Monday, August 31, 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009


Would you like a hedge against inflation? Would you like to save some money and receive a delightful gift in return???


When your dues notice comes in for the Museum of Bus Transportation--instead of renewing it for a single year (currently $30)--upgrade to a LIFETIME Membership for $500 and receive one of the Flxible Clipper Models (a $49.95 value) as a thank you! This will be a big help to YOUR Museum and you won't have to worry about paying your dues for the rest of your life!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Sunday, August 30, 2009


In many parts of the country, school has already started. In some parts, school will begin right after Labor Day (which falls very late this year--September 7).


This is just a reminder, the kids are out there walking to BUS stops, walking to school--please DRIVE CAREFULLY!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Do you shop on the internet??? If you are reading this on the internet now, there is a very good chance you also shop on the internet.

Did you know that while you are shopping, you can donate to the Museum of Bus Transportation without it costing you anything???

Checkout http://www.shopformuseums.com/ -- they are an internet search/shopping engine that allows you to sign up, select the MUSEUM OF BUS TRANSPORTATION (yes, we are listed) and then a percentage of your purchase goes to the Museum! What a painless way to give! Give it a try--it really does work!

We have raised funds using this program sine 2006 but we feel this is such a painless way for people to donate to the Museum that we wanted to remind you how easy it was to do. Please, stop and consider this the next time you are shopping on the internet.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Friday, August 28, 2009

MUSEUMS - what do you really know about how they operate??? I recently found this information on the net and find it VERY INTERESTING---if you wonder WHY we seem to constantly be asking for donations....this will open your eyes!

Did you know:
*Museums in the U.S. spend $5.7 billion dollars a year serving the public.
*There are 2.3 million museum visits happening each day here in the U.S., totalling over 600 million visits per year.
*Museums provide more than 18 million hours a year in educational programming.
*Museums across the U.S. serve as centers of learning, as civic institutions, as protectors of our heritage, and as key partners in travel and tourism.
*On average, museums earn a total of only $6 per visitor from all revenue sources combined (admission, museum shops, restaurants, etc.). However the average cost of serving each visitor is $23!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Thursday, August 27, 2009

I've spoke before about ways to donate to YOUR Museum.....one of the nicest ways is to purchase a brick paver that is placed on the brick "patio" area outside the front of the building.
These pavers are inscribed with your name to show your donation. Watch the upcoming MUSINGS for more information on them. They cost $200 and show your dedication to the Museum with your name right out front.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Wednesday, August 26, 2009


WE'RE NOT JUST BUSES - continued....


Here's an example of some of the Continental Trailways dinnerware that was produced back in the 50s.


This platter is the genuine and original dinnerware that was utilized in the restaurants located within the Continental Trailways bus terminals throughout the U.S. It measures 10-5/8" x 7-5/16". IncaWare/Shenango China backstamp with O-10 date code (Mfg. date Jan-June, 1952). As you can see from the photograph--it has the Continental logo on it.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

We're not just BUSES!

Yes, we are not just buses--we are lots of other bus-related items also. I had an inquiry the other day about whether we would be interested in receiving a vintage transit uniform--my answer was a resounding YES! We currently have on display a Wolf Bus uniform on a mannequin which stands outside the Wolf Bus.....it is a GREAT display and lots of visitors stop and check it out.

We have other items too--the next time you are at the Museum--stop and look at the vintage timetable display--the graphics on these timetables are beautiful. In the coming days, I'll talk about some of the other items we have on display--so you can see we are NOT JUST BUSES!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Monday, August 24, 2009

It is just a little over 2 months until our ANNUAL MEETING and Bus Day at the Museum---have you marked it off on your calendar??? Are you ready to enjoy the day exploring the Museum and having a delightful luncheon in the Rotunda? Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, October 31, 2009.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sunday, August 23, 2009

The September/October 2009 (Volume 17, Number 4) issue of VINTAGE TRUCK features a 1923 Ford TT School bus - the article is called Old Time Bussing 1923 Ford TT School Bus. It is a great article and wonderful cover shot.

