uarterly - Rutland Historical Society
Transcription
uarterly - Rutland Historical Society
RUTLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY ~uarterly VOLUME XVI 1986 NO. 4 ANTIQUE TRUCKS A Different Kind of Horse-Power J . Jankowsk i A line crew of the Rutland Railway Light and Power Company. Photograph taken in June 1909. From Left: Frank Sullivan, Patrick Dunn and Dan Bruten Antique Trucks By David G. Zsido" The Early Trucks At the turn of the century horse-drawn wagons were still a common sight in the Rutland area. However, that period also marked the beginning of the era of motorized trucks in America. It was the beginning of a technology, which has resulted in the national dependence on the motorized freight carriers that have been operating for over one-half of a century. To a large extent the very early trucks greatly res em bled the horse-drawit wagons, which they were replacing. In fact, some of these early trucks became know as "high wheelers". This transposition became apparent in Rutland, as the Rutland Railway Light & Power Company's horse and wagon shown on the cover, was eventually replaced with a high wheeled truck. The two photographs show the power company's crews with that truck in 1912 and then in 1913. The truck is a Little Giant. It was powered by a 20 horsepower motor. The truck shows the characteristic features of early truck design: a small engine compartment located under the seat, large wooden spoke wheels capped with solid rubber, a fully exposed cab, and generally the physical appearance of a wagon. Although not visible in the photograph, it was probably driven by chains. The first truck manufactured in America was probably developed around 1899. Many truck manufacturers came into existence between 1899 and 1905. Several of these manufacturers remain as common names today even though some have undergone reorganization, and some have gone out of business entirely. These truck manufacturers include the Autocar, White, Mack, GMC, Reo, Studebaker, and Ford. At one point, prior to 1915, there were over 4.50 manufacturers of trucks in the United States. It wasn't until 1917 that pneumatic tires were developed for use on the large trucks. Rutland Railway Light & Power nan (driver), Sim Caton, Charles Thornton, unidentified, Harry Soul Murphy and Dan Bruten "C" Cab Style During the mid-teens to mid-twenties the "C" cab style became popular with many truck manufacturers. A greater emphasis was seemingly directed toward the operator's comfort. Many of the early "C" cabs afforded nothing more than an overhead cover, as they were fully open to the front and sides. Eventually, windshields and doors large enough to close-in the cab were installed. Around 1919 the Vermont Marble Company acquired an "AC" Mack Bulldog dump truck. The 1919 postcard of that truck typifies the open "C" cab configura tion. While far more comfort was built into this style than the "high wheelers", it still had its drawbacks. Trucks of that vintage, while affording a great deal of adventure, still left much to be desired. Jack Grace recalls operating that par ticular truck. ~ Author David G. Zsido was born in Proctor, Vermont. He is a graduate of Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Norwich University. He is employed by the Central Vermont Public Service as director of property taxes and risk management. Mr. Zsido is a member of the Rutland Historical Society and a past secretary of the board. 46 Rutland Railway Light & Pow~ left: Walter Hack, unidentified, (driver), Roxy Fox, and Pat Hann, leks ido * ns were still a common sight in the ~ ked the beginning of the era of inning of a technology, which has Dtorized freight carriers that have '''' atly resem bled the horse-dra WI. me of these early trucks became ca me apparent in Rutland, as the se and wagon shown on the cover, r uck. The two photographs show 912 and then in 1913 . The truck is a motor. s of early truck design: a sm all rge wooden spoke wheels capped rally the physical appearance of a t wa s probably driven by chains. probably developed around 1899. between 1899 and 1905. Several of .-:S tod ay even though some have e out of business entirely. These :e. Mack, GMC, Reo, Studebaker, \'er 450 manufacturers of trucks .eumatic tires were developed for Rutland Railway Light & Power Company, 8 August 1912. From left: Ed Tier nan (driver), Sim Caton, Charles Mumford, Walter Weinle, Abe Weinle, Henry Thornton, unidentified, Harry SouJia, unidentified, Hugh Parry, Bill Hogan, Bill Murphy and Dan Bruten cab style became popular with a s see mingly directed toward .ibs afforded nothing more than '~,e fronl and sides. Eventually, ab were in sta ll ed. 5l"adu ate of Mount by the Central sk man agement. Mr. past secretary of the -p~yed Rutland Railway Light & Power Company, "Little Truck", 1913. Crew from left: Walter Hack, unidentified, Walter Carrigan, Frank Suillivan, Ed Kelley (driver), Roxy Fox, and Pat Hannon 47 ONE OF THE FIRST VERMONT MACK TRUCKS Jack Grace of West Woodstock, Vermont, can lay claim to a distinction, which could nearly be impossible for anyone to refute. He believes that he is, if not the first operator of a Mack Truck in Vermont, at least one of the first. To support him with his claim, Jack has a picture postcard taken of him in 1919 with an AC Bulldog Mack dump truck in the