It is unusual that a brand perseveres in the same location for nearly 95 years, especially one related to the automobile industry. Established as Nicholson Tire Company in 1929, hundreds of residents attended the grand opening ceremonies. In 1931, they changed the name to Firestone Services Stores Inc. of Tampa. In July of 1933, when this photo was taken, tires sold for between $7-$10, car batteries for $5.60, spark plugs were $.58, and the world was in the throes of the economic collapse of the Great Depression. Several banners on the building say “Tire prices going higher. Buy today.”

By the 1940s, the store had added home goods and toys as the nation faced the rationing of rubber and energy to support the World War II effort. In 1963, rumors circulated that Firestone was considering closing this location as it built two more in the area, but they were untrue. The original building with its tower and gas pumps was demolished, and a new structure was built. It was called Firestone Complete Auto Care.  According to their website at the time, Firestone tires sold for over $100 each, Platinum Die Hard™ batteries were over $200, and they no longer sold small auto parts like spark plugs, toys, or housewares. In February 2023, The company announced it was closing this location to make room for expanding the courthouse buildings close to it.

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