We sell Vintage Truck in the Gift Shop--so check it out the next time you are there.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Saturday, August 22, 2009


Here's the rest of the Greyhound in England story--thanks to Bob Beard for sending it to me:


The British buses will have leather seats, free wi-fi and power sockets, air conditioning, complimentary newspapers and up to 20 per cent more legroom than an ordinary coach.

British transport company FirstGroup acquired the Greyhound brand when it bought its US parent company in 2007 and is now introducing it here. The first services will run from London to Portsmouth and Southampton every hour from September 14, with more routes and services to follow.


FirstGroup showed off the first of the Greyhound Scania Irizar coaches in London. They have 41 seats compared with a typical 50, promising more space and comfort.


Each of the coaches will have names based on US songs dedicated to women such as Sweet Caroline, Barbara Ann, Jolene and Peggy Sue.


Here's the caption for the picture--this bus driver was one of the drivers Greyhound sent along wtih their new bus to our Spring Fling. The distinctive bus, pictured with driver Leon Batchelor, is famous across the world, and now will be spotted in Britain.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Friday, August 21, 2009


Thanks to Bob Beard who sent me this article. All aboard the Greyhound: Iconic buses launch service in the UK by Ray Massey.

For generations they have carried America's poorest citizens - and a great many British backpackers - across the vast landscapes of the United States.
Immortalised in songs and movies, a Greyhound bus might take you from Arizona to Alabama for a few dollars.

Now, however, you can get one to Portsmouth.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Just a heads up in case you are planning on visiting the Museum next Wednesday, August 26: The Museum will be the host site for a commercial that is being filmed. The Museum will still be open during this process; however, some areas may not be availalble for periods of time during the day while filming is in progress. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

I have been telling you about some of the wonderful books we carry in the Gift Shop. I want to alert you to brand new book that will be available in October. I just thought I'd give you a heads-up on it.

It is Going the Greyhound Way: The Romance of the Road by Robert Gabrick, published by Iconografx.

It is hard to imagine an America without the Greyhound Bus. When personal transportation was in its infancy and car ownership limited, Greyhound provided fast, reliable, safe, and economical local and regional transportation for the masses. The company quickly grew in size and scope, achieving the goal of its founders-to develop a nationwide system of transportation.

Profusely illustrated with period advertisements, travel brochures, post cards, and archival photographs of depots and buses, this history of the Greyhound Bus Lines offers a unique journey through America's physical and cultural landscape.

As soon as it is available, we will be selling it in the gift shop--so plan ahead and look for it when you come to the Annual Meeting. It will be retailing for $34.95. As soon as they are in stock, I will blog about it so that those of you who might want to order it over the internet will have all the details.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Tuesday, August 18, 2009



Welcome Aboard the GM New Look Bus: An Enthusiast's Reference by John H. McKane with Gerald L. Squier is another book that we carry in the Gift Shop. The publisher is Iconografix and we carry all of their North American bus books.

The Truck & Coach Division of General Motors developed many designs that became industry standards. Arguably, the most notable design was the series known as the "New Look" bus for transit and suburban service. It first appeared in 1959, and the design was quite a radical departure from the models GM had produced since 1940. The New Look design continued in production basically unchanged for over 27 years, and didn't receive a face-lift until 1995 (that being the Classic produced in Canada). In many ways, it truly was the first ADB Advanced Design Bus. This is the story of how the New Look bus came to be, a discussion of its construction, and the many variations that comprised the New Look series.



The book is 128 pages and sells for $32.95. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can send your payment through PayPal (use our email address, thebusmuseum@yahoo.com)--and please add $5.00 for postage/handling--for a total of $37.95. Please be sure to include the title of the book with your PayPal payment. The book is also available in the Gift Shop for purchase when you visit the Museum.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Monday, August 17, 2009






The kids are getting ready to go back to school. In this part of the country (Susquenhanna Valley of PA)--the children start back BEFORE Labor Day--some the 3rd week of August....so please be careful driving and watch out for children crossing the street and getting on school buses....they are a previous commodity -- help to keep them safe!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Sunday, August 16, 2009


Even though it is not a BUS per se - this next book is about an American icon--the Taxi!



