Mulligan Pontiac-Cadillac Company's body shop area. Several 1940's and early 1950's Pontiacs are undergoing body damage repair by staff.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mulligan Pontiac-Cadillac Co. (Tacoma); Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma;

The exterior of Titus Motor Company with vehicles on street and in the showroom. There are many neon and painted signs. The company's 1906 Ford Model N is parked at the far right. The Elizabethan-style brick building was designed by Roland Borhek, Architect, and built circa 1926.

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

A view of Mulligan Pontiac-Cadillac Company from southeast of the rear (Commerce Street) facade showing the service entrance for heavy repair work. A neon "Pontiac Cadillac Service" sign hangs perpendicular to the building and other signs have been painted on building facade.

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

Mulligan Pontiac-Cadillac's service area with several Pontiacs and Cadillacs, Green Cross safety banners, Pontiac, Prestone and General Tire advertising signs, a tire department on left, parts department to right, and the cashier's counter at rear. TPL-8151

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mulligan Pontiac-Cadillac Co. (Tacoma); Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma;

A man behind the sales room counter at Nelson Auto Parts' new store is looking at an automobile parts books. The room is adorned with congratulatory floral arrangements. Rows of shelves are filled with automobile parts and accessories and fan belts hang above the windows. Nelson Auto Parts was located on the ground floor of Normanna Hall.

Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Nelson Auto Parts (Tacoma);

The counter at Nelson Auto Parts new store shows the parts book and bouquets of congratulation. Rows of shelves filled with tools and automobile parts are behind the sales counter.

Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Nelson Auto Parts (Tacoma);

In October of 1952 Nelson Auto Parts opened their new facilities in the Normanna Hall Building, 1502 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, with a three-bay storefront that extended across the front of the building. Nelson Auto Parts was owned by Lee A. Nelson who had until recently operated an automobile parts store at Fort Lewis. The new automobile parts store featured a complete line of genuine replacement parts and accessories, had an exchange service on many automotive parts and offered a 24-hour machine shop service. The cornerstone for Normanna Hall was laid on October 1, 1922 and the building was dedicated in March, 1923. (TNT, 10/9/1952, p.13) TPL-3144

Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Nelson Auto Parts (Tacoma);Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Normanna Hall (Tacoma); Storefronts--Tacoma--1950-1960; Facades--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;

Mallon Motor Company, Used Car Department lot and building. For newspaper advertising.

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

Mallon Motors announced the opening of their used car outlet in September of 1952. Three men stand in front of the used car lot and building. A variety of automobiles and a pick-up truck are shown facing South Tacoma Way. (TNT, 9/4/1952, p.26)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mallon Motors, Inc. (Tacoma);

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);

Exterior of new service station, Friendly Franks Serv-Ur-Self, ordered by Fletcher Oil Co. The station is offering free gas for its Grand Opening Friday & Saturday. The brand of the gasoline is Veltex. Uncommon in the fifties, the self service station kept prices low by offering no attendants to pump gas.

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

Exterior of new service station, Friendly Franks Serv-Ur-Self, ordered by Fletcher Oil Co. The station is offering free gas for its Grand Opening Friday & Saturday. The brand of the gasoline is Veltex. The larger building at the rear was most probably the automotive shop. The smaller unit in the center of the pumps most probably held a cashier. Flag streamers flap in the air to call attention to the Grand Opening. Not yet a common sight in the fifties, self service stations were making their mark by offering lower prices.

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

Steven Motor Co. used car lot at 6910 South Tacoma Way. Floyd N. Steven, manager. An ad in the 7/15/1953 Tribune, pg. D-5, stated that business had been so good that the lot was now short on used cars. Steven Motor Co. would now offer an "over allowance" on used cars traded in for new Chryslers or Plymouths at the new car lot. Their slogan was "We sell high quality used cars."

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

National Auto Parts north show window after dark, featuring products manufactured by General Motors. Pictured are products with the brand names of Hyatt, Delco, Moraine, Rochester, Saginaw and Packard.

Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; National Auto Parts, Inc. (Tacoma); Window displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Night scene of Wolford and Brazeau Shell service station at the intersection of 6th Ave. & Sprague. The station was owned by Arnold H. Wolford and Vernon F. Brazeau. All proceeds of gasoline sales on October 17, 1953 were being donated to the Cerebral Palsy children.

