St Joseph New Car Dealers



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Some circa may not be accurate, they are the earliest I was able to locate

NEW CAR AGENTS & DEALERS - SORTED BY YEAR


1 2 3

Circa 1903
Schenck Carriage Manufacturing
1224 Frederick Avenue
Ford Dealer - had sales agents

Schenck Carriage Company sold the Model F for $1000
Photo #1 - 1903,1904,1905 Ford Model F
Photo #2 - 1903, 1904, 1905 Ford Model A




1 2 3 4

Circa 1903
Wyeth Auto & Supply Company
Cadillac Authorized Dealer
316-324 North 3rd Street

The original building was replaced by the American Electric building
Photo #1 - 1903 Cadillac Model A Touring
Photo #2 - 1905 Cadillac Model E Four Seater




1 2

Circa 1906
Wyeth Automotive Supply
H. D. Todd Sales Manager
316-324 North 2nd Street

In 1906 Schenck Carriage sold his company to Wyeth Automotive Supply
Photo #1 - 1906 Ford Model N
Photo #2 - 1906 Buick




1 2 3 4

Circa 1910
Wyeth Auto & Supply Company
Hudson Authorized Dealer
316-324 North 3rd Street

The Hudson motor cars were made in Detroit from 1909-1954
Photo #1 - 1910 St Joseph News-Press advertisement for 1910 Hudson Touring Car
Photo #2 - 1910 Hudson Model 20 Roadster




1 2

Circa 1915
St Joseph Automobile Company
Authorized Maxwell Dealer
1104-1110 Frederick




1 2

Circa 1915
Grand Center Motorcar Company
Authorized Imperial Dealer
1628-1632 Frederick




1 2 3 4 5

Circa 1915
Aniser-Trachsel Auto Company
Willys Overland Authorized Dealer
607-611 South 7th Street

The Willys motor cars were made in Toledo Ohio from 1908-1963
The company name was changed in 1963 to Kaiser-Jeep Corporation
Photo #1 - 1915 Overland Model 80 Touring
Photo #2 - 1915 Willys Overland Model 83 Touring




1 2

Circa 1915
Charles R. Kirk Motor Sales Company
Maxwell Authorized Dealer
7th & Jule Streets
Exact address unknown

The Maxwell motor cars were made in Tarrytown, NY & Detroit from 1904-1925
Photo #1 - 1915 St Joseph News-Press advertisement
Photo #2 - 1915 Maxwell Touring car
Photo #3 - 1916 Paige motor car




1 2

Circa 1915
International Harvester Company of America
International Harvester Truck
Authorized Dealer

4th & Mitchell Avenue
Demolished during I-229 construction

International Harvester made light trucks from 1907-1975
International Harvester is still in business today
Photo #1 - 1915 St Joseph News-Press International Harvester advertisement
Photo #2 - 1915 International Harvester Peerless TC4 4-Ton Open Back truck




1 2

Circa 1915
Studebaker Authorized Dealer
8th & Sylvanie
Exact address unknown

Studebaker was a wagon & automobile manufacturer from 1852-1967
Photo #1 - 1915 St Joseph News-Press Studebaker advertisement
Photo #2 - 1915 Studebaker automobile




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

LAWLER MOTO COMPANY BUILDING
Circa 1915
Farmer Automotive Company
1224-1226 Frederick Avenue
Circa 1917
Lawler Motor Company
1224-1226 Frederick Avenue
Circa 1917-1928
Ford Motor Car Authorized Dealerhip
13th & Frederick Avenue
Circa 1924
Frahm Motor Company
13th & Frederick Avenue
Circa 1931
Gray Brothers Tire & Battery Co.
13th & Frederick
Circa 1936
Kagey, Inc.
Authorized Hudson Dealership
13th & Frederick Avenue
Circa 1940
Lewis-Nash Motor Company
Authorized Nash Dealership
13th & Frederick Avenue
Midland Empire Sales & Service
1224-1226 Frederick Avenue
Family Video
1224-1226 Frederick Avenue

After a brief one-year period housing the Farmer Automotive Company, the Lawler Motor Company occupied the building and operated as the city's exclusive Ford dealership from 1917 to 1928

