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;

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);

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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);

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);

Mueller-Harkins Buick dealership had two twin turn tables, with huge windows that surrounded the display room; all fixtures were constructed of aluminum. Exterior view of Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency, lighted, glassed-in showroom at night; 1949 Buick Roadmaster is on display inside, neon signs pierce the darkness on the exterior (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28).

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

Mueller-Harkins' motto was "Service that you can depend on", their service center was one of the finest in the country. Interior view of service area at Mueller- Harkins Buick Agency, upholstery area with two men working on recovering an auto seat, rolls of fabric on rack, sewing machines and work benches (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28).

Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);

Model of new Mueller-Harkins Buick showroom. A view of the architectural model of the new automobile dealership that was being built at Sixth Avenue and Saint Helens Avenue. Toy automobiles, gasoline pumps and people are included to show how the new facility was to be used. This model still exists inside the building on Saint Helens Avenue in Tacoma, which now houses USA of Yesteryear vintage automobile sales (1998).

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Architectural models; Toys; Model cars;

Interior at Mueller-Harkins, new service center. Douglas Fir Plywood Association, Mrs. Link. Mueller-Harkins had installed the newest methods of communicating within their service department. The new facilities for the Buick dealership included a signal-lighting system. An employee in the "Service Master" command post which was elevated over the entrance to the service area would alert staff of the needed servicing for an entering automobile by pressing the on button for the board hanging in the shop. After the automobile had been taken to the proper work area the light was turned off.

Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Communication devices; Signal lights--Tacoma;

Five new Buicks, part of a fleet of nine for the Murphy-Campbell Co., Caterpiller distributors of Tacoma and Centralia, are parked in front of Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency at 455 Saint Helens Avenue in November of 1952. Murphy-Campbell leased the new Buicks through the Coast Driv-Ur-Self Company, who bought Buicks from Mueller-Harkins. The automobiles would be used by the company's salesmen and executives to service their customers in Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties. (TNT, 11/23/1952, p.B-8-ads)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Buick automobile; Murphy-Campbell Co. (Tacoma);

Representatives of Murphy-Campbell Caterpiller Company of Tacoma and Centralia accept the keys to their fleet of nine new Buicks from Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency. The Buicks were purchased by the Coast Driv-Ur-Self Company and leased by Murphy-Campbell. A Texaco sign can be seen on the roof of Mueller-Harkins' service marquee. (TNT, 11/23/1952, p.B-8)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Buick automobile; Murphy-Campbell Co. (Tacoma); Business enterprises--Tacoma;

In 1948 Mueller-Harkin Buick moved into their new building at 455 Saint Helens Ave. They officially opened at their new address on December 6, 1948. This building was large enough to supply the public with all their automotive needs, from selling new and used vehicles to repairing and replacing automobile parts. The 1951 Tacoma City Diretory list Rudolph Mueller as President and John Mueller as Vice-President. In 1953 Rudolph Mueller retired and the Buick agency was sold to Brus Buick.

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

The newest in automotive beauty and power was posed with the old in this photograph taken in front of the Mueller-Harkins Buick dealership at 455 Saint Helens Avenue on May 4, 1950. The car on the left is a 1950 Buick Eight sporting a "bumper guard grill"; the car to the right is a Model 31 Buick that was manufactured in 1912. The vintage Buick had been driven to Tacoma from Olympia during Olympia Centennial Week by its owner Cecil Barker, a Buick dealer in Olympia. The modern Mueller-Harkins dealership on St. Helens had opened at the end of 1948; today it is home to the U.S.A. of Yesterday Motor Car Company. (Ordered by the Condon Company, K. Shinn.)

