National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Work and Industry Search this
Extent:
1 Cubic foot (1 box, 2 map-folders)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Advertisements
Black-and-white photographs
Decals
Membership cards
Negatives (photographic)
Newsletters
Newspaper clippings
Date:
1914-1975
Summary:
Collection documents "Call Carl," a chain of Washington, DC, automotive service stations.
Scope and Contents:
Archival material, including advertising and business records from the "Call Carl" chain of Washington, DC, automotive service stations. The collection includes photographs of Washington, DC streets in the years before automobiles; photographs of the building exterior; photographs of the interior, including employees at work in the garages as well as in the offices; photographs of company events; membership cards; advertisements and promotional materials; testimonials; decals; letters; and company newsletters, Exhaust Fumes.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into one series.
Biographical / Historical:
Fredrick Carl and his four sons, Herman, Edmund, Louis, and Frederick, Jr., established Frederick Carl and Son, Inc. in 1919 to meet the growing demands for automobile repairs for all makes and models. In 1922 it changed its name and incorporated as Call Carl, Inc. with a chain of automotive service stations in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Call Carl handled a range of services from the smallest adjustments to the rebuilding of entire automobiles. An emergency road service operated twenty-four hours a day. In 1982, KM, Inc. purchased the Call Carl auto centers which former Call Carl president, Konrad Murrer owned.
Separated Materials:
A five-year service pin awarded to employees of Call Carl, Inc. is in the Division of Work and Industry. See accession 1982.0664.
Provenance:
Collection donated by William Herrmann.
Restrictions:
The collection is open for research.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
