Capitol Avenue once fueled Jefferson City’s early auto industry.

When the automobile arrived in Jefferson City, Capitol Avenue quickly became the center for business. Car dealerships opened along the 200 and 300 blocks of Capitol Avenue; and related retail establishments followed, offering gasoline, tires, batteries, and automotive accessories. Independent auto repair and machine shops were also established in the area.

Chester Miller was the first agent for Ford Motor Company in the area, doing business at 212 E. Capitol Ave. in 1913 as P-M Garage. Car prices started around $500 plus freight from the factory. He also offered more expensive Hudson and Paige automobiles.

By June 1914, Louis Spaunhorst and his son, Charles, opened Hub Taxi Co., operating out of the Monroe House. In 1916, they became local agents for Cadillac. They stocked no merchandise locally but sold cars by individual order. Charles picked up each sold vehicle in St. Louis and delivered it to the customer. According to The Daily Capital News newspaper, Charles returned from St. Louis with a new 1917 Cadillac for Lawson Price. Lawson was a grandson of Thomas Lawson Price, Jefferson City’s first mayor.

“He came through the last sixty miles in deep mud but made the trip in good time over the southern highway,” the article stated.

At the time, road building wasn’t keeping pace with the developing auto industry. Charles joined the U.S. Army in 1918 and was trained as an auto mechanic. Following the war, he partnered with the Ruwart brothers of Capital Motor Company, adding his Cadillac agency to their Studebaker and White Motor Co. truck lines. The dealership then relocated to 212 E. Capitol Ave.

“Car dealerships opened along the 200 and 300 blocks of Capitol Avenue; and related retail establishments followed, offering gasoline, tires, batteries, and automotive accessories.”
—Nancy Arnold Thompson

Another prominent distributor was Theodore G. Burkhardt. Born in Moniteau County, he was originally an accomplished watchmaker, having studied in St. Louis and Germany before opening a jewelry store on High Street. He left this profession to become the Dodge distributor from 1914-1916, locating his business at 315 Capitol Ave. He then moved to 203 Capitol Ave. where he sold Chalmers vehicles.

As the industry quickly grew and matured, manufacturers and dealers came and went while business models evolved, leading some individuals to seize the opportunity to adapt and expand alongside the industry’s momentum.

Charles Arnhold liquidated his Brazito general store in 1916; and his son, Hugo, built a new “monster building,” measuring 150 feet by 54 feet at 317 Monroe St. The dealership offered Pullman, Hudson, and Maxwell automobiles.

G. E. Grant managed the business while Hugo served in WWI. Upon his return, he sold the Monroe Street building and opened a new retail store at 216 E. Capitol Ave. that represented Chevrolet, Nash, and Maxwell vehicles.

Arthur and William Heisinger were also well known. The brothers left their father’s farm just south of Jefferson City to become businessmen. Their first venture was the Heisinger Lime Co. in 1904. In 1913, William became an agent for Standard Oil and opened one of the first gas stations at 321 Capitol Ave. Arthur secured agencies for Chevrolet, Chandler, Velie, and Oakland automobiles before both brothers established Heisinger Motor Co. in 1917. Arthur oversaw sales, while William took responsibility for parts and accessories. When brother Julius returned from World War I, he became a partner and managed the service department, eventually employing their youngest brother, Oscar.

Business boomed, and in 1921, the brothers formed Cole County Motor and Tractor Co. with Jacob Raithel, Paul Goller, and W. H. Goldammer and purchased the Buick agency from Gov. Arthur M. Hyde. They built a new building on High Street next to the courthouse, which was said to be the largest garage outside of St. Louis and Kansas City.

However, World War II was devastating for the retail automobile businesses. Manufacturing was converted to the war effort, and there were no new cars available for several years. Post-war, Heisinger’s first new car advertisement was for the 1947 Buick. Julius Heisinger had sold his interest in the dealership in 1940 and opened an insurance agency. He later worked for the Missouri State Penitentiary as superintendent of the prison garage. Arthur and William established a real estate office together in 1946. In 1948, Neil McKay, a 22-year employee of Buick Motor Company, moved from Chicago, Illinois, and bought the Heisingers’ car business. Arthur later donated his home and surrounding property to establish what is now Heisinger Bluffs Senior Living Community.

Automobile dealers needing more room gradually moved from the central business district to more outlying locations. Today, little evidence remains of what was once known as Jefferson City’s “Automobile Row.”