Friday, December 31, 2010

Blizzard of 2010 - Six of twelve (TWELVE) busses stuck on lower Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Blizzard of 2010 - New York City - Another stuck bus on Houston, this one on Chrystie St.—you can actually see it at the bottom of this traffic cam.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

This was sweet Lou Myers driving his second half of a combo near the Lincoln Tunnel in Weehawken, NJ after working a school bus trip. Photo was taken by Joe Testagrose in 1981.

Thanks to one of our bloggers for sending this.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Well, we were lucky - we stayed on the very west side of the huge East Coast storm and barely got a dusting. Stay safe out there all you East Coast people!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

There's still time to catch the show at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan---they even have a mock-up of a double-decker bus!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

May you all have a very blessed and merry Christmas. From all of us at the Museum of Bus Transportation.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Have you been naughty or nice??? A friend was at a McDonald's drive-up window in the Boston area on Tuesday--she gets up to the window to pay and the cashier says--the car in front of you paid for your meal! So she is turn paid forward and treated the car behind her--which she noted in her rear-view mirror was a car with many children! How nice is that???

Have you done an unexpected deed for someone lately? I'd like to hear about it!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Thanks to one of our blog-followers for the following pictures--taken on a recent cruise to the Bahamas--with a stopover in FL!

Pictures show the Kennedy Space Center MCI and it's interior city seats.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Only 5 days left until Christmas--and for the Susquehanna Valley --there is no "white stuff" in sight....we've had a few close calls and tomorrow may be another--but the storms seem to be sliding by south of us.

That's okay for all the last-minute shoppers! Are you done with your shopping???

Happy Holidays to all and enjoy this VERY busy week before Christmas.

Friday, December 17, 2010

As you consider gifts for the holiday, please keep the Museum of Bus Transportation in mind. You recognize that the Museum of Bus Transportation is much more than just a building. MBT is a gathering space for all those with with a love of BUSES.

As we approach the end of the year, please help the MBT, a 501(c)3 institution ensure that we continue to thrive by giving a donation today. Give through PayPal (http://www.paypal.com/) - use thebusmuseum@yahoo.com as recipient. Thank you.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Here are a few GREAT bus wraps:

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

At a time of many holiday parties--here are some neat "school bus cakes"--one from our very own Annual Meeting in 2007.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Here's a photo of a bus in the snow....doesn't look like a lot of fun!

Monday, December 13, 2010

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas--I know MANY parts of the country are covered in snow which we all associate with the Holiday Season--here's a cute bus from Panama--all decorated for the season.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Our latest exhibit is on Russell Byrd--he was an early Pickwick Coach driver and pushed for safety standards for drivers in the industry. We have his uniform and some awards he received and interesting pictures and articles on his life.

In his 1945 memoir ‘Russ's Bus: Adventures of an American Bus Driver, Russell Aaron Byrd detailed his career as an interstate motor coach pilot. Among his repeat customers were the big bands of Jimmy Dorsey, Ted FioRito, Jan Garber, Benny Goodman, Glen Gray, Phil Harris, John Scott Trotter and Rudy Vallee.

The multi-compartment Nite Coaches were well-suited for charter service. Byrd reports that a typical band of the era had eighteen members, including its leader, manager and porter. On a Columbia-built sleeper all eighteen can be put up in four of the five available compartments, with the fifth reserved for the band’s instruments and gear.

Byrd states: “The main thing is that the driver bring the band in on time at every stop, with a margin of safety.”

One related tale reveals that when he drove for the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, the bandleader typically popped into the driver’s compartment around 4 a.m. to “get his advice on things”. Byrd later learned the nightly discussions were of a more serious nature. Apparently Dorsey had read a report that revealed most early morning accidents were caused by drowsy drivers, and his 4 a.m. visits were time to keep his band members safe.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Our newest book, Motorcoach Milestones edited by Robert L. Smith, is a MUST for every bus collector. It is a book of our TIMELINES! You will want this for your collection! A unique look at the history of buses!

You can order it directly from our Gift Shop online:

www.busmuseum.org/GiftShop.html

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Our new CAPS and VISORS make GREAT holiday gifts .... check them out. They are really nice looking with the blue bill on the cap.

http://www.busmuseum.com/GiftShop.html

And don't forget to visit our webpage: www.busmuseum.org.