The American Taxi - A Century of Service by Ben Merkel and Chris Monier is a great addition to the Gift Shop. This introduction to the world of taxicabs photographically chronicles the evolution of the American motorized taxi from its humble beginnings as electric hansom cabs to the current gas/electric hybrid SUVs currently appearing on both coasts.


Enjoy the Taxi experience through photographs and the history of famous taxi marques, such as Yellow, General, Checker, DeSoto, Packard, Plymouth, Ford, & Studebaker - many minor companies are also represented with forgotten names like Rockwell, Five Boros, Paramount, Hupmobile and Diamond T. Also includes brief sections on contributions of John D Hertz, Morris Markin and John and James Waters.


Oddball experiments, unusual taxis, lights, meters, and taxi memorabilia are highlighted.
This book has 450 illustrations and 144 pages and sells for $34.95. Again, you can purchase it off the shelf in the Gift Shop or you can purchase it online using PayPal (www.paypal.com). Please add $5.00 shipping/handling for a total of $39.95. Please use our thebusmuseum@yahoo.com email address when paying through PayPal and be sure to include the title of the book. Thanks!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Saturday, August 15, 2009


Another one of our great Iconografix books is Buses of Motor Coach Industries 1932-2000 Photo Archive by William A. Luke & Brian Grams. This is the first and only book of its kind to cover Motor Coach Industries, one of the largest producers of motor coaches today. The company began manufacturing buses in the mid-1930s, and it has been the primary supplier of buses to Greyhound as well as many intercity bus operators. Also some were exported to South Africa, Australia, Taiwan and South America. A new luxury model was recently introduced and a new intercity model will be introduced early next year.


This book is 117 illustrations and 128 pages and sells for $29.95. Please add $5.00 for shipping/handling for a total of $34.95. You can either pick it up at the Gift Shop or purchase it online using PayPal (http://www.paypal.com/) (our address is thebusmuseum@yahoo.com). Please be sure you put the title of the book on the PayPal request.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Friday, August 14, 2009


STOP THE PRESSES! This just in! We have received our first shipment of toy buses from Horizon Hobby - they are looking great! Check them out....here is one of them - N Scale - RTR Flxible Bus, Fred Harvey/Hermit's Rest. Sells for $19.98 - available at the Gift Shop or online by using PayPal (http://www.paypal.com/) -- however, I cannot guarantee that when we receive your order, that we will still have something to fill it. If you are interested in these buses--it is best to buy it from the Gift Shop in person! They are going to move fast! We have several different destination signs. These are very finely detailed models.
OR, we can take the order and if we are out of them on the shelf, hold your paid order until we receive more stock--that is also an option. If you are ordering online, please add $5.00 shipping/handling. These are VERY nice models. Horizon Hobby worked with us to set up the account--normally they only deal with Hobby Shops who place HUGE orders--so we are lucky to have these available for sale.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Thursday, August 13, 2009

The month is just about halfway gone and great progress has been made on the the "signage" at the Museum. As I had mentioned previously, there will be a vignette out front--the retaining wall is up and stone is down (to make it easier to mow around it) and work is progressing toward the new signage. There will be a bus (as before) out there--probably the Ford Cracker Box and an antique care. Check back again for updates on this great project.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Wednesday, August 12, 2009


I had an inquiry about a Trailways badge someone found in an antique shop that said 'Missouri Pacific" so I went search on the internet for info. The National Trailways Bus System was formed on February 2, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, with five founding members, Burlington, Santa Fe, Missouri Pacific, Safeway of Illinois and Martz.

The idea for the association and the two key players were Burlington and Santa Fe. Missouri Pacific joined because they saw the other two railroad properties starting something and they didn't want to be left out. Safeway of Illinois and Martz were recruited by Burlington and Santa Fe to provide a feed from the east for their buses at Chicago.

The reason the Trailways "idea" caught on so fast is in one word, Greyhound. In the late 20's and early 30's, Motor Transit Management (Greyhound) was busy putting together a nationwide system of bus companies using the Greyhound name and the public was beginning to recognize Greyhound as a company who could take you coast to coast. While Greyhound wouldn't finish buying out the railroad interests until the late 40's and early 50's, they succeeded in getting the name out there.