Wolford & Brazeau Service Station (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fund raising--Tacoma;

It appears that Harry Carollo of Auburn has just taken over ownership of the new Shell station at 2520 South Tacoma Way in June, 1953. A Shell dealer training school truck is parked outside the station's garage. Mr. Carollo's name hangs proudly on a sign on the plate glass window listing him as the proprietor. A large sign indicating that the station cleaned windshields is prominently placed in the circular office building attached to the garage. Another sign indicates that Shell is the "most powerful gasoline your car can use." The site was listed in the 1953 City Directory as a Firestone store; by 1954, it had both Harry's Firestone and Harry's Shell Station at the same address. Liberty Drive-In had opened a restaurant at that location in 1946 but had apparently moved since then.

Harry's Shell Station (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Vehicle maintenance & repair--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);

A new 1953 DeSoto Firedome convertible is on display at the Winthrop Motor Company's Saint Helens Avenue location in May, 1953. The Firedome, with V-8 engine and expanded trunk size, is surrounded by rhododendrons supplied by the Tacoma Rhododendron Society. The Rhododendron Society was using the DeSoto and Plymouth dealership's showroom for a flower show with a varied assortment of rhododendrons and supplemental greenery.

Winthrop Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Convertible automobiles; DeSoto automobile; Tacoma Rhododendron Society (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Flower shows--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Tacoma Rhododendron Society display at Winthrop Motor Company, Plymouth and De Soto dealers. 1953 De Soto advertising displays, including a medallion bearing the likeness of Hernando De Soto, on the walls..

Business Enterprises - Tacoma - Automobile Dealers - New Automobile Dealers - Plymouth / De Soto Dealers - Winthrop Motor Company Organizations - Clubs - Garden Clubs - Tacoma Rhododendron Society

Temple Motors opened a used cars division in the Banford & Newsome Bldg. on Pacific Avenue on March 1, 1953. The building formerly had housed various tire companies. According to their many signs, Temple Motors offered easy terms for purchasing one of their vehicles as well as paying cash for the customer's trade-in. Temple Motors was owned by Henry G. Geissler and Ed M. Williams. They were a Studebaker dealership whose main location was on Saint Helens. View of Temple Motors, Used Cars division; four cars are parked in the two open garage doorways. Photograph ordered by Henry Geissler. (TPL-6384)

Temple Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);

Munson-Smith Motors, located on South Tacoma Way, sold both new and used Dodge and Plymouth vehicles. They offered a wide variety of models in their large parking lot; cars were parked neatly in rows with plenty of room for customers to walk around them for inspection. Munson-Smith was open in the evenings for those who could not stop by in the daytime; visibility was not a problem with the many bright lights dotting the facility. Photograph ordered by Ed Munson.

Munson-Smith Motors (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Dodge automobile; Dodge trucks;

Munson-Smith Motors was a Dodge and Plymouth dealership located on South Tacoma Way. Owned and operated by the Munson family, Ed, Alberta and Donald, they sold Dodge and Plymouth passenger cars and Dodge job-rated trucks, both new and used. Munson-Smith had its grand opening in July, 1946. View of Munson-Smith Motors taken at night on March 18, 1953; rows of vehicles in brightly lit parking lot. Photograph ordered by Ed Munson.

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

Besides selling new Dodge and Plymouth vehicles, Munson-Smith Motors had a large used car lot. A sign on one of their buildings advised you could safely "Buy With An Open Eye" at their dealership. Munson-Smith was also authorized to repair and sell Dodge parts at their South Tacoma Way facility. View of Munson-Smith car lot on a rainy day in March, 1953, with cars reflected on the wet pavement.

Munson-Smith Motors (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Dodge automobile; Dodge trucks; Signs (Notices);

Art's Glass & Upholstery were auto glass experts located at 816 Tacoma Avenue South. Their exhibit booth in the 1954 Tacoma Home Show indicated that they also provided hand tailored seat covers; customers ordering at the home show would be able to purchase these at the special price of $47.50. Large signs indicated that convenient bank terms would be available and that new blue-green tinted glass was now ready for all cars.

Art's Glass & Upholstery Shop (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);

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);

There are apparently four gas pumps at this Shell Service Station, selling both regular and premium. A driver could not only fill up with gas, but also purchase tires and cans of oil, and have repairs made on his vehicle as well. Shell Oil had numerous stations in the Tacoma area; the station pictured here in March, 1954, might have been newly constructed near Thompson's Corner Cabins on South 84th Street.

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

The "Auto Clinic" and its "pigeon hole" parking, for Bethlehem Steel Co. This unique parking plan, developed in Spokane, opened in Tacoma 12/7/1953. An hydraulic hoist operating on a track could move cars from level to level and side to side in the multi story parking garage in minutes. The company owned by John T. Long and Mr. Lily Schweizer also offered a full service repair shop, pump station, washing & polishing and auto accessories.

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

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;