As the popularity and availability of automobiles greatly increased, so did the need for spaces to display and service these large machines

By 1930, Lawler Motor Company joined forces with the Grant Motor Company, authorized Lincoln dealers, and moved to a larger building at 1002 Francis

The Lawler used car department still operated across the street at 1217 Frederick venue

The period of significance, 1913-1941, reflects the date of construction and the date when the building ceased to be in continuous use in connection with the automotive industry, Michael P. Lawler was the owner or Lawler Automotive

The Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford on June 16, 1903
Photo #1 - 1915 St Joseph News-Press Ford advertisement
Photo #2 - 1915 Ford 5 passenger Prototype C coupelet automobile
Photo #3 - 1915 Ford 5 passenger touring car - Price $530 FOB Detroit
Photo #4 - Current rear view of the Lawler Motor Company building
Photo #5 - 1921 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #6 - empty 13th & Frederick building
Photo #7 - 1224frederick - Midland building
Photo #9 - 1936 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #10 - 1936 Hudson model Terraplane automobile convertible
Photo #11 - 1924 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #12 - 1924 Touring Hupmobile
Photo #13 - 1940 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #14 - Front (Northeast) and East Elevations
Photo #15 - Front Elevation
Photo #16 - Front & West Elevations
Photo #17 - South & West Elevations
Photo #18 - South Elevation
Photo #19 - North Wall of Service Area
Photo #20 - Showroom Interior
Photo #21 - Vehicular Entrance
Photo #22 - Second Story Hallway & Stairs
Photo #23 - Second Story Dining Room & Living Room
Photo #24 - Basement
Photo #25 - Basement with Limestone Wall
Photo #26 - Basement Limestone Wall & Concrete Structural System
Photo #27 - Sub-basement vault






Circa 1917
WURTELE-VEREGGE MACHINE COMPANY
2012 Olive Street



1 2 3

Circa 1916
CHALMERS MOTOR CAR
WYCO CAR COMPANY DISTRIBUTOR
1217-1219 Frederick Avenue

Photo #1 - 1916 Chalmers advertisement
Photo #2 - 1217 Frederick Avenue
Photo #3 - 1916 Chalmers automobile




1 2 3

Circa 1916
Charles R. Kirk Motor Sales Company
Paige Authorized Dealer
7th & Jule Streets
Exact address unknown

Paige luxury cars were built in Detroit from 1908-1927
Photo #1 - 1916 St Joseph News-Press Paige advertisement
Photo #2 - 1916 Paige 6-38 Fleetwood
Photo #3 - 1916 Paige Fairfield & Fleetwood advertisement




1 2 3

Circa 1916
Diamond Motor Company
Dodge Brothers Authorized Dealer
11th & Frederick Avenue
Exact address unknown

Dodge cars were originally built in Detroit from 1915-present day
The Dodge brothers died unexpectedly in 1920, was sold to Chrysler in 1928
Photo #1 - 1916 St Joseph News-Press Dodge advertisement
Photo #2 - 1915 Dodge Brothers Touring car
Photo #3 - 1915 Dodge Brothers Touring Car




1 2 3 4

Circa 1916
Robinson Cadillac Company
Cadillac Authorized Dealer
Circa 1921
Willis-Lucas Cadillac Company
814-816 Felix Street

Cadillac cars were originally built in Detroit from 1902-present day
The building is gone, it is now a St Joseph News-Press parking lot
Photo #1 - 1916 St Joseph News-Press Robinson Cadillac advertisement
Photo #2 - 1916 Cadillac Type 53 Town Cabriolet
Photo #3 - 1916 Cadillac 7 Passenger Touring Car
Photo #4 - 1921 St Joseph News Press advertisement




1 2 3 4 5 2

Circa 1920
Grand Center Motor Car Company
Cole & Velie Automobiles
Authorized Dealer

1628 Frederick Avenue

Photo #1 - 1920 St Joseph News-Press advertisement
Photo #2 - 1920 Cole Aero-Eight Tourister 870 automobile
Photo #3 - 1920 Cole Aero-Eight Toursedan 874 automobile
Photo #4 - 1920 Velie Model 34 Touring automobile
Photo #5 - 1920 Velle Touring automobile




