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 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;

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);

In September of 1955, three tow trucks and their drivers stand at the ready in front of Del's Service and Repair at 711 Tacoma Ave So. Del's was owned by Delbert Heim who took over Art's Auto Repair around 1953 and changed the name. The garage specialized in brake repair, and towing was available 24 hours a day. The building was originally constructed in 1929 for a cost of $38,000. The site includes the Washington Grocery (to the left) at 707 Tacoma Ave So. The same builder, Oscar Volk, built the 85 unit brick Washington Apartments to the left of the photograph at 7th and Tacoma Ave So. (actual address 518 So. 7th St.). Del moved his business to 224 St. Helens Ave. in the late 1950s.

Del's Service & Repair (Tacoma); Automobile repair--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wreckers (Vehicles);

Munson-Smith Motors dedicated its 100,000 square foot motor center August 19-20, 1955. Its vast used car and truck lots can be seen on the left, with the new car show rooms, service garage and administrative offices on the right. Munson-Smith was a Dodge and Plymouth dealer located between downtown Tacoma and South Tacoma on Highway 99. They offered both sales and service. Company officers were Ed Munson, president; Don Munson, vice-pres. and Alberta Smith, secretary-treasurer. The company had 65 employees and an annual payroll of over $300,000. Gross sales were approximately 2 1/2 million per year. (TNT 8/18/1955, pg. 11)

Munson-Smith Motors (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Andy's Service Station, featuring Mobilgas, at 4801 So. Park Ave. Photos ordered by the General Petroleum Corp. Andy's was owned by Vincent M. Anderson. In addition to pumping Mobilgas, the station also sold tires and had a garage. One car can be seen on the lift in the garage. The winged horse logo of Mobil can be seen in several locations. According to the building index, the station was originally built in 1923.

Andy's Service Station (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mobilgas--Tacoma;

Doug Garrett's Service station. Photos ordered by the General Petroleum Corp. The station was owned by Douglas E. Garrett, who had previously operated the station with a partner as Doug & Cliff's. The station sold Mobilgas and also had a repair garage.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Doug Garrett's Service Station (Tacoma);

Titus Motor Company, exterior of building with fleet of new "Ranch Wagon" 2 door station wagons. People standing by each automobile. Neon and painted signs on facade of Elizabethan style brick building by Roland Borhek, Architect, circa 1926.

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

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);

Mallon Motor Company, staff banquet held at the Tacoma Club celebrating the dealership's receipt of Ford Motor Company's "4 Letter Award" for the 1955 model year. The award was presented each year to the dealer that qualified in the following classifications: sound finances, management efficiency and completely modern facilities. The dinner was hosted by Robert Mallon who served as Master of Ceremonies. Tommy Mallon, the President of Mallon Motors, is seated to the far right of the picture; to his left is Abel Rigney, Mallon Sales Manger; to his left is J.C. Hogue, Ford's Field Manager; standing directly behind Mallon is C.J. Powell, Ford's District Sales Manager. The man standing third from the right in the back row has been identified as Harold Nutley. (TNT 3/11/1956, pg. A-6)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mallon Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Mallon, Thomas; Rigney, Abel;

Crowds gather in the sales room of Mallon Motor Company to admire the new 1957 Fords. The car in the right front of the photo is a '57 model Ford Fairlane. What appears to be a station wagon can be seen in the background. Long and sleek and sized for comfort in these days of inexpensive gasoline, the back of the cars still have fins, the fronts are long and house V-8 engines. The passenger cars of 1957 represented the biggest change in the modern history of the Ford car. The new cars were longer and lower and for the first time offered in two basic sizes, the Fairlane and the custom. Nineteen different models were offered. The Fairlanes were 9 inches longer and 4 inches lower than the 1956 model with increased head room. Other basic changes were wide hooded headlights, forward slanting grille, windshields that wrapped farther around the sides and the distinctive rear fender fins slanting slightly outward to emphasize contoured sides. Also, for the first time the high performance V-8 engine was available as an optional power plant on all Ford cars. (TNT 10/1/1956, pg. 3; 10/2/1956, pg. 4)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mallon Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Ford automobile;

Mallon Motor Co.; new school bus for St. Martins College. A large bus intended for use by the athletic teams of St. Martins College in Olympia stands beside the showroom for Mallon Motors. The front of the bus has "Rangers" in big, bold letters.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mallon Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Ford automobile;

The Auto Clinic, ordered by Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel. This location combined an auto repair shop with a five story "pigeon hole" parking structure. A hydraulic lift was used to "park" the cars in their places.