Trailways was an attempt to form a non-profit operating trade association to spread a common name coast to coast with each member representing the other members as if it were his service. Worked too. Most people fail to see that the secret to making Trailways work is to lose yourself inside the association. Best example of that were the east coast carriers during the 60's-70's and 80's when all you saw on the bus was Trailways except for the certificate lettering on the baggage doors. During that period. with the exception of Continental, all the member company's buses were just marked "Trailways," Martz being the sole exception.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Tuesday, August 11, 2009




On Monday afternoon, the Martz bus arrived back at the Museum....newly refurbished and it is gorgeous. It is now again on the floor of the Museum in a climate-controlled atmosphere. Check it out the next time you are at the Museum. It is in a new spot on the floor!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Monday, August 10, 2009

I apologize for not having a post up this morning--I was to have a procedure done on my back and after being all prepped, IV in and talked to the Dr--they had scheduled the wrong procedure in the wrong building! So I will be having the nerve block next week on Thurs instead! His nurse just called and apologized! Sure glad I spoke up!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Sunday, August 9, 2009


The Board has decided another way to raise some funds is to sell some of our excess fleet. One of the first items up for sale is our TriVan.

Manufactured in 1962 by the Roustabout Company in Frackville, Pennsylvania (USA) the Trivan was a 3-wheeled lorry with a fully enclosed cab for two people. With seven years of testing, the vehicle was designed by C. Harry Payne, who was also became known as The father of the Jeep*, the originator of the military Jeep in 1939 that was used so heavily during World War II.

Roustabout built the TriVan from 1962-1964 with a Kohler 32hp two-cylinder air-cooled engine, three-speed manual transmission and air bag suspension. The Trivan had a fiberglass body attached to a heavy duty steel tube chassis and airbag suspension. All models had an open pick up type rear body with drop down sides. A fully enclosed rear body was designed for a prototype but never manufactured.


Production ceased in 1964 after 112 vehicles had been made. A number of them were purchased by East Coast Trailways affiliates.


If you are interested in more information about this vehicle, please email us at thebusmuseum@yahoo.com.


Saturday, August 8, 2009

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Recently donated to the Museum by Dan and Dolores Lehman is a GM PD 4905. This 4905 was delivered, new, to a church in Philadelphia and was never in revenue service as a line or charter coach.

Originally equipped with the standard 4-speed transmission, Dan acquired it after the church had it retrofitted with a V-730 automatic transmission. The body on it is very straight but it needs paint and a set of new seat covers.

We have sent out feelers to have someone "adopt" it and paint it into their fleet colors. Hopefully, that will include a new interior. Then we can have a "deck" to place on our floor.If you were at the Spring Fling, this bus was parked alongside the building so you got a chance to see it.

Thank you Dan and Dolores.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Friday, August 7, 2009

Our next big function at the Museum will be our Annual Meeting and Fund Raiser....and yes, I am highlighting "fund raiser" because this is what we need for our Museum to continue to be the A1 Caliber Museum that it is already. The date is set for Saturday, October 31, 2009.

The business meeting will take place in the Museum's Regions Room at 10 am so you will want to be here early! The meeting should conclude about 11:30 am. Instead of a formal dinner in the evening, we will be doing something different this year--we will be having a LUNCHEON in the Rotunda area--which overlooks the lobby and the beautiful Hershey countryside outside the huge windows. Our speaker (James JeBran, VP of Trans-Bridge Lines of Bethlehem, PA) will be presented at the Annual Meeting rather than at the meal.

Following the luncheon, will be our bus trip via a Trans-Bridge bus, of course! The day's events will conclude when the bus returns to the Museum about 6 pm. There will be plenty of time to peruse the Gift Shop--to see many NEW items! So make your plans now to join us early and for the entire day. The full day price, which includes the luncheon, chance at a door prize, favors and the bus trip, is $49.00

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Thursday, August 6, 2009


Yesterday, I talked a little about a "street scene" advertising in the front of the Museum. If you recall, a year or so ago we had our White bus out there along with a car from the Auto side of the Museum. It attracted a lot of attention--but at the same time, sitting on the grass, provided some difficulties when doing groundskeeping.