1 2 3 4

Circa 1920
Trachsel Motor Company
Nash & Willys Automobiles Authorized Dealer
305-307-309-311 South 8th Street

The building no longer exists
Photo #1 - 1920 Nash
Photo #2 - 1920 Willys Overland Model 4 Touring automobile
Photo #3 - 1936 Trachsel advertisement
Photo #4 - 1930 Trachsel advertisement




1 2

Circa 1920
French Motor Company
Oldsmobile & Saxton Automobiles Authorized Dealer
216 North 6th Street

Photo #1 - 1920 Oldsmobile Series 37B Sedan automobile
Photo #2 - 1920 Saxton Cleveland Roadster automobile
The building no longer exists, currently a parking lot is at this location






Circa 1915
Leslie Motor Car Company
Authorized Chandler Dealer
1221 Frederick Avenue




1 2

Circa 1920
St Joseph Motor Company
Buick Authorized Dealer
1221-1227 Frederick Avenue

The building no longer exists, currently is a concrete parking lot
Photo #1 - 1920 Buick Touring Sedan automobile
Photo #2 - 1920 Buick Roadster automobile




1 2 3 4

Circa 1920
Burger Motor Company
Chaimers, Liberty, Briscoe & Allen
Authorized Dealer

1800 Frederick Avenue

Photo #1 - 1920 Chaimer automobile - Chaimer failed in the 1920's
Photo #2 - 1920 Liberty Liberty Belle automobile
Photo #3 - 1920 Briscoe automobile advertisement - NOTE: only has 1 headlight
Photo #4 - 1917 Allen automobile advertisement
The building no longer exists




1 2 3

Circa 1920
Robidoux Motor Company
Studebaker Authorized Dealer
1125 Frederick Avenue

Photo #1 - 1920 Studebaker President automobile
Photo #2 - 1920 Studebaker EJ6 Touring automobile
Photo #3 - 1920 Studebaker Studebaker Big Six automobile
The building no longer exists, a parking lot is at this location




1 2 3

Circa 1920
Willis-Lucas Cadillac Company
Cadillac Authorized Dealer
814-816 Felix Street

Photo #1 - 1921 Cadillac Suburban automobile
Photo #2 - 1921 Cadillac Coupe Deville automobile
Photo #3 - 1921 Cadillac Victoria Coupe
The building is gone, it is now a St Joseph News-Press parking lot




1 2

Circa 1920
Timberlake Motor Company
Maxwell Authorized Dealer
1217 Frederick Avenue

Maxwells were made in Detroit from 1904-1925
Photo #1 - 1920 Maxwell 25 Town Car
Photo #2 - 1920 Maxwell automobile
The building is gone, it is now a parking lot




1 2

Circa 1925
W. C. Howard Motors
Hupmobile Authorized Dealer
1125 Frederick Avenue

The Hupmobile was built from 1909-1940 by the Hupp Motor Company
Photo #1 - 1925 Hupmobile "E" Sedan
Photo #2 - 1924 Hupmobile RRS Special Roadster
The building no longer exists, a parking lot is at this location




1 2 3 4 5 6

Circa 1923
Wolfley Automobile Company
Authorized Dort Six Dealer
301 South 8th Street
Circa 1941
Wolfley Auto Company
Authorized Hudson Dealer
301 South 8th Street
Western Chemical Company
301 South 8th Street

Located on the southeast corner of 8th & Charles
I have been by this building hundreds of times, never seen a business open
The building is still standing, appears to be in good condition
The large door has changed design wise over the years
Last known owners: The Garvey Family
This building has been used very little since about 1955
Photo #2 - 1923 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #3 - 1923 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #4 - 1923 Dort Six automobile
Photo #5 - 1941 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #6 - 1941 Hudson




1 2 3

Circa 1925
St Joseph Rickenbacker
Rickenbacker Authorized Dealer
7th & Charles Street
Exact address unknown

