FitzJohn Bus Manufacturing Company

Verlag: Massachusetts / Muskegon, Michigan, 1942

Beschreibung

An archive of material related to the bus manufacturing company FitzJohn of Muskegon, Michigan dating from 1939 to 1942, including more than 140 photographs, several folders of correspondence and office files, a half dozen blueprints, and a number of related manufacturer and supplier brochures. The material appears to have come from a Massachusetts office or a local sales representative, possibly Robert "Bob" E. Cosgrove, who is mentioned in several instances. Overall very good or better with some oxidized staples, edgewear, and creasing. The FitzJohn Company, founded by Harry Alphonse FitzJohn, built truck and bus bodies using chassis made by Ford and later REO. During World War II, FitzJohn began producing their own chassis and like companies of the time, began incorporated alternative building materials, like white ash framing and Masonite panels to conserve metal for the war effort. FitzJohn continued to produces business until it ceased operations in 1956. The most striking part of the archive are the photographs, which provide an extensive view of its line, which included several models: Falcon, Falcon Jr., Duraliner, and Cityliner. Each is pictured here, inside and out, and with various available options in upholstery and extras, such as a luggage rack or air conditioning. A majority of the images include information on the rear listing the model and basic specs. There are also more than a dozen images of the FitzJohn offices, production facilities, warehouse, and production line; one image even features a team of workers standing in front of a bus they presumable produced. The archive also includes a number of files related to the company s correspondence with customers; reports from field representatives; files related to war conservation and special status to operate during wartime; technical blue prints; and a binder with a typed list of bus operators across New England. The files also include colorful FitzJohn advertisings flyers; brochures from its many suppliers (Westinghouse Air Brakes, Midland Vacuum Power Brakes, Clark Transmission, Timken Axles, Hercules Engines, and Lorraine Driving Lights); and a fascinating brochure of the America Seating Company, showing its extensive teasing and inspection efforts, illustrated with numerous photos. A compelling archive of a now-forgotten American-produced bus company. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 546762

Bibliografische Details

Titel: FitzJohn Bus Manufacturing Company

Verlag: Massachusetts / Muskegon, Michigan

Erscheinungsdatum: 1942

Einband: Unbound

Zustand: Very Good