A group of 20 original photographs documenting the environs and products of Brake Supply, Inc., a brake and clutch supply and service shop cateriing to the the automobile repair and industrial equipment trades located at 615 Sycamore St. in Evansville, Indiana. 

Brake Supply was opened in 1947 by a W.P. (Jack) Ashby. Each print is stamped by a Richard F. Donahue, longtime commercial photographer of Evansville, who opened his eponymous studio in 1949. These dates, combined with automobiles seen in the one exterior view, suggest a date of about 1950 for the present group, one which provides a well-executed and technical glimpse at the products and facilities of the firm. A group highlight includes an evocative occupational view of a janitor with broom and mop in hand. 

Brake Supply grew into a formidable concern and major Southern Indiana employer from these humble beginnings, expanding into the mining equipment space to specialize in heavy duty and off-road powertrain components, hydraulic cylinders, etc.... Press materials on its 2024 acquisition by Hitachi noted 400 employees.

[Automobilia] : [Photography]. [Photographs of Brake Supply, Inc.]. Evansville, Indiana: Richard F. Donahue, Commercial Photogaphers, [ca. 1950]. 20 black and white photographs. Each gelatin silver, bordered prints on unbranded, single-weight glossy paper. Each with ink stamps of "RICHARD F. DONAHUE / COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS" at versos. Some mild waviness to prints, a few with faint areas of discolor to versos. Overall group presents well ; about very good.