Front Cover The Last Western Flyer chronicles the almost century long story of one of the most successful small town franchise operations in 20th Century America. From its humble beginnings as a penny mailer sent from the kitchen of a Kansas City home, through a quarter century of mail order, and on to over 5000 retail outlets under its famous Circle Arrow signs; Western Auto brought everything from tires and spark plugs to socks and ties and vitamin pills, from fishing lures to radios, and, of course, its famous Western Flyer bikes to both major cities and small towns all over the USA. Started in 1909 and blossoming in mid-century, Western Auto succumbed to changing times and corporate takeover in the early 21st Century.

Jim Marchman's father started working for Western Auto in 1935 and Jim owned one of the last of the company's "dealer" stores. This experience, plus company catalogs and other material going back to its start in 1909, have provided a fascinating treasure trove of pictures and history to tell the story of the rise and fall of this beloved "National Institution". In addition to the company's Western Flyer brand, Jim gives us a look at other Western Auto products like Truetone radios and TVs, Davis and Western Giant tires, and the hundreds of items sold under the Wizard label. The Last Western Flyer should appeal to antique car buffs, aficionados of business history, and 20th Century Americana, as well as collectors of antique bikes, radios, and old car "stuff". It is a fascinating look at the America of the last century. Copies can be ordered for $25 (includes shipping) at marchman@vt.edu.