ca. 1936. Steven Motor Co., 738 Broadway, Tacoma Chrysler-Plymouth distributor and Steven Marine Supply at 734 Broadway, circa 1936.

Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Steven Marine Supply (Tacoma);

ca. 1957. Rowland Pontiac - Cadillac dealership. New Cadillacs in showroom, used Pontiacs, Cadillacs and other automobiles in carport area and outside. Neon service sign, moved here from Commerce St. side of old downtown location, at far right in photo. Rowland Pontiac-Cadillac was located on South Tacoma Way, the city's "auto row." Irwin-Jones Motor Co.'s Truck Department was the former occupant of this site.

Rowland Pontiac-Cadillac Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pontiac automobile; Cadillac automobile; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Titus Motor Company, service department. Ford sedan parked on lowered lift rack, man appears to be checking headlight alignment with an adjustable screen on a post. Man in automobile, another giving him instructions. Parts delivery van at rear.

Business Enterprises - Tacoma - Automobile Dealers - New Automobile Dealers - Ford Dealers - Titus Motor Company Tacoma Streets - Broadway

Boyd Motor Company, Rambler agency, general view of dealership. New Ramblers in front of building, advertising banners in windows, used car lot in background

Business Enterprises - Tacoma - Automobile Dealers - New Automobile Dealers - Nash / Rambler Dealers - Boyd Motor Company

ca. 1911. The Ford Automobile Agency was apparently only at 1210-16 Tacoma Ave. So. for one year, 1911, with Egbert M. Streeter as proprietor. It is not certain which, if any, of the above photographed men, was Mr. Streeter. He would pass away on May 21, 1939. The 1912 City Directory shows the Ford Automobile Agency had relocated to 223 So. "K" (Martin Luther King Jr. Way), a newly built facility. W. C. Baldwin was listed as manager.

Ford Automobile Agency (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1910-1920; Ford Automobile Agency (Tacoma)--Employees;

ca. 1906. Interior showroom of the Washington Automobile Co., 710-12 Pacific Avenue, circa 1906. It was the first automobile dealership in Tacoma and remained at this location until from approximately 1905-1909. Most of the gleaming cars shown were roofless although those on the left side had softcover tops that could be attached in case of rain.

Washington Automobile Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1900-1910; Ford automobile;

Members of the sales, service and office crew of Kerr Motors in Bremerton. The group portrait of the staff, 21 men and three women, was taken to commemorate the Grand Opening March 6, 1936 of Kerr's new modern one stop service station on 4th St., near Washington Ave. Pictured left to right in the picture are, front row, William Weber, Sig Ness, Lincoln Morse, Paul Peirson, Harold Johnson and Earl Spiecker. Middle row- Everett West, Leslie Mottram. Les Klesper, Lorieta Mogford, S.L. Kerr-owner, Marie Gilbert, Frank McCarty, Charles Taylor and Loren Brown. Back row- Kenneth Spotts, Joe Thomas, Carlos Burton, Edgar Sandstrom, Vera Lamb, Arthur Hupp, Vernon Arndt, Earl Dyer and Joe Dick. The three year old company was growing rapidly, selling new Fords and used cars as well as supplies and service. The service station was located across the street from the dealership. For Bremerton Sun. (Bremerton Sun 3/5/1936, pg. 1)

Automobile dealerships--Bremerton--1930-1940; Kerr, Motors--Bremerton;

Winner of Mercury Automobile Contest in front of Titus Motor Company. Man hands envelope to another man across the hood of a 1940 Mercury. Leon Titus at far right. Titus Motor Co. was offering a special prize for gasoline economy. Beginning January 27, 1940, contestants could drive a special Mercury 8 equipped with a gasoline meter. First prize in the contest, 50 gallons of gasoline, would be awarded to the driver with the best mileage. The new Mercury 8 averaged 20 miles per gallon.

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Titus, Leon E.; Mercury automobile; Contests;

The pristine repair shop at Titus Motor Co. Shiny Fords line the right side, one on a lift at the rear. On the left front is a motorcycle.

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ford automobile;

Titus Motor Company throws a party celebrating the new 1940 Fords. A line has formed to receive free hot dogs and sodas at the celebration. Many of the attendees wear "It's a Ford in '40" caps.

