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The DuBois Motors Company building represents an important structure related to Vancouver's earliest automotive district and holds a direct tie to a historically significant Clark County family. The DuBois family constructed this building in the heart of Downtown Vancouver's early automotive sales district.
The building provides an excellent physical and historical representation of Vancouver's connection to national trends in relation to mass motorization in the early 20th Century. This building represents a snapshot of a period of growth in Vancouver. In the 1920s and 1930s, local automotive dealerships proliferated as a result of the burgeoning post-World War I American purchasing power and the accompanying desire for automobiles. Additionally, these dealerships and this district played a participatory role in the slow decay of mass transportation in Vancouver, matching trends in other cities across the nation.
Additionally, the DuBois Motors Company building represents one of, and perhaps the last, commercial building connected to the DuBois family's business empire in Vancouver. This building is a clear and important physical representation of the family's regional and diverse business empire. DuBois Motors Company grew from this location and held regional significance. Eventually, the dealership became part of one of the biggest automotive dealers in the Northwest during the post-war period. Ultimately, the building connects with Dick Hannah's auto empire.
- Listed on the Clark County Heritage Register in 2020
Related information
Did you know?
According to maps and records, in addition to the DuBois Motors Company, the current building was also the location of a harness maker, a dwelling, a post office, and the Lackaff Saloon. Other car dealerships also occupied the contributing structure after the DuBois Motors Company.
Built
1927-1928
Open to the public
Yes
Location
500 Washington Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
United States