Williamsport Transportation Co. 42

Yellow Coach Manufacturing Company was formed in 1923, initially a subsidiary of Yellow Cab Company. General Motors acquired a controlling interest in 1925 and renamed the company Yellow Truck and Coach, although it was commonly still termed “Yellow Coach.” Yellow Coach merged into General Motors in 1943. During 1923-1943, Yellow Coach was a major bus producer both for long distance carriers as well as transit systems that were converting fleets from streetcars to buses. In 1931, Yellow began producing its 700 series buses with flat fronts and transverse rear engines which was an innovation at the time. Yellow’s model 717 had a gasoline engine, while other 700 series models had diesel engines. Williamsport, PA began replacing its streetcars with buses in the 1920s. Williamsport Transportation Company, a subsidiary of the Williamsport Railways (the trolley operator), ran the bus service. The final streetcar ran in 1933. A.R. Bush acquired control of the Williamsport Transportation Company in 1933 and acquired eight Yellow Coach model 711 buses and one model 717 (No. 42) in 1933-1934 to fully replace the streetcars. Both models carried 30 passengers. In 1955, under new ownership, the company name changed to Williamsport Bus Company. Later, at an unknown date, Dorney Park in Allentown, PA, acquired and operated No. 42. The amusement park applied its advertising phrase, “The Natural Spot,” lettering to the bus. In 1990, Thomas C. Van Degrift, acquired No. 42 and moved it to his home at Owosso, Michigan. When Mr. Van Degrift died in 1996, his son donated the bus to Seashore.