In 1954, Bud Johnson Pontiac, situated at 1515 University Avenue, adjacent to the Hi Jack Bar, transitioned into Arrow Pontiac. On December 13, 1955, at 2:44 p.m., the dealership experienced a devastating fire. The blaze, initiated by an explosion, shattered the showroom windows and inflicted substantial damage on both the building and the vehicles inside. Eyewitnesses suggested that sparks from an acetylene torch may have ignited fumes from a nearby barrel of cleaning solvent. The estimated total loss from the fire was $100,000. Remarkably, Arrow Pontiac persevered and continued operations for many years in St. Paul’s Midway district.
During the 1950s, University Avenue in St. Paul was renowned as “the automotive street of the Twin Cities,” hosting numerous car dealerships that contributed to the area’s vibrant car culture. This concentration of dealerships made University Avenue a central hub for automobile enthusiasts and consumers alike.
