Western Auto Stores photograph collection

Collection — Box: SC

Identifier: S4594

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains 140 photographs of Duluth and 16 items of Superior, Wisconsin. All of the photographs are 4x6 or snapshots and have no corresponding negatives. A few of the photographs of Michigan street and 202 West Superior street includes signs for Western Auto Stores or Western Auto Stores Service Department.

The collection contains photographs of street views on Superior street in eastern and downtown Duluth, Michigan street in downtown Duluth, Superior street from 12th avenue east out to 19th avenue west, 57-59th Avenues West, 59th and Grand Avenue, and Central and Grand in West Duluth. There are a few photographs of First and Second streets in downtown Duluth. Included are the Plaza shopping center at 12th avenue east, Bergeta Moe Bakery (October House), G. G. Hartley residence, Loeb house (Silver's), gas stations at 8th, 9th, and 10th avenues east, Washington Avenue, Hotel Duluth, NorShor theater. In Superior, Wisconsin the shots are of downtown and include Hotel Superior, the Beacon and Princess theaters.

Many of the snapshots are of marginal quality but have been retained because there are very few photographs of these areas of east Superior street and some of the buildings. Some of these buildings no longer stand.

Dates

Creation: 1949 March-1953 February
Creation: Majority of material found in 1949, 1953

Creator

Western Auto Stores (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for use in the Kathryn A. Martin Library, Archives and Special Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

This collection may be protected by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code). It is the user's responsibility to verify copyright ownership and to obtain all necessary permissions prior to the reproduction, publication, or other use of any portion of these materials. Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provision of the copyright law.

Biographical / Historical

The Western Auto Supply Company first appears in the Duluth city directory in 1929 located at 204 East Superior Street. It is described as a retail auto accessories store with Clinton V. Knutson as manager. In 1930 the address expands to 202-204 East Superior Street. In 1932 Frank W. Frommes is the manager. In 1950 the name changes to Western Auto Stores at 202 East Superior Street with a service department at 201 East Michigan Street. In 1956 Donald Rich. In 1957 Frommes returns as manager and the name changes to Western Associated Stores. In 1957 the address is 2101 West Superior Street. In 1961 and 1962 the address is 24 East Superior Street. The company is no longer listed in the business directory from 1963 on.

Extent

140.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Physical Location

This collection is located at the University of Minnesota Duluth Archives. For more information about this collection or to make an appointment, contact us at libarchives@d.umn.edu or 218-726-8526.