The AACA Museum is going to be doing some grading and landscaping down there to make it a more permanent type display and most likely our Lebanon Coach Co. Ford Transit will be the vehicle displayed in this area. One of the main reasons for this is that the Ford is not, and most likely, will not ever run under its own power.

It should be a very nice display.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Admissions - As of mid-July, admissions (year to date) to the AACA Museum (of which we are a part) were reported as 19,387 (which is down 1,302 from the same period last year). They are, however, starting to see more MBT members presenting their membership cards for FREE admission to the Museum.

The Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian--so as blogged about before we will be participating in the Smithsonian Museum Date on Saturday, September 26, 2009. You must go to the Smithsonian Magazine website and print a ticket if you need one for someone other than a Member.


The Yellow Book phone book ad for 2009 prominently displays the AACA Museum AND has featured a car, bus and motorcycle.

New signage and a planned "street scene" should be in place by October 1 of this year.

Automobile Quarterly Magazine is doing a piece on the AACA Museum including a segment on the MBT and our display.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Every month I get an email from ron@collectingbuzz.com -- he writes the Antiques and Collecting Newsletter which (I believe) is strickly online. We are grateful for his mention of the Museum of Bus Transportation several months ago.

Anyway, this month, he writes about THE TEXAS ROUTE 66 MUSEUM, located in McLean, Tx. The Texas Route 66 Museum features over 700 eclectic artifacts from the famous Mother Road. Included are road signs, advertising souvenirs, tourism history, a giant steer from a defunct Route 66 restaurant, an abundance of the famous rhyming Burma Shave signs, a replica of a typical '50s cafe, the huge snake from the Regal Reptile Ranch, and the Texas Route 66 Hall of Fame.

His website is http://www.collectingbuzz.com/articles.html which has lots of great articles on it. You can join his monthly email by contacting him above at his email address. Tell him you saw it on our BLOG!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Monday, August 3, 2009




Are you mechanically inclined??? Do you like to talk to people??? We are in need of volunteers both for our Fleet maintenance and for working on the floor (talking about our buses to people who visit the Museum). We have a great crew but we are always in need to more people. Do you have 4 hours to spare just once a month??? Let us know by emailing us at thebusmuseum@yahoo.com -- we would love to hear from you.




Sunday, August 2, 2009

Sunday, August 2, 2009


Another summer weekend in the Susquehanna Valley - so I thought I'd talk about another Museum that you could visit within an easy drive of the Museum of Bus Transportation. It is the Rockhill Trolley Museum located in Huntingdon County - about 1-1/2 hours from the Museum--west on the Turnpike to Fort Littleton exit (new #180) and then north approximately 1/2 hour and you have arrived.

Their collection has nine operational trolleys, including Pennsylvania's only operating open car, high-speed interurban cars, fascinating maintenance-of-way cars like a huge snowplow and a 106-year-old snow sweeper, and a Philadelphia PCC. Plus you'll see more cars being restored in their shops by our talented volunteers.

You and your family can learn how about trolleys and how your parents and grandparents got around in America, while enjoying a leisurely ride through the scenic countryside.

I know that several of our members are also members of Rockhill and volunteer there also. They have a "sister" trolley to our Johnstown Bus!


Saturday, August 1, 2009

Saturday, August 1, 2009


Here it is August already--where has the summer gone??? Have you visited the Museum over the summer? If not, let me continue my discussion about available items in the Gift Shop or online with payment through Paypal (http://www.paypal.com/).


Today, I'd like to highlight the book entitled Flxible: A History of the Bus and the Company, another of our very popular books. Written by Dr. Robert Ebert. Explore the history of Hugo Young's Flxible company from its early days to its decline. Dr. Ebert thoroughly analyzes the successes and failures of the company over the years.


The book sells for $24.95 and is available directly at the Gift Shop or you can send payment to us through PayPal (http://www.paypal.com/) (use our email address thebusmuseum@yahoo.com) and be sure you indicate the title of the book. Add $5.00 for shipping (this is a big, heavy book) - so your total would be $29.95.