Rickenbacker motor cars were built in Detroit 1922-1927
Photo #1 - 1925 Rickenbacker advertisement
Photo #2 - 1925 Rickenbacker 8 Cylinder Sedan
Photo #3 - 1923 Rickenbacker Roadster




1 2

Circa 1925
Hudson-Tedlock Motor Company
Hudson Authorized Dealer
915 Felix

The Hudson motor car were made in Detroit from 1909-1954
Photo #1 - 1925 St Joseph News-Press Hudson advertisement
Photo #2 - 1924 Hupmobile RRS Special Roadster




1 2 3 4

Circa 1925
Calkins Motor Company
Willys Authorized Dealer
908 Francis

Photo #1 - 1925 Willys Whippet
Photo #2 - 1925 Willys-Knight Great Six
Photo #3 - 1930 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #4 - 1930 Benton Calkins Business card




1 2 3

Circa 1925
Tanner Buick
Buick Authorized Dealer
1805 Frederick Avenue

Photo #1 - 1925 Buick
Photo #2 - 1925 Buick




1 2

Circa 1925
Hudson-Tedlock Motor Company
Hudson Authorized Dealer
915 Felix Street

Photo #1 - 1926 Hudson
Photo #2 - 1926 Hudson Super Six




1 2


Circa 1927
MILLER CHEVROLET
213 North 10th Street





1 2 3

Circa 1927
BREON MOTOR COMPANY
Authorized Chrysler-Plymouth Dealer
9th & Felix




1 2 3 4 5

Circa 1930
GRANT MOTOR COMPANY
And
LAWLER MOTOR COMPANY
AUTHORIZED LINCOLN DEALERS
Circa 1946
MODERN MOTORS
Circa 1959
POLSKY MOTORS
BILL MILLER BUICK
1002 Francis




1 2 3

Circa 1930
Arnold-Strong Motor Company
Dodge & Plymouth
Authorized Dealer

1822-1824 Frederick Avenue

The building is currently occupied by Missouri Glass
Photo #1 - 1930 Dodge
Photo #2 - 1930 Plymouth, Model 30-U Sedan




1 2

Circa 1930
MILLER-CHEVROLET
218 North 6th Street





1 2 3 4

Circa 1932
TRI-ANGLE MOTOR COMPANY
Hupmobile Authorized Dealer
7th & Charles Street




1 2 3 4 5

Circa 1936
Burger Motor Company
Oldsmobile Authorized Dealer
2002 Frederick Avenue

The building is currently occupied by the Carpet Center
Photo #1 - 1936 Oldsmobile Series F Coupe
Photo #2 - 1936 Oldsmobile L-36 sedan




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Circa 1936
Breon Motor Company
Chrysler Authorized Dealer
1316 Frederick Avenue
Circa 1950
Cooper-Day Motors
Chrysler-Plymouth Authorized Dealer
1316 Frederick Avenue

Photo #1 - 1936 St Joseph News-Press Chrysler Advertisement
Photo #2 - 1936 Chrysler C7
Photo #3 - 1936 Chrysler 4-Door Sedan
Photo #4 - 1936 Chrysler Airflow dash & interior
Photo #5 - 1936 Chrysler Imperial Airflow C10
Photo #9 - 1950 St Joseph News-Press Advertisement




1 2

Circa 1938
Gene Miller Motor Company
Oldsmobile Authorized Dealer
2002 Frederick Avenue

Photo #1 - 1938 Oldsmobile Series F 4-Door Touring Sedan
Photo #2 - 1938 Oldsmobile Series L-38






Circa 1939
George Miller Pontiac
8th & Sylvanie





Circa 1940
LAWSON BROTHERS MOTORS
520 South 8th
VAN TIRE & BATTERY SERVICE STATION
520 South 8th




1 2 3

Circa 1946
Consolidated Motors
Kaiser-Frazer Authorized Dealer
1832-1834 Frederick Avenue

Frank Cutberth, President
Clint Coons, Vice-President
Kaisers were made from 1945-1953
Frazers were made from 1946-1953
Photo #2 - 1953 Kaiser
Photo #3 - 1953 Frazer




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Circa 1914
Diamond Motor Company
1102 Frederick Avenue
Circa 1932
Arnold Strong Motor Company
Authorized Dodge dealership
1102 Frederick Avenue
Circa 1950
Roys M. B. Motor Company
Authorized Dodge dealership
1102 Frederick Avenue
Circa 1959
Civic Motor Company
Authorized Chrysler dealership
1102 Frederick Avenue
Circa 1966
Shockey Dodge - Plymouth Authorized Dealer
1102 Frederick Avenue
Circa 1970
Bob Nodler's
St Joseph Dodge
1102 Frederick Avenue
St Joseph Surgical Supply
1102 Frederick Avenue

Photo #3 - 1938 Dodge D8 4 door sedan
Photo #4 - 1938 Dodge Pickup Truck
Photo #5 - 1950 St Joseph News Press Advertisement
Photo #6 - 1966 St Joseph News Press Advertisement
Photo #7 - 1932 St Joseph News Press Advertisement
Photo #8 - Tracey Dodge-Plymouth St Joseph News Press Advertisement
Photo #9 - 1959 Civic Motors St Joseph News Press Advertisement
Photo #10 - 1914 Diamond Motor Company advertisement
Photo #11 - 1970 Bob Nodler Dodge St Joseph News Press Advertisement
St Joseph Surgical Supply later occupied the building



1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Circa 1935
Thames Motor Company
1502-1508 Frederick
Circa 1940
Miller Oldsmobile Company
Autorized Oldsmobile Dealer
1502-1508 Frederick
Circa 1947
Twentieth 20th Century Motors
Autorized Oldsmobile Dealer
1502-1508 Frederick
Lasker Olds
1502-1508 Frederick
Autorized Oldsmobile Dealer
Dishon Tires
1502-1508 Frederick

This building was built for the automobile dealership of Hal Thames.
Thames had earlier been at 1925 Frederick.
In addition to his business as an Auburn and Ford automobile dealer, Thames was the originator of a successful Girl's softball competition in this area beginning in the early 193Os.
His team was State Champion for at least four years.
In 1932 or 1933 he built Thames Stadium for his team and their league
In 1947, 20th Century Motors was at this address
In later years it became Lasker Olds
The office & showroom was located at 1502 Frederick Avenue
Their used car lot was located at 1516-1526 Frederick Avenue
In 1939 and 1940, The St. Joseph Saints of the Western Association (men's professional baseball) played in Thames Stadium.
Thames was also President of the baseball team in 1940.
The need for the stadium diminished with the construction of the St. Joseph City Stadium (which has since been named for former Mayor Phil J. Welch.) and the Thames Stadium was demolished prior to 1946.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol Office was constructed on the old stadium site.
The automobile dealership had changed hands, by 1940, with the Miller family having an Oldsmobile dealership at the Frederick Avenue location.
For over 20 years this building housed the Oldsmobile franchise.
Photo #6 - Hal J. Thames in 1940
Photo #7 - November 1939, Miller moved to new location




1 2 3 4

Circa 1950
Beckley Motors
Hudson Authorized Dealer
Atlas Auto Parts
Beckley Auto Supply
513 South 8th Street

In 1950, Beckley Motors was listed as a new Hudson car dealer
The last Hudson rolled out on June 25, 1957
The Beckley building was razed in late 2014
American Electric is currently building a new building at the location
Photo #4 - 1957 Hudson Hornet Hollywood



1 2

Circa 1955
Kaiser-Frazer Motor Supply Company
915 Felix

This building still resides across the alley west of the Library
The building still exists but it has been slightly remodeled




1 2 3 4 5 6

Circa 1947
Kelley-Seward Motor Company
1005 South 10th
Circa 1955
Blue Town Nash
Nash Authorized Dealer
1005 South 10th

The Metropolitan was also sold as a Hudson when Nash and Hudson merged in 1954 to form the American Motors Corporation (AMC)
Photo #3 - 1955 Nash
Photo #4 - 1957 Metropolitan
Photo #5 - 1959 Nash Rambler Ambassador
The building is gone, an empty cement lot remains




1 2 3 4 5 6

Circa 1955
Blue Town Packard
Packard Authorized Dealer
1014-1020 South 10th

Packards were built from 1899-1958
Blue Town Packard was located at 1014-1020 South 10th Street
The original buidling has been replaced
Adam's Printing currently occupies the location

Photo #8 - Blue Town Packard advertisement
Photo #9 - Blue Town Packard advertising paper weight
Photo #10 - Blue Town Packard advertisement



1 2 3 4 5 6

Circa 1920/1930
Ozenberger Ice House
1925 Frederick
Circa 1930
Thames Motor Company
1925 Frederick
Circa 1936
Inter-State Auto Company
1925 Frederick
Circa 1939
Carnes Motor Company
1925 Frederick
National Biscuit Company
1925 Frederick
Sherwin Williams Paint Store
1925 Frederick
St. Joseph Auto & Furniture Fabrics
1925 Frederick
Tom's New & Used Tires
1925 Frederick

Lawrence Ozenberger, a grandson of one of the four Swiss brothers who settled in the 102 River Valley in Northeast Washington Township began an ice business about the turn of th Century.
He dug ice from the 102 River and initially sold it from an ice house that was at the river site.
By 1923, he had moved his ice business to this location on Frederick Avenue. (See photo #2 for photo of ice house)
In 1930, he constructed this building as an Auto Sales garage whose first tenant was Hal Thames. Thames sold the Auburn Automobile.
Later tenants were the Carnes Motor Company which sold Studebakers, the National Biscuit Company and Sherwyn-Williams Paint Store
St. Joseph Auto & Furniture Fabrics occupied this building for many years
Tom's New & Used Tires currently occupies the building
Photo #5 - 1939 St Joseph News Press advertisement




1 2 3 4 5 6

Circa 1929
E. W. TEDLOCK MOTOR COMPANY
Authorized Essex Dealer
317-319 South 9th Street


Previously Hudson Tedlock Motors
Photo - 1929 St Joseph News Press advertisement



1 2 3 4 5 6

Circa 1955
Carnes Motor Company
Studebaker Authorized Dealer
317-319 South 9th Street


It would be interesting to know just what year the dealership began at this location
The business was located in a brick building across Sylvania street, just north of Barbosa's Mexican Restaurant
The building is still standing. On the rear of the building, there is a garage door with access to a very large cement floor which covers the entire 2nd floor
Maybe storage and/or repair shop for the Studebakers
Many companies have occupied this building since Studebaker was here
Studebaker was in business from 1852 making wagons until 1967 when they went out of business
Photo #5 - 1955 Studebaker
Photo #6 - 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk



1 2 3

Circa 1950
Miller-Day Pontiac
Pontiac Authorized Dealer
1202 Faraon Street


Currently the home of the Dillion Company
The building has been slightly modified but is still standing
Photo #3 - 1950 Pontiac Catalina



1 2 3 4

Circa 1955
Clint Coons Pontiac
Pontiac Authorized Dealer
1202 Faraon Street

Currently the home of the Dillion Company
The building has been slightly modified but is still standing
Photo #3 - 1957 Pontiac Star Chief
Photo #4 - 1959 Pontiac Catalina



1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Circa 1950
Cooper-Day Motors Inc.
Chrysler & Plymouth
Authorized Dealer

1316 Frederick Avenue

Photo #1 - 1955 Chrysler C-300
Photo #2 - 1955 Plymouth Savoy
Photo #6 - 1950 St Joseph News Press advertertisement
Photo #7 - 1950 Chrysler New Yorker



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Circa 1868
George Carolus Saloon
1701 Frederick
Circa 1912
Gleich & Lusehsinger Saloon
1701 Frederick
Circa 1918
VACANT
1701 Frederick
Circa 1924
A. A. Carolus Cafe
1701 Frederick
Circa 1930
Kozy Corner Soft Drinks
Prohibition Era
1701 Frederick
Circa 1935
J. R. Sapp Produce
1701 Frederick
Coryell Service station
1701 Frederick
Circa 1940
VACANT
1701 Frederick
Circa 1950
Dill-Wood Motor Company
1701 Frederick
Circa 1955
Pierce Buick
Authorized Buick Dealership
1701 Frederick
Circa 1956
Polsky Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
1701 Frederick
Circa 1958
Bill Miller Buick/Rambler
1701 Frederick
Circa 1987
Polsky Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
1701 Frederick
ACME Music & Vending
1701 Frederick