village of Proctor, Vermont. Back in those days Jack was employed by the Vermont Marble Company, which owned the truck. He recalls that the company bought him a bus ticket to Albany, New York, where the truck was purchased (possibly Albany Mack, Inc.). The Marble Company also gave him a check to close the deal. So, he traveled to Albany, acquired the truck, and drove it back to Proctor. Jack was 19 years old at the time. He went on to operate the truck for a number of years. Ultimately, he did other work for the Marble Company and lost track of the Mack. However, during the years that he operated the truck, Jack had experienced more situations and has retained more memories than you might expect. Prin cipally, he hauled sand and gravel for the Marble Company's use. The marble in dustry was the principal industrial mainstay of the Vermont economy in those days. The truck circulated throughout the Marble Company's operating locations, hauling its payload, from Proctor to Center Rutland to West Rutland to Mid dlebury. Jack would average about six or seven loads a day when he hauled gravel from the Center Rutland pit to Proctor some five miles away. As he pointed out, "There wasn't a power shovel in those days. When I pulled into the pit, a gang of workers would load the dump body with hand shovels." This being a time-consuming ef fort, on many occasions Jack would have to pitch in and help with the shoveling. Then he would hop back into the cab and head for Proctor with the old Mack "do ing at least 25 mph easily". On another occasion, Jack was headed from Middlebury back to the Proctor area. Some town officials refused to let him cross a bridge over a river. So he swung the Mack down the bank and began to ford the river. "About halfway across, the chain on one side broke," he recalled. Being late in the day, he had to leave the Mack in the river overnight. The next day Jack stripped" down to his shorts" and sat in the river "mending the chain". "I could tell you many stories ... many you may not want to hear," he continued. Jack is a remarkable individual, who is approaching his 87th birthday. He was born on 11 March 1900, in the small village of Salisbury, Vermont. He is a veteran of World War 1. In addition to working for the Marble Company for many years, he also served as a police officer in Rutland for a period of time. He retired from the Vermont State Liquor Department in 1963. However, Jack has been kept busy maintaining his home and two acres of land in West Woodstock. He also does caretaking for some other property owners. On 29 September 1984, that 1919 photographic postcard setting was restaged with Jack. The endeavor was coordinated by Allen Buswell of the Green Mountain Heavy Haulers Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society. It was also made possible by Ed Fabian's Heavy Hauling and the Vermont Marble Company. Ed and Linda Fabian supplied a 1982 R Model Mack Tractor Trailer. The Ver mont Marble Company provided a 20-ton plus, block of Danby white marble. The Mack with its marble ayload was parked on the exact spot where its ancestor, the Bulldog dump, een photographed over 65 years prior. Jack hopped onto the running board to pose with the more contemporary Mack in commemorating this significant anniversary. 48 Jack Grace on the running boaJ Proctor, 1919. This Mack was reg serial number of 580-91D. The fad« As Jack looked around the once tion enshrouded with brush and pointed out. "The last time I was store for a piece of salt pork and a As he pulled his corn cob pipe know, I don't feel over sixty, but a heck out of you, I often thought U I'd walk." To meet Jack, you WOl almost 85 at the time. So, with the photographs haviJ memorated, Jack climbed into tI fired up the diesel, and the Mac marble yard to deliver the block first Vermont Mack Trucks wa: material for the Vermont MarblE first time. ;KS .n lay claim to a distinction, which e. He believes that he is, if not the ~ast one of the first. To support him taken of him in 1919 with an AC lor , Vermont. the Vermont Marble Company, mpany bought him a bus ticket to lsed (possibly Albany Mack, Inc.). D close the deal. So, he traveled to o Proctor . J ack was 19 years old at i number of years. Ultimately, he t trackofthe Mack. I the truck, Jack had experienced r ies than you might expect. Prin )Ie Company's use. The marble in of the Vermont economy in those Ile Company's operating locations, Rutland to West Rutland to Mid I ~ d ay when he hauled gravelfr om !s aw ay . As he pointed out, " There led into the pit, a gang of workers T his being a time-consuming ef !ch in and help with the shoveling. lOT Proctor with the old Mack "do ..1iddlebury back to the Proctor oss a bridge over a river. So he ford the river. "About halfway . Being late in the day, he had to day J ack stripped" down to his ~ not want to hear," he continued . nthing his 87th birthday. He was ,. bury, Vermont. He is a veteran 4.rble Com pany for many years, a period of time. He retired from ever , Ja ck has been kept busy .est Woodstock. He also does . tcard setting was restaged B!lS·... ell of t he Green Mountain :s tonc al Soc iety. It was a Iso -£-rmont Marble Company. ractor Trailer. The Ver..L Danby white marble. The ~ £>l..:.ct spot where its ancestor, ~- y , e;"i~ 5 prior. Jack hopped onto ack in commemorating ~. