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Blakely Family Members

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Business and Industry

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Albert Monroe Blakely

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AliasesMonroe BlakelyA. Monroe BlakelyBirth 1912AffiliationsBlakely OilOccupationsBusinessmanBiographical NoteAlbert Monroe Blakely (Monty, Muny, Monroe) was born the year Arizona became a state and he was deeply proud to be a son of Arizona. He attended grade school in Gilbert and high school at the esteemed Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee. In 1932 Monroe married Dorothy Ruth Kring. Monroe and Ruth reared their five children in Gilbert during the Depression and war years- Ada Lou, Douglas Monroe, Donna Ruth, Carolyn Josephine, and Richard Laurence.

Following in his father and grandfather's footsteps, Monroe became a businessman, originally with his brother Vincent in Gilbert, but in April of 1949, Monroe launched Blakely Oil of Arizona. It began with one gasoline station at 19th Ave and Buckeye and by the time he sold to Gulf Oil in 1963, Blakely Oil consisted of 90 gas stations across the state, easily recognized by their huge American flag. Monroe was fiercely patriotic and loved Arizona as much as he loved the challenge of business which he expanded to several other companies. Apache Airlines and PDQ Helicopter also served the state and were solely owned by Monroe. He was an initial investor in Legend City, sitting on its board of directors and sponsoring the kids' race track while Ruth ran the Dipsy Doodle, a music box and candle shop. Many have remembered Blakely Oil for its innovative promotions, including the 89 cars the company gave away as well as the unique glasses, china, and stoneware that celebrate Arizona and continue to be valuable collectibles today.

Newspaper

A.M. Blakely Will Head State Chamber of Commerce

Arizona Sun, 1953-06-05

Award Honors Monte Blakely

Ball's Car on Display

Blakely Names Ball for Midgets

Blakely Out Front in State Featuring Fast Statewide Service

Blakely Will Enter Foreign Car Field

Blakely's Pre-inventory Clearance

Cactus Tumblers Free with Gasoline Purchases

Deer Valley Dispatch, 1961-07-06

Jimmy Bryan Seeks '500' Berth Today

Monte Blakely Poses with 1956 Cadillac

Phoenix Auto Driver Seeks Spot in '500'

Pint-Sized Putt Putt Stadium to Open

Planning the Route to Indianapolis for the Second Blakely Oil Special

Station Man's Cactus Caper to Sell State

The Arizonian, 1955-04-15

City Directory

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

1960 The Mullin-Kille Tucson, Arizona, Consurvey City Directory

1961 The Mullin-Kille and Baldwin Phoenix, Arizona, ConSurvey City Directory

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Charles Monroe Blakely

Dorothy Ruth Blakely

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Blakely Family and Blakely Oil

SubcollectionBlakely Family MembersPersonDorothy Ruth BlakelyCharles Monroe BlakelyTopicBusiness and Industry

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Albert Monroe Blakely