As early as 1868, the Carolus family was living and operating businesses on this plot of land.
In that year, George Carolus operated a saloon on the corner.
It remained a saloon until prohibition.
Immediately, before this building was built, there was a Coryell Service station built on the corner.
F.S. Dillingham and Willis Weodman who had a Buick agency in the 1800 block of the Avenue since the mid-1960's, had this building constructed for their Dill-Wood Motor Company in 1950
ACME Music & Vending has been in St. Joseph for eighty years
ACME was originally located at 14th Olive Street
ACME provides a full line of Amusement, Vending, and Office Coffee services to local and out of state businesses, bars, manufacturing plants, bowling centers, schools, and many other types of facilities

On a personal note, I purchased a high quality pool table from ACME a couple years ago, they had the best price I could find in a 100 mile radius, plus they delivered and set up the pool table in my home free of charge. In my opinion, a great company to deal with

For those interested, they have a website: Click Here
Photo #6 - 1980 St Joseph Newspress advertisement
Photo #7 - 1988 St Joseph Newspress advertisement
Photo #7 - 1988 St Joseph Newspress advertisement
Photo #8 - 1958 St Joseph Newspress advertisement
Photo #9 - 1987 St Joseph Newspress advertisement




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Circa 1940
VACANT
1701 Frederick
Circa 1955
Dill-Wood Motor Company
Buick Authorized Dealer
1701 Frederick
Circa 1958
Bill Miller Buick Rambler
Buick & Nash Rambler Authorized Dealer
1701 Frederick

Later became the Polsky Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
Currently the home of the ACME Music
Photo #4 - 1956 Buick
Photo #5 - 1960 Buick



1 2 3 4 5 6

Circa 1946
Hansen-Mead Motor Company
Desoto & Plymouth
Authorized Dealer

2025 St Joseph Avenue

Also known to sell motor scooters in 1946
Photo #1 - 1946 DeSoto Deluxe 2 door Coupe
Photo #2 - 1946 Desoto Dash & interior
Photo #3 - 1946 Desoto Hood Ornament
Photo #4 - 1946 Plymouth De Luxe 4-Door Sedan



1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Circa 1955
Hansen-Mead Motor Company
Desoto & Plymouth
Authorized Dealer

424 South 8th Street

Located on the northwest corner of 8th & Angelique
The building is still standing, Hansen-Mead is still visible on the front wall
Photo #3 - 1955 DeSoto FireDome
Photo #4 - 1955 Desoto Fireflite interior & dash
Photo #5 - 1955 Plymouth Savoy
Photo #6 - 1955 Plymouth Belvedere
Photo #7 - 1970 St Joseph News Press advertisement





Circa 1987
INTERSTATE FORD
3900 Frederick Avenue





1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Circa 1955
Miller Chevrolet
Chevrolet Authorized Dealer
901 Jule Street


Located between 9th & 10th streets on Jules Street where it meets Frederick
This structure once was a Miller Chevrolet dealership in the 1950's
In 1980, it was a Buick dealership
No dealerships occupy the location anymore
Photo #6 - 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
Photo #7 - 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door sedan
Photo #8 - 1955-1959 Chevrolet Pickp Truck

Photo #1 - Current view
Photo #2 - 1980 photo of Buick dealership
Photo #3 - Miller Chevrolet
Photo #3 submitted by Brooke Hickman



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Circa 1946-1955
Modern Motors
Ford, Lincoln & Mercury
Authorized Dealer

