Not everyone who has ventured into the auto-supply field has succeeded so well in pleasing both himself and the public as Jacob Camers, one of the three partners of the Pacific Auto Wrecking Company, at 545 West Second Street, Pomona. He is a native of Russia, where he was born on May 1, 1882, and in that country of skilful journeymen he learned the trade of a custom tailor.
In 1906 he came across the ocean to the land of greater freedom, and for six years followed his trade in New York City. Then he traveled west to Los Angeles, and in that city worked as a tailor for two years. He did so well that he formed a partnership with J. Berman for the manufacture of ladies' cloaks and suits, and the industrious partners had a shop on Broadway between Third and Fourth Streets.
Selling out his interest to his partner, Mr. Camers came to Pomona in 1916, and here he entered into partnership with S. Goodman and A. Welenchik and formed the Auto Wrecking Company. They leased a stable on Third Street near Thomas for ten dollars per month, but as their business rapidly grew, they leased more extensive quarters on South Thomas Street, opposite the Opera Garage. In 1918 they moved to their present location, where they have the largest outfit and stock of its kind between Los Angeles and San Diego, while they also operate a branch store in San Bernardino. They started with a capital of $800, and $15,000 is now their registered capital.
The Auto Wrecking Company buys autos, wrecks them and sells their parts, and they also do rebuilding. They do retreading in their own vulcanizing department, which is the largest in the Valley, operating five moulds. Besides carrying a large line of second-hand tires and tubes, they are agents for the National Tire and also the Kokomo Tire.
From small beginnings, these progressive men have built up a large trade, and the partners are now Jacob Camers, A. Pall, and S. Goodman—the latter being in charge of the San Bernardino store, while Mr. Pall travels on the road, buying up autos. Such is the extent of their rapidly expanding trade, that they buy from two to three machines weekly during the year. They also carry a full line of auto parts, and have everything required by the autoist. They make old tires look and act like new, and in every department and respect, give good service.
In 1905 Mr. Camers was married in Russia to Miss Mary Stark, a native of Russia; and three girls have thus far blessed the happy union. Rosa is thirteen years of age; Sarah is eleven, while Anna is two years old.
History of Pomona Valley, California, with Biographical Sketches
of The Leading Men and Women of the Valley Who Have Been
Identified With Its Growth and Development from the Early Days
to the Present
Published in Los Angeles, Cal., by the Historic Record Company
1920
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 1/07/09, Page 749
Los Angeles County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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