Monday, December 6, 2010

ONLY 19 days left until Christmas! Have you ordered your BUS items yet??? Checkout our latest and greatest:

http://www.busmuseum.org/Gift%20Shop2.html

We have some GREAT HO scale buses....check them out! Make great stocking stuffers.

Don't forget to checkout our website: http://www.busmuseum.org/ or see us on FACEBOOK (just search Bus Museum).

Saturday, December 4, 2010

As a follow-up to our Negro League Baseball display, a member sent me this:

Earlier this year Hinchliffe Stadium was named the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places; it's vacant, dilapitated, and one of only three remaining Negro League stadiums in the country. In 1933, the New York Black Yankees started playing home games there, and continued to for a decade. Paterson voters approved a ballot initiative to renovate the stadium, and currently money is being raised to restore and rebuild it—if that happens, the public school system would use it, as well as the community (for concerts, and other entertainment reasons).

Friday, December 3, 2010

Please note that the Museum will be closed on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, as it has been rented out for a private function.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Congratulations Gray Line!

It's Hats Off as AAA Recognizes Gray Line's 100 Years of Excellence

DENVER, Colorado -November 29, 2010- As year 2010 quickly approaches a memorable closing for Gray Line, AAA once again recognizes the company's century-long commitment to serving the travel community with unique, local sightseeing experiences. The two companies have maintained a dynamic partnership providing customers with the best in travel and sightseeing opportunities.

"As the nation's largest leisure travel organization, AAA is committed to providing members with outstanding vacation experiences, including preferred discounts and exclusive benefits on Gray Line one day tours worldwide," said Bruce Ream, Managing Director, AAA Partnership Programs. "AAA is pleased to recognize our valued partner for excellence on their 100th anniversary."

During the Gray Line centennial celebration in August 2010, AAA presented Gray Line members with a crystal obelisk commemorating 100 years of business, while respectively acknowledging a 13-year partnership.

Today, AAA and Gray Line work closely to provide customers with premium travel excursions that offer exclusive savings. AAA members that utilize the Show Your Card & Save program are entitled to a ten percent discount on daily sightseeing tours when booking via www.grayline.com/aaa.

Gray Line looks forward to many great years to come as an official AAA Partner.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

A bus friend sent me a link to the Crown Bus Company--here's some of the info on that bus:

Crown Coach Corporation was California’s specialty builder of school buses and other specialty coaches. Crown called their masterpiece the Crown Supercoach.

Crown completed their first bus in 1932. An all metal body with safety glass windows. It was rectangular in appearance. The cost of such units was very high during the Depression time, so in 1935 Crown brought out some school bus bodies on a commercial truck chassis These were called Metropolitans or Metros for short. It had simple bodies on a commercial truck chassis.
The same year Crown put out a larger and stronger model it was manufactured more than the 1932 model, now known as the Crown Supercoach, it had air brakes and carried 76 elementary students and 67 high school students.

Crown made the first underfloor engine school bus in 1937. The seating capacity increased to 79 students it was the largest school bus of that time. The engine was moved to the rear in 1940, with altered body work allowing two emergency exits and more headroom. In 1947, the school buses changed back to underfloor engines. In 1950 Crown changed some body features to a more rounded shape which adds extra strength, the resulting appearance was almost unchanged except for window sizes for the next forty years.

All Crown vehicles had gasoline engines until 1954 when the engines changed to diesel engines.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Hope you all survived the Thanksgiving weekend--as you can see--I took an extra day!

It is not too late to get one of those great MBT caps or visors for your bus-nut for the holidays...just visit http://www.busmuseum.org/GiftShop.html.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hope you all have a super day and if you are traveling, hope you have safe travel and enjoy your family and friends gatherings!

The Museum is closed today but will reopen tomorrow at 9 am!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

READ THIS BEFORE YOU DO ANY HOLIDAY SHOPPING!
Please make every gift count this holiday season. You can find coupons at more than 1,600 top stores (including Amazon, Macy's, J.Crew, Toys R Us, Best Buy, Gap and more) AND a percentage of virtually every sale will be donated to "The Museum of Bus Transportation".

Just go to GoodShop.com, designate us as the cause you support and then click over to your favorite store and shop away!

