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Blakely Family Members

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Albert Monroe Blakely

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Business and Industry

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Charles Monroe Blakely

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Birth 1885AffiliationsBlakely OilOccupationsBusinessmanBiographical NoteCharles Monroe Blakely (Charlie) was born in Iowa in 1885. His family moved to Arizona in 1896. Charlie began his adult life working in the Mesa creamery owned by his family. After the sale of the creamery, Charlie went to work for Pacific Creamery in Tempe for about a year. From 1908-1915 Charlie worked as a mail carrier for Mesa and was part of Mesa's first mail delivery. In 1915 Charlie started with Trimble Motor Company in Mesa, staying until 1919. His move to Gilbert in 1919 brought new opportunities- he and Albert Tone opened the Gilbert Garage. By 1928 Charlie was the sole owner of the Gilbert Garage and changed the name to Blakely Motor Company. Charlie was an active participant in Gilbert serving the young community however he could. He was also a faithful member of the Gilbert Methodist Episcopal Church. He was known throughout the Valley as a kind and generous man.

After Charlie married Luella Mae Trinkle in 1907, they began life together in Mesa. Luella and Charlie had similar backgrounds. Her family, from Kansas, made the move to Arizona in the late 1800s. Luella met Charlie at the Stringtown School they both attended. Luella’s father, Charles Albert Trinkle, was a Renaissance man, and he quickly became the person people went to when a project was giving them fits. Luella’s sister was Dr. Josie Trinkle Harvey. Josie was a bright, bold, exceptional woman for her era. She carved her own path and was noted for encouraging women to go into business (in the 1930s and 1940s.) Charlie and Luella had five children- Laurence, who died at age ten of diphtheria, Albert Monroe, Merlyn Vincent, JoElla Ruth, and Charles Merwin. While the four remaining children all grew up to be responsible, contributing citizens of Arizona, A. Monroe Blakely left a legacy that continues today in Arizona collectibles.

Image

Blakely Motor Company with Charlie at the counter

Blakely Motor Company, the original in Gilbert, Arizona

Charlie Blakely Louella Trinkle Wedding Picture

Charlie Formal Picture

Charlie and Luella Blakely

Charlie in Arizona History's Who's Who

Charlie in front of Blakely Motor Company in Gilbert, Arizona

Charlie's Furniture Store in the 1940's

Charlie, 1925

Charlie, Formal, 1907

Four Generations

James R. M. Blakely, Florence, Charlie, and Mary Regina in Iowa

Newspaper

Let's Smile

Tickets Galore

City Directory

1946-1947 Directory, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert

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Blakely Family and Blakely Oil

Person

Albert Monroe Blakely

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Move to Arizona

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Blakely Family Members

SubcollectionBlakely Family MembersPersonAlbert Monroe BlakelyTopicBusiness and Industry

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Charles Monroe Blakely