Natchez in Adams County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Voss Family and A-B Motor Company
The Natchez Trails
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.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi - Natchez Trails series list.
Location. 31° 33.513′ N, 91° 23.771′ W. Marker is in Natchez, Mississippi, in Adams County. Marker is at the intersection of Saint Catherine Street and Orange Avenue, on the left when traveling west on Saint Catherine Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Natchez MS 39120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Good Neighbors - Alexanders and Gonnellinis (within shouting distance of this marker); Natchez Civil Rights and Old D'Evereux Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Holy Family Church and School (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stallone Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Holy Family Catholic Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. John Banks House - 9 St. Catherine Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. John B. Banks House (within shouting distance of this marker); 20-30 St. Catherine Street and Eduation (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natchez.
More about this marker. Part of the "St. Catherine Street Trail" of Natchez Trails. All markers are on the LEFT when traveling west of St. Catherine Street, as it is one way.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2017. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2017, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 381 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 29, 2017.