Baxter Auto Parts had its beginning in 1936 in Chehalis, Washington. Ray S. Baxter and his new bride Wilma, both 24 years old, opened their business in a building fifteen by thirty feet in size. They paid only fifteen dollars a month rent. The opening of this small business would lead the Baxter family into being one of the leading auto parts and hi-performance suppliers in the Northwest.

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. This was three days before the Baxter's first child, a daughter, was born. Their lives and millions of others were turned upside down. Within the next six months, the business was closed and the family moved to Portland, Oregon.

Many Victory Ship-freighters and Liberty ship-tankers were built in the Kaiser Shipyards located in Portland and Vancouver, WA. Mr. Baxter worked at the Vancouver yards and the Baxters settled into their new North Portland location. Their first store in Portland was opened in 1944 and was located at 2906 N. Lombard Street (shown below). The building had previously been occupied by a market, thus there were folding doors in the front. One-half of this building was a machine shop which helped keep vehicles on the road for the war effort. Remember, there were no new cars built during World War II. All the country's energy was directed toward the war.

In December 1944, a second child was born, a son. Their family was complete in December of 1945 with the birth of their second son. Their three children, as well as many of their future grandchildren, would go on to play an important role in the continuous growth of Baxter Auto Parts. The year 1949 brought a second Baxter store in the growing St. Johns area of N. Portland.

In 1963 a third Baxter Auto Parts store was opened in Parkrose. The Parkrose area is located Northeast of Portland and proved to be a rapid growing area. In 1968 the Parkrose store was replaced with a new larger building. Unfortunately, Ray Baxter, Sr. died suddenly, at the age of fifty-nine of a heart attack. This was before the completion of the new Parkrose building. With the death of Mr. Baxter, Mrs. Baxter as well as second and third generations became responsible for the future growth of Baxter Auto Parts. In 1985, store number four was opened in the Oak Grove area of S.E. Portland. The four locations in different parts of the city made Baxter a prevalent name in the auto parts business.

During 1986 property was purchased in the Delta Park area and a new facility was created for office, retail, and warehouse space. Moving the original store at 2906 N. Lombard Street to this new location proved advantageous for the Baxter family.

Beaverton was the fifth location chosen to expand the Baxter Auto Parts retail stores. This 10,000 square foot store was opened in the spring of 1990. This facility was once the home of "Earthquake Ethels", one of the most popular discotheques of its day. Baxter Auto Parts also purchased an existing store in Southwest Portland in 1993 and in 1995 relocated this branch to a new location in Tigard, its sixth location. Also in 1995 a seventh branch was added on SE 82nd Ave. in Portland. The eigth location of Baxter Auto Parts was added in 1997 venturing into the state of Washington. Since 1997, the Baxter Auto Parts family of stores has continued to grow through out the Pacific Northwest. Currently Baxter has 16 stores and continues to pursue opportunities for expansion.We are definitely a retail chain rich with history. Being able to serve our customers better with more locations makes us excited about our continuous growth. Baxter Auto Parts does its best to have friendly educated staff available and the broadest selection of auto parts and accessories in stock. We hope you'll come see us soon!