50th Year Celebration
On Jan 19th 1933, Mr. Julius Radke (founder of Radke Auto Parts),
50 years ago started a service station in this same location.
In the days of the Depression years, a 2 pump service station was
purchased, being referred to as 6 Point Service Station, on N. Columbia
Blvd. and N. Fessenden.
It was a bleak day, since it was a big snow storm on that January
day. Most cars were stalled. They could not afford chains. It was a
discouraging start.
However, these days passed and little by little they were getting
better. Gas was selling at 3 gallons for $.50. Some people would drive in
for $.10 worth.
It was a struggle --to be able to pay our monthly payment of $27.00
per month toward the purchase of the service station.
By the time spring came around they felt things were looking up.
Julius called home on a lovely Sunday afternoon, saying I will count up the
sales and if we profited $3.00 then I will go across the street and get some
hamburger. Hamburger then costs 2 pounds for .25.
The family never went hungry at their little home on Macrum Avenue
in St. Johns. They had room for a cow, some chickens, much fruit, and
vegetables. With Mrs. Radke's ambition there was plenty of nourishment,
but nothing like god old hamburger.
Soon Julius felt the need to expand. Since he was a mechanic by
nature, he wanted to expand in that area. He borrowed $500.00 from his
father-in-law to build a three car garage. A pit was dug and a concrete
building was erected. The pit is still part of the building.
Dec 7th, 1941 World War II brought a major change in the course of
the business. Gasoline was rationed, some repair parts were next to
impossible to obtain. And mechanics were drafted for military service. This
is when Mrs. Radke became a legal partner in the business. A wood stove
was set up in a store room of the service station, so meals could be
available especially for their growing two sons, Merlin and Ronald. Merlin
was then ten years old and Ronald was eight. It wasn't long before these
kids were helping in the business, and getting a business education. They
would stand on a box to ring in sales at the register, but did it very well.
They were allowed to sell small items for a show case nearby.
Again as the years went by the Six Point Station put in a small line of
parts. By word of mouth advertisement Radke's came to have a reputation
for parts that were hard to find. Julius had taken local mechanical training,
also decided to go to St. Louis to Carter Carburetor School and also to
Toledo for Auto Lite training, preparing for the beginning of the parts store,
and specialized shop.
In 1951 was now the beginning in our first location in the parts
business, at 6666 N. Columbia Blvd.
In 1958 (with much discussion with his parents), Merlin, then 21 years
old, launched a new course in the firm. Speed and custom parts were
added gradually. The parents were very cautious thinking this was only a
fad, soon to fade away.
Merlin Radke worked hard to make this a success. With much hard
work, it has been a success. It is now a major part of the business.
Ronald Radke decided to finish college, and is in management for
Pacific Northwest Bell.
In 1960 the firm was incorporated and a name change from Radke
Auto Electric, to Radke Auto Parts, Inc was made.
In 1967 we moved into a new building erected by Julius Radke at the
same location. The old building is currently being used as a warehouse.
At present (in 1983) Merlin Radke is President, Julius Radke has
been retired for some time, but serving on the Board of Directors, and in an
advisory position, at 81 years of age.
Mrs. Letha Radke is still active in the business, and serves as
Secretary/Treasurer on the Board of Directors.