Or, add our toolbar to your browser at http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar - and your purchases will earn a donation for us even if you forget to go to GoodShop first!

There's no easier way to support us this holiday season! Please spread the word.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Only 33 days until Christmas--had you checked out our new items in the GIFT SHOP online? If not--click on the link here to order your items for Christmas delivery!

http://www.busmuseum.org/GiftShop.html

And, don't forget to visit us on Facebook and our website: www.busmuseum.org.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

School Bus (continued):

The school bus remains the safest form of surface transportation in the United States. It is far safer than the automobile, truck, public bus, or train. School buses are designed and manufactured specifically for the safety and protection of pupil passengers. Manufacturers must conform to a host of federal standards and certify that each school bus meets all federal and state standards.

The school bus is made up of a straight-body truck chassis with a school bus body mounted on two I-beams. Each area of the school bus body is constructed of a skeletal system beneath the finish and trim elements. The framing elements are heavygauge steel collision beams covered by heavy-gauge steel plates. Emergency personnel have to be specially trained in extrication due to this skeletal framework and the safety cushion built around the pupils.

Don't forget to visit our home page: http://www.busmuseum.org/ or join us on Facebook.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Red Lion Bus Lines: Cigar (si gar’), n. a cylindrical roll of tobacco leaves cured for smoking.

Why would a bus company history begin with the definition of a cigar? In 1939, in the small central Pennsylvania town of Red Lion many area farmers grew tobacco. A bus was used to transport workers to and from the many local cigar-making enterprises. It worked! In an age when few people owned cars, potential customers were quick to realize the benefits of this service, and the Red Lion Bus Company was born.

In the early 1940s, a new service started transporting students to Red Lion Schools. Students paid their own way, purchasing a monthly ticket. In 1946 the school district started paying for student transportation. In the late 1940s, school districts started consolidating and the company's growth in school bus operations flourished as consolidation continued.

In the 1950s, the company began to offer charter service and motorcoaches were added to the fleet. In 1964, the World's Fair in New York City provided a major attraction destination for tours. In the 1970s, the energy crisis led to the popularity of motorcoach tours and group charters. People were looking for alternatives to the car for vacations and recreational travel. And Red Lion Bus was there to help. Additionally, it acquired three school bus companies in the 1970s and 1980s. Meeting the demands of growth demanded larger facilities and so a new complex was completed in 1978, the current location of the company today at 110 East Walnut Street, Red Lion, Pennsylvania. Two satellite locations are also used as bases for school bus operations in York County. These are located at Stewartstown and Delroy. The company has contracts with four school districts to provide student transportation services.

In 1982, Red Lion Tours, Inc. was established to specialize in escorted motorcoach tours and tours for groups. Within a few years, this role expanded to also include a full-service travel agency. In 1985, Ridgeway Tours of Lancaster was acquired and today Red Lion Tours is known by the business name of Red Lion Tours & Travel, reflecting its role in providing a broad range of tour and travel services, including worldwide travel in addition to motorcoach travel throughout the USA and Canada. Today the team consists of approximately 185 employees, a fleet of 18 motorcoaches, 110 school buses, 16 service trucks, vans, and other company vehicles.

Don't forget to visit our home page: http://www.busmuseum.org/ or join us on Facebook.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

In 1923, Branston Shoup purchased the Middlebury Bus Line, which consisted of a five-passenger Model T touring car just big enough to service a route between the towns of Middlebury and Goshen, Indiana. Shoup expanded the business soon after to include service to the tiny villages of Shipshewana and Topeka.

Rail service, which was an important link between towns in those days, had been cut back, so there was plenty of demand for Shoup's service. His passengers consisted of small-town and rural citizens, and particularly members of the region's Amish population.

The service expanded over the years, with the addition of other vehicles and eventually additional charter bus services that include bus trips to Chicago and other popular destinations. Shoup's son John grew up in the business, driving buses as early as age 15 and learning everything about their repair and maintenance.

Upon Branston's death in 1953, John Shoup took over the bus company. In 1954, he and his wife Margaret expanded into the charter bus business with the purchase of Cardinal Buses.

