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Any photos not otherwise credited are from the personal collection of Frank Passic, Albion Historian.
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Morning Star, September 20, 2024, pg. 7 With the advent of the automobile shortly after the turn of the 20th century, there arose the need for auto sales and repair garages. These eventually replaced the old horse livery stables that had been in existence. Albion's first automotive garage opened in 1909, operated by Charles Groff and William Forman on E. Michigan Avenue. The business was purchased by Arthur G. Noble (1880-1965) and his brother-in-law Harry Richards, Sr. (1885-1959) in June of 1910, and was renamed the Albion Garage. It was located at 112-116 E. Michigan Avenue on the south side of the street, and a large brick building was erected to accommodate the increasing demand for automotive needs in our town. At that time there were only about twelve automobiles owned and operated by Albionites. The duo of Noble & Richards sold automobiles, auto parts, auto supplies, tires, gasoline, and made repairs at their garage. In addition, they sold and repaired bicycles, and did all kinds of welding jobs. Furthermore, they operated a taxi service on site to take people to their local destinations. The business operated throughout the 1910s, and after being sold became the Albion Motor Sales in 1921, also known as the "Ford Garage" thereafter for many years. From our Historical Notebook this week we present an early photograph of the Albion Garage taken in 1912 when the business was still young. This was before an addition was erected on the east (left) side of the building shown in this photo. The sign in the upper left says "Albion Garage. M Tires, Garage." The middle sign declares, "Gasoline. Albion Garage, Goodrich Tires, Best in the Long Run. For Sale Here." When cars pulled into town, they would come across the Albion Garage and stop there for their motoring needs. Here we see a commercial unidentified-brand cross-country bus stopped at the Garage with signage that reads, "Ocean to Ocean, San Francisco, New York." Notice that the steering wheel is located on the right (viewer's left) side of the bus, customary of those early automotive years. This could have been a cross-county durability run for the auto manufacturer to test how their product held up under different road conditions in the days before proving grounds were constructed. There appears to be a small U.S. flag fluttering on the left awning pole (viewer's right). One of my Facebook readers observed, "Based on the engine cover and radiator shapes, your time limits are spot on. The tires are solid rubber, not pneumatic, and it's a chain drive vehicle. Not too far advanced from a stage coach, but somewhat faster." A small crowd stands and watches this novelty vehicle, as the driver appears to be ready to leave Albion for his intended destination. His car is facing west, meaning he was probably headed towards Chicago. Is your car ready and tuned up for winter driving here in Michigan? You may not be driving across the country like the driver in this photo, but you will be driving on Albion's streets, so get scheduled for an auto evaluation this week at one of our local auto mechanic places. You might also like to get your alignment checked, too. Happy motoring!  Albion Garage in 1912
All text copyright, 2025 © all rights reserved Frank Passic
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