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;

A packed house at the Temple Theatre awaited Monk Watson's magic show on April 14, 1954. The evening's entertainment was sponsored by Miracle Power, an engine performance lubricant. Here Monk Watson gleefully holds a hand of playing cards while four others, possibly associated with National Auto Parts, display posters advertising Miracle Power's potency. A box full of Miracle Power cans is to the foreground along with the magician's props. Photograph ordered by National Auto Parts.

Automobile equipment & supplies; Posters; Watson, Monk; National Auto Parts, Inc. (Tacoma);

Triangular flags flap in the wind at the site of a Shell Service Station in a March, 1954, photograph. Two mechanics are inspecting an elevated car inside the garage. There are at least four gas pumps at this station. Tires and other auto accessories can be purchased here as well as gasoline.

Automobile service stations; Gasoline pumps;

Richfield oil men and Stadium High School students servicing cars on "Stadium Day," November 25, 1953, at a local Richfield gas station. "Let's Hit the 3000 Mark!" banner on service station with an accompanying tally board nearby. "Richfield Day" was a successful project of the Stadium Student Council, according to a brief mention in the 1954 Tahoma yearbook. (Tahoma yearbook, p. 132)

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banners; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;

National Auto Parts at 40th & Pacific. Employees pose with a large sign advertising U.S.I. permanent ethylene glycol anti-freeze, "the world's safest anti-freeze." William C. Johnston was President-manager of the store and Merle C. Johnston was Secretary-treasurer. The company sold parts for all makes of cars. U.S.I. anti-freeze contained more ethylene glycol than other brands, plus special inhibitors to stop rust, corrosion and clogging. TPL-5473

Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; National Auto Parts, Inc. (Tacoma);

National Auto Parts window, 40th & Pacific. William C. Johnston was President-manager and Merle C. Johnston was Secretary-treasurer. The company sold parts for all makes of cars. This display window features a "get your vehicle ready for winter" theme, with U.S.I. & Super Pyro antifreeze and "Claw" tire chains. U.S.I. billed itself as the "world's safest antifreeze."

Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; National Auto Parts, Inc. (Tacoma);

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;

A display of Mobil tire products was set up at the New Yorker in early January, 1953. Specific tires for snow, truck & bus, commercial and consumer usage were labeled for easy differentiation. A poster indicating that no money down was required at the time of purchase; a customer could take up to six months to pay off the tires. At least four chairs are facing the display; presumably, there would be a presentation extolling the virtues of Mobil products. Photograph ordered by General Petroleum Corp.

Tires; Tire industry--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); General Petroleum Corp. (Tacoma);

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;

Two enlisted men are shopping for a good deal in a used car at Mulligan Pontiac-Cadillac Company. Mulligan's advertised $1 million in cars for returned veterans. TPL-943

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mulligan Pontiac-Cadillac Co. (Tacoma); Shopping--Tacoma--1950-1960; Military personnel--Tacoma;

The exterior of Mulligan Pontiac Cadillac Company recently opened by Andrew E. Mulligan shows their new car showroom on the left and used car sales area on the right. The service area for the dealership was entered from Commerce Street, one block below, in the same building. Andrew E. Mulligan purchased the interests of E.A. Riebe in the Tacoma Auto Sales Company, Pontiac and Cadillac dealership, in September 1952. Neon signs advertise "Pontiac Cadillac" and "Used Cars" from signs perpendicular to the building with other signs painted on the building facade and attached flat to the building. The City Hall tower can be seen over the building. (TNT, 9/28/1952, p.B-16)

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

A woman bends over to look under her car as one of the mechanics at the Shell station at Division and Yakima lubricates it while the car is up on the rack. Tires, belts and other supplies are stored along the back line.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma--1950-1960;

On February 11, 1952 two of the mechanics at Big 6 Service Station were photographed while lubricating a Cadillac while it was up on the hoist in the garage at Sixth and Proctor. The mechanic at the far right has been identified as Paul Eaton. TPL-7181

Big Six Service (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Cadillac automobile; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Eaton, Paul;

Showroom at South Tacoma Motor Company. People viewing new Chevrolet, two-door sedan with rear skirts. Sign on wall: " America's Best Seller. Chevrolet. America's Best Buy."

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A crowd is admiring the 1952 Chevrolets at South Tacoma Motor Company. Banners promoting Ride Control suspension and Powerglide (automatic) transmission hang from columns. Styling refinements for 1952 presented a fresh, fleet appearance with Bodies by Fisher. You had a choice of 26 sparkling solid tone and two-tone color combinations. Eleven body types comprised the passenger car line for 1952 ranging from the ultra-practical business coupe to the swank Bel Air. New and improved shock absorber action presented a smoother, softer ride. A combination of Powerglide Automatic Transmission and 105-hp engine was optional on DeLuxe models. (TNT, 1/19/1952, p.10, 11) TPL-5868

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A group portrait of the employees at Tacoma Auto Sales. This photograph was part of a one-page advertisement in the Tacoma News Tribune in which Tacoma Auto Sales' president, E.A. Riebe, wished everyone a, "Merry Christmas from the men and women of the company who sell and service Pontiac and Cadillac passenger cars" and thanking customers for their support during 1951. (TNT, 12/25/1951, p.B-12)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma)--Employees;

ca. 1951. Self-service gas stations, although relatively rare in the early 1950's, were starting to make their mark in the Puget Sound area. This photograph, taken probably in the late summer of 1951, announced the grand opening of a Serve-Ur-Self type of service station. Four uncovered gas pumps wait for the incoming motorist. Quaker State Motor Oil and Miller tires could be purchased as well. Free gifts were also promised to all who stopped by during the grand opening.

Automobile service stations; Automobile equipment & supplies; Gasoline pumps;

South Tacoma Motor Company was co-sponsor of the 1951 Tacoma Soap Box Derby in Tacoma with Walker Chevrolet and The News Tribune. The first place winner of the derby, Richard Johnson of Sumner, represented Tacoma at the national finals in Akron, Ohio, August 12th, and won an all-expense paid trip to Akron plus a $5,000 four-year college scholarship. The race was held July 15, 1951, on Derby Hill, South 38th Street, just east of the baseball park. Duane Hopper came in second and Paul Meyer was third. Duane and Paul won Schwinn bicycles. (TNT, 7/15/1951, p.1; TNT, 7/17/1951, p.1) TPL-7910

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Racing--Tacoma; Coaster cars--Tacoma; Equipment; Awards; All-American Soap Box Derby (Tacoma);

South Tacoma Motor Company was one of the sponsors of the 1951 Tacoma Soap Box Derby. The racer, plaque, shirt and helmet of the 1950 winner, Harold Jardeen, were on display with the Stanley Tools official derby tool kit and Schwinn bicycles that would be given to the winners of the 1951 soap box derby in Tacoma. The tool board included 19 first quality carpenter's tools on a board measuring about three feet square. It was awarded to Glen Swanson for the best constructed car in the 1951 derby held July 15. The bicycles were the second and third place prizes in the local contest, donated by Walker Chevrolet and South Tacoma Motor company, co-sponsors with the News Tribune, of the race. Ordered by Shell Oil, Mr. Perry. (TNT, 7/5/1951, p.10; 7/17/1951, p.1) TPL-9437

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Racing--Tacoma; Coaster cars--Tacoma; Equipment; Awards; All-American Soap Box Derby (Tacoma);

An elevated view of the large service area at the 72nd Street Serve & Save gasoline station. Attendants are busy with three automobiles at the two gasoline pump islands while many more automobiles and their drivers wait their turn. Ordered by Time Oil.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950; Time Oil Co. (Tacoma); Seventy-Second Street Serve & Save (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Five workers from the 72nd Street Serve & Save gasoline station pose for their portrait. A Conoco sign is seen to the left of the gasoline pump and a rack of Valvoline oil is below the sign. Ordered by Time Oil.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950; Time Oil Co. (Tacoma); Seventy-Second Street Serve & Save (Tacoma);

Rainier Auto Sales lot and cars at 2220 South Tacoma Way. Rainier sold used cars and their street side sign says "STOP and sell us your car." They arranged their own auto loans and insurance and were open evenings and Saturdays. Clyde E. Engoe was the owner of the lot which bought, sold and traded used cars.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rainier Auto Sales (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior of new Maxwell station at Lakewood Center, Maxwell Petroleum, 520 E. D St.

Automobile service stations--Lakewood--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Lakewood--1950-1950;

Exterior of new Maxwell station at Lakewood Center, Maxwell Petroleum, 520 E. D St.

Automobile service stations--Lakewood--1950-1960; Gasoline pumps--Lakewood--1950-1950;