1002 Francis Street

The building no longer exists
Photo #2 - 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria
Photo #3 - 1955 Ford Sunliner Convertible
Photo #4 - 1955 Ford Customline Coupe
Photo #5 - 1955 Ford Thunderbird
Photo #6 - 1955 Ford F-100 Pickup Truck
Photo #7 - 1946 Ford
Photo #8 - 1953-1955 Ford F-100 Pickup Truck interior
Photo #9 - 1955 Lincoln Capri
Photo #10 - 1955 Mercury Monterey Station Wagon
Photo #11 - 1946 Modern Motors Advertisement



1 2 3 4

Circa 1955
M. B. Roys Motor Company
Dodge Authorized Dealer
1102 Frederick Avenue

Photo #3 - 1955 Dodge Coronet
Photo #4 - 1955 Dodge C-3B Pickup Truck
St Joseph Surgical Supply later occupied the building



1 2 3 4

Circa 1965
SANDERS VOLKSWAGEN
3421 Gene Field Road
Circa 1968
SANDERS VOLKSWAGEN
3421 Gene Field Road
Circa 1970
SANDERS VOLKSWAGEN
3421 Gene Field Road

In the early 1960s Vernon Sanders, opened Sanders Volkswagen. After Vernon Sanders passed away, his son, Phil Sanders, took over the business
In 1972, Phil Sanders sold the business to Dick Richards
Phil Sanders opened a travel agency (Sanders International Tours)
Photo #1 - 1970 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #2 - 1968 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #3 - 1965 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #4 - Vernon Sanders card, company creator





Circa 1983
ST JOSEPH TOYOTA
1812 South Belt Highway




1 2 3 4 5

Circa 1949
Swafford Motor Company
Lincoln-Mercury Authorized Dealer
302-320 South 8th Street

Located on the Southwest corner of 8th & Sylvanie
The building still exists
Photo #4 - 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan
Photo #5 - 1949 Mercury Coupe



1 2 3

Circa 1935
Thames Motor Company
Miller Motor Company
Twentieth 20th Century Motors
Lasker Olds
Dishon Tires
1502-1508 Frederick

This building was built for the automobile dealership of Hal Thames.
Thames had earlier been at 1925 Frederick.
In addition to his business as an Auburn and Ford automobile dealer, Thames was the originator of a successful Girl's softball competition in this area beginning in the early 193Os.
His team was State Champion for at least four years.
In 1932 or 1933 he built Thames Stadium for his team and their league
In 1953, 20th Century Motors was at this address
In later years it became Lasker Olds
The office & showroom was located at 1502 Frederick Avenue
Their used car lot was located at 1516-1526 Frederick Avenue
In 1939 and 1940, The St. Joseph Saints of the Western Association (men's professional baseball) played in Thames Stadium.
Thames was also President of the baseball team in 1940.
The need for the stadium diminished with the construction of the St. Joseph City Stadium (which has since been named for former Mayor Phil J. Welch.) and the Thames Stadium was demolished prior to 1946.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol Office was constructed on the old stadium site.
The automobile dealership had changed hands, by 1940, with the Miller family having an Oldsmobile dealership at the Frederick Avenue location.
For over 20 years this building housed the Oldsmobile franchise.




1 2

Circa 1936
TRACHSEL MOTOR COMPANY
Authorized Nash Dealership
305-311 South 8th Street
MILLER CHEVROLET
305 South 8th

Photo #1 - 1936 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #2 - 1936 Nash model Lafayette




1 2 3

Circa 1955
Trachsel Motor Company
Willys Overland Authorized Dealer
829 South 10th Street

Located on the northeast corner of 10th & Olive Street
The original building is gone, it has been replaced with a modern structure
Vaughn's Machine shop currently occupies the location
Photo #1 - 1955 Willys-Overland
Photo #2 - 1955 Willys-Overland Jeep



1 2 3 4 5



Circa 1955
Willis-Lucas Cadillac
Cadillac Authorized Dealer
801 South 8th Street

The dealership was located on the southeast corner of 8th & Patee Street
The original building has been replaced with a modern structure
Currently occupied by the Recycling Corporation
Photo #3 - 1955 Cadillac Eldorado
Photo #4 - 1955 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
Photo #5 - 1950 St Joseph News Press advertisement



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Feel free to email me with any photo donations, comments or questions
Rick Drozd rickdrozd@gmail.com


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