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ford automobile;

Showing of the new 1940 Fords at Titus Motor Company. Man handing a ribbon to another man across the hood of a 1940 Ford. Men, some wearing "It's Ford in '40" caps, mingle around the showroom. The new 1940 Fords were being described as big, substantial and powerful, with a modern front end design and streamlined body.

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ford automobile;

On October 2, 1939, Clara Thorsen is receiving the title from an unidentified member of the Ray Roberts Post 969 VFW for the new 1939 Studebaker Champion that she won. On winning, Miss Thorsen confided to the members that she is to be married the following month to Earl Heltsley, a driver for the Municipal Belt Bus Line. The pair will use the new vehicle to take a honeymoon trip to California. Allen Motor Co. building in background. Studebaker logo on storefront windows. Miss Thorsen is 24 years old and resides at 3623 McKinley Ave. She is a clerk at Fishers Department Store. (T. Times 10/5/1939, pg. 16)

Allen Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Studebaker automobile; Thorsen, Clara; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ray C. Roberts Post # 969 (Tacoma);

On October 2, 1939, Clara Thorsen received her title to a new 1939 Studebaker Champion from an unidentified VFW member. She won the car at a Ray C. Roberts Post 969, VFW benefit ball. Miss Thorsen confided that she was getting married the following month and planned on using the vehicle for a honeymoon trip to California. The lucky young lady was 24 years old and a clerk at Fishers Department Store. She picked up her car at the Allen Motor Co. building, which advertised itself as being "opposite the Temple Theater". (T. Times 10/5/1939, pg. 16)

Allen Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Studebaker automobile; Thorsen, Clara; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ray C. Roberts Post # 969 (Tacoma);

Titus Motor Company, exterior of building with 13 men and one woman posing by fleet of new "Ranch Wagon" 2 door station wagons. Neon and painted signs on facade of Elizabethan style brick building by Roland Borhek, Architect, circa 1926. TPL-10140

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ford automobile;

Steven Motor Company, Chrysler and Plymouth dealers, general view from Broadway. New Chrysler in showroom window, neon signs, used car department. Medical Arts building can be seen behind the Stevens structure. Building was also known as the Griggs building and was built in 1917.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Chrysler automobile; Plymouth automobile; Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma);

Television host and columnist Ed Sullivan met with Tacoma heavyweight boxer Pat McMurtry and his brother, Mike (far right), outside Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury at 124 Tacoma Avenue on June 9, 1954. Mr. Sullivan was in town to help lay the cornerstone for the new Mary Bridge Children's Hospital at 311 South L Street. He was guest speaker at the ceremony and later attended a large celebratory luncheon at the Masonic Temple. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); McMurtry, Pat; McMurtry, Mike;

Crowd waiting for appearance of television host and columnist Ed Sullivan at Ray Ridge Motors on June 9, 1954. Sullivan made a brief publicity stop at the dealership prior to taking part in the cornerstone laying ceremonies for the new Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Four Tacoma Police Department motorcycles await their riders; they are parked in front of a convertible in which Mr. Sullivan will be transported. There is a small banner welcoming Mr. Sullivan on the automobile. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Motorcycles--Tacoma; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma);

Television host and columnist Ed Sullivan signs autographs and chats with fans at Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury on Tacoma Avenue during a personal appearance. Mr. Sullivan flew in on June 9, 1954, specifically for the cornerstone laying of the new Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. He delivered an address at the ceremony in which he remarked "This will always be my memory of Tacoma, one of human values and sacrifice." (TNT 6-9-54, p. 1) ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Autographing--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Television host and columnist Ed Sullivan signs autographs for delighted youngsters at the Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury on Tacoma Avenue during a personal appearance on June 9, 1954. Framed Norman Rockwell print of Henry, Edsel and Henry Ford II, issued for the Ford Golden Anniversary in 1953, on wall. Dealership owner Ray Ridge and former Tacoma mayor John Anderson look on with smiles. Mr. Sullivan, host of a popular variety show, was in Tacoma for the laying of the cornerstone of Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Elvis Presley and the Beatles would make their television debuts on his program. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Ridge, Ray; Anderson, John H.; Autographing--Tacoma--1950-1960;

