Spokanes Automobile Hub
When Cars Were Needed, Doran Was Your Location
Text
John Doran opened his business in 1914 just as automobiles were remaking American society. He sold such early models as the Essex, the Packard, and the Hudson. The Hudson had a more powerful engine at a cheaper price than competitors such as Ford's Model T. Doran died during appendix surgery in 1927 and was replaced by William Twohy.
The Great Depression hit auto sales hard, and the Doran company went from selling new cars to selling used cars to working on cars as an autobody shop. It retained the last use through most of the 20th century.
Today the building houses DCI Engineers, a Seattle based engineering company. The brick building has been painted to match the owner's logo, but still holds on to its character. The large window, meant to display Hudsons and Packards, tells a story of Spokane automotive history.