Don't forget to visit our home page: http://www.busmuseum.org or join us on Facebook.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

On Monday November 15, 4 members covered the Williamsburg bus, Harran bus, & MC5 Bel Air with 40' covers designed for Recreation Vehicles. 2 buses were moved off the dirt and put on concrete to prevent ground moisture from causing rust on the undercarriage and various lines. The rest of the fleet parked outside is on a stone base. The battery was removed from the Harran to prevent freezing and some buses were started and run to give batteries a full charge before freezing weather sets in. The 4905 was moved to the front of the lot with plans for repair of the power steering hose. Also, plans are to move the CAT bus to indoor storage for the winter. The annex was cleaned and about half the grass was cut and weed whacking done. There was some cleaning and organizing of the storage trailers.

Previously, in late October, the annex was prepped for winter with all water lines drained.

Don't forget to visit our home page: http://www.busmuseum.org or join us on Facebook.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

School Buses: In 1950, 7 million children were transported in 115,000 school buses. Fifty years later, 448,307 school buses transported 22,675,116 children more than 3,788,427,941 miles to and from public schools. Many of these were pupils with special needs. It is not known how many nonpublic school children are transported or how many school buses are used to transport them.

Public school transportation costs approximately $500 per year per pupil. Only Pennsylvania transports all school children at state expense. The fifty states spent $11,746,576,005 for the 1999–2000 school year, which included expenditures for transportation and capital outlay to purchase new or replacement school buses.

Don't forget to visit our home page: http://www.busmuseum.org or join us on Facebook.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Wow--the month is half over! Where has the time gone?

I was perusing the web as I often do looking for info to post here on our blog or on our Facebook page that might be of interest to our readers.

On the Trailways page--I found an interesting link at the bottom of the page--you can go look for yourself--hint....we got a GREAT PLUG! Thanks Trailways:

http://www.trailways.com/history/index.asp

Don't forget to checkout our webpage: www.busmuseum.org

Saturday, November 13, 2010

It is NOT too early to do some Holiday Shopping. Christmas is only 42 days away!

The Museum's Gift Shop has some GREAT stocking stuffers and other gifts for the "bus" person in your life.....checkout our Caps and Visors, mugs, glasses, flashlights or our new HO buses.

http://www.busmuseum.org/GiftShop.html

Don't forget to visit our webpage: http://www.busmuseum.org or search for us on Facebook!

Friday, November 12, 2010

I was scouring the internet and came across this great pic of a Flxible on tour in Loudonville, OH, this July 2010.

Don't forget to visit our home page: http://www.busmuseum.org

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Happy Veterans Day everyone. FREE admission for Veterans and active duty Military all day today! Thank you for all you have done for our country.

Don't forget to visit our webpage: http://www.busmuseum.org

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Only 45 days until Christmas! Have you done your shopping--I actually have mine ALL DONE!!! Yippee, now I can enjoy the holidays.

The Museum of Bus Transportation has some GREAT gifts for the bus fan in your life. Checkout our Gift Shop Webpage at: http://www.busmuseum.org/GiftShop.html.

You won't be disappointed.

You can also visit the Gift Shop in person and purchase any of the items right from the store.

Don't forget to visit our home page: http://www.busmuseum.org

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

My Dad would have been 100 today! Happy Birthday, Dad!

Have you thought about your Dad today??? Was he in the bus industry??? Do you have a story to share. If so--please email us and I'll put it in the blog.

My Dad was a Nassau County, NY, Police Lieutenant--on the force for 37 years! And I was very proud of him. Just felt like reminiscing some today.....thanks for listening.

Don't forget to visit our home page: http://www.busmuseum.org

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Start your holiday shopping at the MBT Gift Shop - checkout all the new items--hats/visors and HO bus models!

Just go to:

www.busmuseum.org/GiftShop.html

Friday, November 5, 2010

Hopefully everyone at the Annual Meeting had a chance to board the gorgeous Peter Pan bus they brought--here are some great pics of it!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

As usual, we had some beautiful fall decorations for our tables at the luncheon of meat loaf, mashed potatoes, salad, green beans, rolls and carrot or chocolate cake for dessert.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

For those of you who may not be following us on Facebook (where I announced the elections to the Board of Directors)--here are the results:

The following were elected to the BOD: Jot Bennet, Clarence Cornell, Tom Collins, Walter Earl, Elaine Farrell, Dino Mandros, Sharon and Oliver Ogden.

