The Natchez Trails

Axel Voss spoke little english when he emigrated in 12925 from Copenhagen, Denmark. He worked as a mechanic for Chris Anderson and John T. Belt, who founded A-B Motor Company in a backyard garage at 114 St. Catherine.The first Voss business venture was a wrecked service, and A-B Motor Company also operated a taxi service. By 1928 Voss was sole owner of the company. In 1935 he built a modern building (above) at the corner of St. Catherine Street and Orange Avenue. That year he also secured the Studebaker franchise. He would later construct a showroom addition to the east (below left) and a Studebaker service department (below right) fronting Orange Avenue.With little room for expansion, the Voss family relocated A-B Motor Company to Shields Lane in 1970. Photo Captions
Axel Voss is pictured here as a young enterprising mechanic, a middle aged businessman and the aging patriarch of a family that has made significant civic contributions to the Natchez community.Axel Voss marketed his business even while walking the streets of downtown Natchez. When he spied an expired parking meter, he inserted coins and left his business card on the vehicle's windshield.Painted on the side of Axel Voss's wrecker was the slogan "WRECK 'EM-WE GET 'EM."Pictured above (left to right) are Axel Voss,
Bobby Voss, Freddie Voss, Carl Voss and Delphine Kicks Voss. Freddie and Carl Voss closed A-B Motor Company and retired in 2006.The company sold Studebakers for 30 years, Dodges from 1963, Jeeps from 1957 and Chryslers the last three years of operation. African American employees included Arthur Boxley, Berry Coulston and James Washington.

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Show me all markers in:  Natchez, MS  |  Adams County  |  39120  |  Mississippi  |  United States of America

Good Neighbors - Alexanders and Gonnellinis
Natchez Civil Rights and Old D'Evereux Street
Holy Family Church and School
The Stallone Family
Holy Family Catholic Church
Dr. John Banks House - 9 St. Catherine Street
20-30 St. Catherine Street and Eduation
Hospital Hill Neighborhood
Rhythm Night Club
Views of St. Catherine Street - Western End

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