Auto Clinic (Tacoma); Automobile repair--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parking garages--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Auto Clinic, ordered by Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel. This location combined an auto repair shop with a five story "pigeon hole" parking structure. A hydraulic lift was used to "park" the cars in their places.

Auto Clinic (Tacoma); Automobile repair--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parking garages--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Standard Oil; opening of new service station. Richards appointment book gives the station's address as 9821 South Tacoma Way. Three gas station employees in sparkling white uniforms and caps kneel in front of five men in suits. The Standard Oil neon sign is emblazoned over all.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Standard Oil Co. of California (Tacoma);

Shell Oil Co. had a sales meeting on April 25, 1957, with approximately 100 people in attendance. Participants enjoyed a catered meal from Wellman's. These sales meetings were used to inform employees of new products and sales techniques. View of lecturer demonstrating the use of the new X-100 premium motor oil. The X-100 was a heavy duty oil which adjusted automatically to extreme temperature changes in modern engines. A nearby chart explains the contaminant balance for gasoline engines. Photograph ordered by Shell Oil Co.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The sidewalks were packed on March 1, 1957, as potential car buyers streamed into Steven Motor Co.'s open house. Local residents were asked to "look around" at all the different used cars for sale to see how much money they could save that evening. Convenient terms to suit each individual buyer could be arranged. Steven Motor Co. was a Chrysler and Plymouth dealership, selling both used and new cars. Photograph ordered by Steven Motor Co.

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

Car shopping was truly a family affair in the 1950's. At their open house on March 1, 1957, Steven Motor Co. gave out balloons to the youngsters while their parents scrutinized the "best used car deal in town!" Steven Motor Co. was owned by Everett T. Steven. The long-time Chrysler and Plymouth dealership had three locations: the pictured sales & service center at 738 Broadway, a repair department on Saint Helens and their used car lot at 37th and South Tacoma Way. Photograph ordered by Steven Motor Co.

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

Ray Ridge Motors, Lincoln/Mercury dealer. New automobiles in showroom windows. Ford station wagon, Oldsmobile, 1958 Mercury, Chevrolet, small foreign car, likely a Simca, and Ford pickup truck at curb. From series, customers of KTVW-TV, Ch. 13.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Television advertising;

C & J Auto Sales had a Ford and Mercury dealership in Kent. Their main building, brick with a curved roof, housed the showcase cars and also the service department. A separate brick structure, also with distinctive curved roof, contained the parts department and used car office. The new 1958 Fords, Mercurys and Ford trucks are pictured on the lot with a used Ford truck and Dodge at far right in photo. Photograph ordered by Teleradio Advertisers for KTVW.

Automobile dealerships--Kent--1950-1960; C & J Auto Sales (Kent); Ford automobile; Ford trucks; Dodge automobile;

C & J Auto Sales were Ford and Mercury dealers in Kent. Customers were invited to visit C & J to check out the new 1958 Fords, Mercurys and Ford trucks on their lot. C & J Auto Sales also provided a service department which had a separate entry into the building. They were not only a new car dealership but also sold reputable used cars. View of C & J Auto Sales taken from across the street; this shows the curved roof of the large building and also the traffic light on Lake Meridian. Photograph ordered from a series by Teleradio Advertisers, Inc., for KTVW television.

Automobile dealerships--Kent--1950-1960; C & J Auto Sales (Kent); Signs (Notices); Ford automobile; Ford trucks; Signal lights--Kent;

Gifford Motor Company, Rambler and Hudson agency, general view of dealership. Used car lot in foreground, building with Puyallup Roller Rink upstairs. A salesman has the hood of an automobile open for inspection while other customers wander about the lot. Gifford Motors guaranteed all their vehicles; some of which had just been traded in on a new 1958 Rambler. Later Larson Rambler would occupy the location; the early 1900's building was destroyed by fire circa 1965. From series, customers of KTVW-TV, ch. 13. TPL-9830

Automobile dealerships--Puyallup--1950-1960; Nash automobile--Puyallup; Gifford Motor Co. (Puyallup); Skating rinks--Puyallup; Signs (Notices);

Additional view of Gifford Motor Company, Rambler and Hudson dealership, with roller rink upstairs. Three vehicles protrude from the large building. Gifford Motors was heavily promoting the arrival of the new Ambassador model of Rambler; the public was invited in for a special preview. Hudson and Rambler neon signs were on separate sides of the building. The Puyallup Roller Rink was on the second floor of the car dealership. A sign on the rooftop indicates that the rink was open for skating that evening. A separate entrance to the rink, with neon sign above, is to the far right of the picture. Later becoming the home of Larson Rambler, the building was destroyed by fire circa 1965. From series, customers of KTVW-TV, Ch. 13.

