1916 at 8th and A, the company was still run by the Mueller family. In September of 1953, negotiations were underway to sell the family owned business to a Seattle automobile man. Effective October 1, 1953, the new owner was identified as E.H. (Gene) Brus, a prominent Seattle automobile man since 1921. (TNT 9/14/1953, pg. 1 & TNT 10/4/1953, pg. B5-B7)


Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Brus Buick Co. (Tacoma);

A78207-1

Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency. Staff group photo on roof parking lot; building's pylon sign in background. Medical Arts, now Tacoma Municipal, building visible at far left in photo. In October of 1953, The Muellers retired and sold their company to E.H. (Gene) Brus from Seattle. The other founding owner Leo W. Harkins had retired in 1931. There was no change in personnel or policies, but the company now became Brus Buick Co. Brus would also take over the used car lot at 8th and Tacoma Ave. (TNT 10/4/1953, pg. B-6 - B-7)


Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; Brus Buick Co. (Tacoma);

A62378-2

Mueller-Harkins Motor Company opened a new automobile accessories store in late 1951. View of exterior of store showing Firestone neon sign; store is lighted from within to show tires, sample material for seat covers, and batteries on sale. Signs on the windows promote Firestone tires; one offers to trade in old worn-out tires for Firestone replacements while another sign advertises Firestone polar grip winter treads. Photograph ordered by Condon Co.


Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Signs (Notices); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tires; Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

A62378-4

The Mueller-Harkins Motor Company opened a new accessories store in their Saint Helens Avenue building in late 1951. Sepia photograph shows three men examining products for sale; Firestone tires were prominently featured along with Prestone anti-freeze and seat cover materials. A prudent shopper could purchase tire chains in preparation for icy roads for a cost between $10 and $14. The store even provided a Coca-Cola machine where thirst could be quenched for a mere nickel. Photograph ordered by Condon Co.


Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Signs (Notices); Tires; Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

A60920-2

Mueller- Harkins Buick Agency. Advertising on tower, 35th Anniversary signs in windows, two automobile visible in showroom. Ordered by Bethelhem Steel Pacific Coast Steel Corporation.


Business Enterprises - Tacoma - Automobile Dealers - New Automobile Dealers - Buick Dealers - Mueller-Harkins Motor Company

C50306-1

Copy of customer's retouched print, Mueller-Harkins used car building, Condon Co., a/c Mueller-Harkins.


Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma;

A54766-1

In December of 1950, passersby could pause in their nightly stroll downtown to peer through the curved windows into the festive showroom at the Mueller-Harkins Buick dealership, 455 Saint Helens Ave. The showroom was decorated for Christmas and featured two new 1950 Buicks on display. A neon sign promoting "Buick Dynaflow Drive" (automatic transmission) hung in the showroom window. Buick sold over half a million of their 1950 models using the slogan "Better Get a Buick." Prices in December 1950 in Tacoma ranged from $2256 for a Buick Special to $3157 for the Roadmaster. TPL-5045


Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buick automobile; Christmas decorations; Window displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A54766-3

A night view of Mueller-Harkins Buick dealership decorated for Christmas. A Buick has been placed on top of the roof of the service marquee with trees and "Make this a Buick Christmas" banner. Glass-topped Texaco gas pumps, a Firestone neon sign, US Royal Master tire banner, and a motor oil display are also shown. The dealership's neon sign advertising Buick shines brightly on the vertical sign. TPL-10295


Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buick automobile; Christmas decorations; Window displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A50265-1

Fifteen men line two tables in a class taught in one of the conference rooms at Mueller-Harkins Motor Company. They are working with small parts. Two men who are teaching the class stand at the back of the room with a flip chart open to diagrams of an automobile engine's working parts. Ordered by Mr. Mueller.


Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Vocational education--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; Automobile equipment & supplies;

C50317-2

Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency, retouched view from north featuring Used Car Department. Available automobiles include a De Soto, an Oldsmobile, a Chrysler, several Buicks, a Jeep, several Fords, a Plymouth and a Hudson.


Business Enterprises - Tacoma - Automobile Dealers - New Automobile Dealers - Used Automobile Dealers - Buick Dealers - Mueller-Harkins Motor Company

D36882-7

Interior view of the new Mueller-Harkins Motor Company building, the company was having an "Open-House" to celebrate the near completion of the new facilities; people are gathered around the new 1949 Buick automobiles in the Mueller-Harkins new car showroom. Mueller-Harkins Motor Company's new service center is being referred to as "America's Finest Automotive Service Center" (T. Times, 12/3/48, p. 8-9).


Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Windows--Tacoma; Showrooms--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);

D36101-1

Turntable at Mueller-Harkins, DFPA, Edith Leik. Men are laying a large, circular piece made of plywood that will be the base for one of the turntables under highlighted automobiles at the new Mueller-Harkins Buick dealership. This turntable is seated in the circular showroom window.


Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Laborers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A36114-5

On-the-spot photographs at new Mueller-Harkins Building, Condon Co., Kay Shinn. An interior view of the collision shop at Mueller-Harkins where a crumpled fender gets a new finish. Several men are at work in the body shop. Parts bins are located along the wall at the left and one of the men has removed a panel or door from an automobile to take out a dent in the metal. The panel is attached to a dolly for ease of movement. (T.Times, 12/26/1948, p.28)


Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950;

C36058-3

Copy of four views of communications equipment installed in Muller-Harkins. Studio, Nelson. Mueller-Harkins was nearly ready to open their new Buick showroom and service department. Mr. W.C. McKewen was the company's service coordinator working in the dealership's control tower. He lost his arm during military service in World War II and now works with an artificial arm. (T.Times, 12/12/1948, p.8)


Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); McKewen, W.C.; Control rooms--Tacoma; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950; Artificial limbs;

D37962-1

Holroyd Company, exterior at Mueller-Harkins showing concrete blocks, Mr. Holroyd. A view of the new Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency under construction. The dealership will have an ultra modern showroom. Two workmen on scaffolding, another inside building. This wall separates the showroom, which will be to the left, from the offices and service department.


Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Progress photographs; Holroyd Co. (Tacoma); Building materials;

D37617-3

Sunnen Hauling Company specialized in auto freight and heavy hauling, the company was fully insured and bonded. Sunnen had recently worked on the new gymnasium at College of Puget Sound and was currently working with Mueller-Harkins Motor Company. View of large Sunnen crane at the new Mueller-Harkins Buick Center; the crane is placing a portion of the structure, which will hold the "Buick" sign on the roof of the new building.


Hoisting machinery; Pulleys; Lifting & carrying--Tacoma; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Show windows--Tacoma; Buick automobile; Sunnen Auto Freight & Heavy Hauling Co. (Tacoma); Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);

A37018-1

In December of 1948 W.C. "Mac" McKewen was the coordinator at the new Mueller - Harkins Motor Company dealership at 455 Saint Helens Avenue. From his glass walled control tower, he controlled the work flow on the shop floor. Mr. McKewen was trained as a mechanic and assumed that's what he would do for most of his life. His life changed during World War II, when he and his Major walked into a booby trap at Bougainville, where he lost his arm. Mac was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. He came to Tacoma after he was discharged from the Army, and it was here he met and married his wife. (T. Times, 12/12/48, p. 8).


Artificial limbs; Amputees--Tacoma; Buick automobile; Control rooms--Tacoma; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; McKewen, W.C.;

A37914-8

Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency. The interior of the customer waiting room is shown. A display of "Authorized Assessories" stands along the wall at the left and Coca-Cola and cigarette vending machines stand along two of the other walls. A man is adjusting a sign promoting GMAC Insurance Plans.


Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Insurance; Waiting rooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A37989-4

Equipment at Mueller-Harkins, Walker Manufacturing Company, Racine, Wisconsin, Mr. Spaulding. Mueller-Harkins' service area. Two men are seen working on two late 1940s Buicks on grease racks. A roll-away lube cart is between the two service bays that are both fitted with overhead hoses for air, water, grease, etc.


Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Buick automobile; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A37349-1

Mueller-Harkins new building was one of the most modern automobile dealerships in the country. Interior view of Mueller-Harkins Buick showroom looking northwest; Madison M. Brager admires 1949 Buick convertible on floor turntable; advertising display explaining "Dynaflow" (automatic) transmission at far right in photo, "Buick 8" neon sign in window at left (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28). TPL-3772


Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Showrooms--Tacoma; Window displays; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Machinery; Equipment; Buick automobile; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);

A37243-4

Service that you can depend on was Mueller-Harkins' motto, they were proud of their fast and efficient service. Interior view of Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency's showroom at night, looking south; 1949 Buick Roadmaster, accessories including child booster seats and US Royal whitewall Tires on display; Neon sign for Hudson Automobile dealer down the street visible thru window (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28).


Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Showrooms--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);

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