Actually - we have 850 followers on Facebook--if you aren't already a member of Facebook--why not join--if you are a member and are not following us--just search - Museum of Bus Transportation.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Here's another picture from the Annual Meeting - Joe Mahawash receiving a plaque for G-572 bus from the New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center that has been on display at the Museum. Thanks guys! Everyone loved the bus.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Wow, November 1st--where has the year gone???

Here are a few more pictures from our Annual Meeting--Peter Pan representatives gave a GREAT presentation about their company--I never realized how big they actually are!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!

We had a fantastic day yesterday for our Annual Meeting with about 60 people in attendance.

Today is the close our our buses and baseball exhibit - The Buses of the Negro Leagues Baseball Teams and the Buses of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. We will have an encore presentation (promised to be bigger and better) starting next June 1 in time for our Spring Fling!

Here's a few pictures from the Annual Meeting. I'll post more as the week goes on--we had a great presentation by Peter Pan Buses....more of those pictures later in the week also.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

We hope most of you are joining us today for our Annual Meeting and Luncheon--it will be a busy day at the Museum--hope to see you there--be sure to say hello!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Only 3 days left until our Annual Meeting and Luncheon--will we be seeing you there???

We will be having a silent auction and our ever-favorite "surprise bag" raffle--this year I'm calling it the "Brown Bag Raffle"--come and join the fun! Saturday, October 30, 2010 - you can sign up at the door if you haven't already pre-registered.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Have you got an extra $1.2 MILLION hanging around that you don't know what to do with??? Well--look at this--I found a Futurliner for sale:

1939 GM FUTURLINER - ONE OF ONLY 12 MADE, The Futurliner is 33’ long, 8’ wide, 11’-7" tall vehicle with a whopping 248" wheelbase. An unusual feature of the Futurliner is its dual (side by side) front wheels. Each wheel has its own set of brakes, brake drums and bearings. The driver's eyes are 10 feet above road level. He has a single seat which is located at the front center of the compartment. The driver's area is intended to feel like a cockpit similar to the fighter planes of the era.

Monday, October 25, 2010

In 1914, Carl Eric Wickman, a miner, was trying to sell the Hupmobile, a 7-passenger auto, to citizens of the Mesabi Iron Ore Range in Minnesota. A failure as a salesman, Wickman used the Hupmobile to open a bus line, carrying passengers between the towns of Hibbing and Alice, a 2-mi. journey.

The bus was so popular that Wickman bought more autos and added 3 extra seats to each one. The long, sleek appearance of the "expanded" buses plus their gray color caused someone to remark that they looked "just like greyhounds streaking by." From then on, Wickman used the slogan, "Ride the Greyhounds."

Saturday, October 23, 2010

One week from today is our Annual Meeting and Luncheon--have you made your reservations??? Don't miss out on "Bus Day" at the Museum.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Have you seen the Buses in Baseball (All American Girls Professional Baseball League and Negro Leagues Baseball) exhibit??? If not, you have just a little over a week to catch it before it is taken down. Hopefully, we will have an even better display with this theme next June!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Unfortunately, due to her health, Lois "Tommie" Barker will not be able to join us on Saturday for her scheduled autograph signing. Get well soon, Tommie--we will miss you!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

We did manage to fit in an extra bus and the buses are a little tight--but it saves one from being out in the weather.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Because it was raining when we brought the buses back in--they ALL had to be wiped down--so as we were putting them in place--another crew was trying to dry them off. As you can see--the longer buses are much harder to maneuver around! The picture on the right is the newly refurbished CHECKER!

Monday, October 18, 2010

STOP THE PRESSES - we had another reporter at the Museum yesterday for the Buses of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League - here's the link to the Lebanon Daily News article: http://www.ldnews.com/sports/ci_16363478

Here are more pictures from the move--we had a crew of about 15 people--which really helped....many Bus Museum volunteers--and several AACA Car Museum people....thank you to everyone who stayed until the wee hours of Thursday morning!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Here are a few more of our "move-in" pictures--in no particular order--randomly selected from the 165 photos I took. I hope to find time to put them on a DVD as I did last year--perhaps this year I'll have the DVD for sale (with proceeds going to the Museum)--I'll keep you posted.