Automobile dealerships--Puyallup--1950-1960; Nash automobile--Puyallup; Gifford Motor Co. (Puyallup); Skating rinks--Puyallup; Electric signs--Puyallup;

Rowland Pontiac-Cadillac opened a used car center near their dealership on South Tacoma Way in July, 1957. Several late model vehicles are angle parked close to the building. Rowland Pontiac-Cadillac's dealership, owned and operated by Don Rowland, was formerly the location of Irwin-Jones Motor Co., dealers in Pontiacs and Dodges. View of used car lot and building; large signs inform drivers on busy South Tacoma Way of the company's phone number, address, and purpose of business. Photograph ordered by Rowland Pontiac-Cadillac.

Rowland Pontiac-Cadillac Used Car Center (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Firestone celebrated a grand opening of their facility in the Villa Plaza Shopping Center in 1957. Besides tires, the firm offered complete car service including brake relining, free brake adjustments and new batteries. In addition, lawn and garden supplies and housewares were available for purchase. It was the first Firestone store in the nation to to offer more than just automotive services and supplies. The modern one-story store was built using concrete block with a shed-type roof. Total square footage was 12,472. (TNT 4-7-57, B-9-article)

Firestone Store (Lakewood); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Lakewood; Villa Plaza Shopping Center (Lakewood); Shopping centers--Lakewood--1950-1960;

A little fellow digs deep into a Rubbermaid Busy Bucket to perhaps pull out a winning ticket during the Villa Plaza Firestone grand opening festivities. Firestone was celebrating the opening of its new store in August, 1957, with three days of specials, including Philco freezers, refrigerators and electric ranges, as well as vacuum cleaners and Firestone deluxe super champion tires. Horse and buggy rides were also offered to families. Managed by Clyde M. Ryder, this Firestone was the first of its kind in the country for the Firestone Company. It carried a full recreation and sports line as well as the above mentioned home appliances and housewear needs. A complete line of tires was offered; customers could have brake, front end and battery work done. Photograph ordered by Firestone. (TNT 8-7-57, B-20)

Firestone Store (Lakewood); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Lakewood;

Lucky families were able to catch a ride in a horse-drawn carriage during grand opening festivities at the new Villa Plaza Firestone. Firestone not only supplied tires and automotive necessities but also lawn & garden supplies and housewares as well. It was more than just a tire store and was the first of its kind in the country. Geared toward suburbanites, Firestone joined other well-known stores, such as Woolworth, J.C. Penney and Rhodes Bros., at Lakewood's newest shopping center, the Villa Plaza. Photograph ordered by Firestone. (TNT 8-7-57, B-20)

Firestone Store (Lakewood); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Lakewood; Carriages & coaches--Lakewood; Horses--Lakewood--1950-1960;

According to the 1958 City Directory, longtime Shell Oil district manager Lawrence Hausam had his offices on the Tideflats at 702 East D Street. The plant had been built in late 1949. All of Shell's receiving, packaging, and distribution facilities in the area were consolidated at the new waterfront terminal. View of exterior of plant; water transportation and rail facilities were close at hand. A warning sign posted on one building advised drivers to check the railroad tracks before backing up to prevent accidents. Photograph ordered by Shell Oil Co.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Railroad tracks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

General view of Temple Motor Company, Studebaker and Mercedes-Benz dealers. Studebaker Golden Hawk or Gran Turismo and pickup in showroom, SL-type Benz convertible exiting garage. Neon signs in windows and on building facade. After years at their 201 Saint Helens Ave. address, Temple Motors made the move to Broadway in 1958. They were the authorized factory dealers of Studebakers, Packards, and Mercedes-Benz and offered friendly service and complete repair facilities, including body and fender work. This picture was taken on August 29, 1958, near the 7th St. side. Photograph ordered by Temple Motors.

Temple Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Studebaker automobile; Studebaker trucks; Convertible automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;