THE DUARTE GARAGE &
LINCOLN HIGHWAY MUSEUM

Frank H. Duarte built what is now the north half of this garage in 1915, facing the Lincoln Highway. This was the USA's first transcontinental Highway, dedicated in 1913 as our nation's first monument to Abraham Lincoln. There were many modifications through the years, and when the Carquinez Bridge opened in 1927, the local section of the highway was re-routed to the north. In Livermore, the old route is today contained in segments of Portola Avenue, Junction Avenue and First Street.

Duarte sold Associated brand gasoline and oil products and performed repairs on cars as well as farm and agricultural equipment. In 1923, he added the south half as a car dealership, selling Durant Star and Flint models. Local legends hold that one of Robert Livermore's descendants was a salesmen at the garage in the 1920s. In the 1950s, ownership transferred to Frank's son Fran and much of his business was repairing winery and farm equipment, though he still worked on autos as well.

During the 1970s, the City of Livermore took the Garage, Cottage, and surrounding land through eminent domain, intending to demolish the Garage and Cottage to create a large park.

The Livermore Heritage Guild persuaded City Council not to destroy these two historic structures and signed a lease in 1976 to restore and maintain the garage for use as a museum and the cottage as caretaker's residence. The remaining land is now Portola Park.

The Duarte Garage hosts events throughout the year, including the Guild's own Annual General Meeting and Annual Auction. Car clubs, murder mysteries, scout groups and school classes are among the others who have made use of the site.

See more at [[ Garage Playlist ]]

See external photo galleries here (Thanks to Altamont Cruisers!)

10/17/2010 - 1923 Seagrave Engine Turnover
06/23/2013 - Lincoln Highway Association Convoy
09/19/2021 - Altamont Cruisers at Duarte
03/20/2022 - Altamont Cruisers at Duarte
07/17/2022 - Altamont Cruisers at Duarte
05/21/2023 - Ford Cobra
09/17/2023 - Custom Pickup
10/15/2023 - Altamont Cruisers at Duarte
02/18/2024 - 1926 Star Pickup and Machine Shop

We are a member of the Lincoln Highway Association, California Chapter

Document Links:
100th Anniversary of Duarte Garage (The Independent, 12/2015)
Edmund & Jones "Bullet" Headlights (2018)
Oil Cans displays (2018)

Highway Side (R.Finn, 2015) - - - Sample display(2005)

Multiple events feature antique/classic automobiles such as a 2006 visit by a Studebaker Club.

The garage with authentic Coca Cola sign on the northeast corner offer unique photo opportunities.

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