Speller Moates Radio Collection is housed within the Three Notch Museum. Before TV became popular, radiosespecially in those of the 1930s were a staple in all households. There were models that were table top as well as floor-style cabinet models. When visitors visit the local museum of history, the tale is told to youngsters about families who listened to radios in the evening, similar to those of today watching television.
There was news not just America but also around the globe along with entertainment and news from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Musical shows that featured singing and dancing in Vaudeville as well as Broadway were popular, as along with mystery and drama. Every family was tuned to the radio after dinner in the evening. They didn’t just listen to music, but occasionally get up and dance or as my mother’s family I was taught. Music and lullabies could take the listener into a dreamlike state.
A local company located in Andalusia in the past sold radios. Let me introduce you to this long-gone business that was situated on one of our major streets. This firm enjoyed tremendous successes during their time in business.
The Andalusia Star 27 July 1939 “J. J. Moates Auto Company Announces 18th Anniversary The J. J. Moates Auto Company is known throughout in the State for the motto “The Post Office Is Just Right Across the Street from Us” announces their 18th anniversary on August 1.”
“This establishment was created by J. J. Moates on August 1st 1921. Moates joined the business one of his children, J. T. (Jake) (Jake), who serves as the sales manager and H. S. (Speller), service manager.”
“The business was founded with one gas pump. They dealt with tireand automobile equipment as well as employed five employees.. Today , they are one of the modern auto and radio stores within South Alabama. The shop sells the latest radios and tires automobile accessory, fridges and records as well as employ 13 employees.. J. T. (Jake) Moates claims that he attributes his success to the consistent advertising in newspapers.”
In the month of November, 1935, the Moates family hosted the official (re)opening of their recently renovated garage and one-stop service station located on South Three Notch Street, and, yes, it was right just across from the postal office (now the library of the public).
“The company has grown quickly from it’s beginning as a single pump refilling station with upgrades and expansions that are made periodically. The recent increase in operations has forced them to find larger quarters as well as additional space. Constructions have been built up to the station, which now claims to be the largest “one-stop service station situated within South-East Alabama.”
The formal opening was announcing offers such as “FREE 1 bottle Coca-Cola to anyone who makes an purchase of 25 cents or more.”
This message also shocked people – “The Key is Not Here – We’re OPEN 24/7 HOURS A day, 365 days throughout The Year.”
The Andalusia Star – November 26 36, 1936 26th November 1936 “You have been able to make this year the best ever in our company surpassing by over 20% from the record year of 1929.. This is proof that the quality of merchandise and service is in line with your expectations. We wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving.”
The Andalusia Star November 14, 1935 “The company of J. J. Moates Auto Company is comprised of 3 generations of Moates including J. J. (Jim) Moates, J. T. (Jake) Moates, H. S. (Speller) Moates, and J. T. (Jimmy) Moates, Jr ., the youngest of the company that is the silent partner who is silent with the business (for it was just a year old baby)!”
“The range of services offered to customers include U. S. Tires, Exide Batteries, Champion Spark Plugs, Tiolene Oil, Acetylene and Arc Welding, General Automobile repairs, such as windshield, brake and ignition service, cleaning, greasing polishing. All the things that are needed in between Top-and-tire as well as bumper and.”
“In the radio division, we provide the following brands: General Electric, R. C. A. Victor, Atwater-Kent, Zenith and Philco in both battery and electric sets with repair specialists available 24/7. The department in question is considered to be the most important radio business in the region, likely to be the most radio-related business in Alabama’s south-east..”
“Last Saturday, our sales were the highest ever recorded in our company.”
The December 24th 1936 edition of The Andalusia Star advertised, ” Give a Radio It’s the Family Gift. General Electric Model E-61, 6 metal Tubes Short and Standard Wave, $29.95”
In speaking with a number of relatives, Marianne Merrill Moates (Weber) and Mary Emma Moates (Vickery), they remembered it being mentioned the younger Hank Williams would come frequently in moatesauto.com. Moates Auto Company garage. It had a basement below the stairs, which was known as”radio room” “radio room” where repairs would be completed at working benches. Additionally, tires were kept and lined up on that lower floor. Williamsand His country group would play there often. This would have happened in late 1940s. mid- to late-1940s.
J. J. Moates loved to celebrate his birthdays at the annual anniversary of his beginning his business. He would hand out 6 packs of RC Cola and five gallons gas. One time, he invited several performersof The Grand Old Opry to join him. It was most likely around the 1940s when “String Bean” and “Minnie Pearl” accepted his invitation. They performed before the company on South Three Notch sitting in the truck bed! truck!
What a fascinating story of businessmen from the past: Customer Service, Consistent Advertising Modernizing the Business House and expressing gratitude to the patrons, we Never Quit!
Perhaps you’ve not been to the Three Notch Museum located on the historic Central Street. If you have it, you can see their Moates Radio Collection and the Moates Collection of Radio as well as Remember when.
Sue Bass Wilson, AHS Class 1965, was a former music teacher for choral groups and a real estate agent and a long-time alumnus of the Covington Historical Society. She can be reached at suebwilson47@gmail.com.
The article Remember When the J. J. Moates Auto Company Story was published initially in The Andalusia Star-News.