Automobile Dealerships--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Centennial celebrations--Olympia; Buick automobile; Automobile radiator ornaments;

An antique 1913 Buick touring car representing the City of Olympia's Centennial was driven to Mueller-Harkins Buick dealership in Tacoma. The people are L-R, Charles Barker, Mrs. Cecil Barker, Cecil Barker, R.A. Mueller and Mrs. Charles Barker. The 1913 Buick has spoked wheels, a windshield that was split horizontally and could be folded into either an up or down position, and a fabric top that may be removable. It took one and three-quarters hours to travel the 30 miles from Olympia to Tacoma in the old automobile. (TNT, 5/8/1950, p.2) TPL-6589

Automobile Dealerships--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Centennial celebrations--Olympia; Buick automobile; Barker, Cecil--Family; Barker, Charles--Family; Mueller, Rudolph A.;

The Mueller-Harkins Buick dealership added a new used car sales building on Saint Helens next to their large display and service facilities in 1950. The used automobiles are nosed towards the street to show passers-by the current inventory. Condon Company, Kay Shinn.

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

The new full service Buick Center had just opened up in Tacoma in late 1948. Mueller-Harkins Motor Company was offering their customers a one-stop automotive center. Exterior view of Texaco service station, this service station was part of the new Mueller-Harkins Motor Company facilities; view of four Texaco gas pumps; Firestone tires and automotive supplies in store (T. Times, 12/3/48, p. 8-9).

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

On-the-spot photographs at new Mueller-Harkins Building, Condon Co., Kay Shinn. An interior view of the service department at Mueller-Harkins showing the several service bays available and the ramp up to street level on the far right. Several cars can be parked under cover until their owners return for them.

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

On-the-spot photographs at new Mueller-Harkins Building, Condon Co., Kay Shinn. An interior view of the service department at Mueller-Harkins. An employee is painting the exterior body of an automobile. The windows and other vulnerable parts of the car have been covered with paper.

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

On-the-spot photographs at new Mueller-Harkins Building, Condon Co., Kay Shinn. An interior view of the service department at Mueller-Harkins.

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

On-the-spot photographs at new Mueller-Harkins Building, Condon Co., Kay Shinn. An interior view of the service department at Mueller-Harkins where Joe Elliott is taking notes from a display that is coming from the "Visualiner". This modern device gave a graphic picture of the front-end alighment of vehicles connected to it. See A37167-1. (T.Times, 12/26/1948, p.28)

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

On-the-spot photographs at new Mueller-Harkins Building, Condon Co., Kay Shinn. An interior view of the parts department at Mueller-Harkins. Two men stand at the counter asking for help with parts while two men behind the counter assist them. Two more men are working in the shelving area and several more are seen in the background behind glass windows.

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

Service area at Mueller- Harkins Buick Agency. Elevated " Service Master " command post overlooking the bays. Pneumatic tubes for delivery of service orders, control panels with many lights and switches, digital clock and microphone. Man at controls.

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

The new Mueller-Harkins Buick center provided their customers with all of their automotive needs, the new building was officially opened to the public on December 6, 1948. Interior view of Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency; showroom features 1949 Buick Roadmaster on display, architect's model of building in left foreground. Model still exists inside the building, which now houses USA of Yesteryear Motor Car Company (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);

The new Buick building for Mueller-Harkins was designed by Silas E. Nelsen, a local Tacoma architect. Interior view of service area at Mueller- Harkins Buick Agency; machine shop area, work benches with grinders, a drill press and other power tools, roll-away tool boxes, two unidentified mechanics working on Buicks (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28).

Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);

Mueller-Harkins Buick dealership had just moved into their new building and had officially opened to the public on December 6, 1948. View of the service area at Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency, station #23, steering service, late 1940s Buick with whitewall tires on elevated rack, Joe Elliot is standing beside "Visualiner" front end alignment machine (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28).

Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);

The new Mueller-Harkins Buick center had a staff of 80 people, they were proud to deliver fast and efficient service. Interior view of service area at Mueller- Harkins Buick Agency, engine diagnostic area, station #2 in foreground; Sun Equipment Co. testing equipment, glass partitions, Delco industrial battery on floor. unidentified men are working on Buick automobiles (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28).

Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);