In June of 1954, television host and columnist Ed Sullivan flew out to the Puget Sound region to make a series of personal appearances. On Sunday June 9th at 10:15 a.m. he signed autographs at Ray Ridge Motors, 124 Tacoma Avenue So. He then was provided a police motorcycle escort to 3rd and "L" where at 11:00 a.m., he helped Mayor Tollefson lay the cornerstone for the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. In this photograph, Ed Sullivan, the host of "Toast of the Town," signs an autograph for an unidentified young girl as an Army officer looks on at Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury. Others await their turn for Mr. Sullivan's signature. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Autographing--Tacoma;

Tacomans of all ages wait their turn to meet television host and columnist Ed Sullivan and to get his autograph at Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury on Tacoma Avenue during a personal appearance on June 9, 1954. While waiting they can check out the new 1954 Mercurys in the showroom. For 23 years, America invited Ed Sullivan into their homes on Sunday evenings for shows that featured opera, rock music, comedic acts, ballet and dramatic readings, often on the same telecast. The show's name changed from "Toast of the Town" to simply "The Ed Sullivan Show" in September, 1955. Mr. Sullivan's famous saying was "We have a 'really big shew' for you." The former journalist with the awkward wooden delivery also had a sentimental side which appeared in his conversations with the Italian mouse, Topo Gigio, and in his continuing press for more children's medical facilities. He was in Tacoma for the cornerstone ceremony at the new Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Autographing--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Television host and columnist Ed Sullivan is welcomed to Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury on Tacoma Avenue South after his arrival on June 9, 1954, for the laying of the cornerstone on the new Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Mr. Sullivan received a TPD motorcycle escort and a ride in a new convertible courtesy of Mr. Ridge's dealership. Ray Ridge is on the right in the light suit; man shaking hands with Mr. Sullivan is tentatively identified as Judge George Boldt. Mr. Ridge, Mr. Sullivan and Judge Boldt would be among the honored guests at a 1500 person celebration of the new hospital held at the Masonic Temple's Fellowship Hall. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Ridge, Ray; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Arrival of television host and columnist Ed Sullivan at Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury at 124 Tacoma Avenue So. for a personal appearance in June, 1954. Mr. Sullivan's very popular variety television show of the 1950s is noted for introducing many new entertainers. Standing next to Mr. Sullivan is dealership owner Ray H. Ridge. His Lincoln-Mercury automobile dealership opened in 1946. It closed after his death in 1964. TPL-140 ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Ridge, Ray;

Service department at Titus Motor Company. Mercury sedan over greasepit, mechanic working under automobile.

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mercury automobile;

Automobile in service department at Titus Motor Company.

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940;

This May 1939 advertising photograph shows the wide range of Ford commercial vehicles sold by Titus Motor Co. on display in front of the Victorian style Seymour Conservatory at Wright Park. The glass conservatory, one of only three on the West Coast, was a gift to the citizens of Tacoma by Tacoman businessman William W. Seymour. The building, designed by I.J. Knapp, opened in November of 1908 and gave the average Tacoman their first glance at the foliage of the tropics. In 1938, Leon Titus, a 25 year veteran in the automotive sales business, got his foot in the door in Tacoma by being awarded the downtown dealership of Ford, Ford Mercury and Lincoln Zephyr. The dealership moved into the old Pacific Car Co. building at 618-624 Broadway, where they remained until the mid 1960's. As a boy, Leon Titus had worked for the Marmon-Nordyke Co., manufacturer of the Marmon automobile. The Titus family is still heavily involved in the automotive business today. (TNT 12/15/1938, pg. 11)

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ford trucks; Seymour Conservatory (Tacoma); Wright Park (Tacoma); Greenhouses--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parks--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Titus Motor Company, exterior of building with parked automobiles and double-parked service truck. Many neon and painted signs, "We give you More ..trade now" posters in windows. Elizabethean style brick building by Roland Borhek, Architect, c.1926.

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Admiring crowds gather around a South Tacoma Motor Company salesman extolling the features of the new 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door hardtop. He holds the passenger door invitingly open so the onlookers can check out the car's interior. South Tacoma Motor Company was owned by C.W. Wallerich and was a Chevrolet car and truck dealership.

South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Uniformed mechanics were presented with service buttons at the Allen Motor Company on South Tacoma Way Christmas Eve, 1952. Allen Motor Company were authorized Studebaker dealers. Advertising announcing new 1952 Studebakers is painted on the large plate glass windows; there is also a neon "Commander" sign on adjacent window. The man in white coveralls in the second row, second from the right, is Scotty Gordon.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Allen Motor 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;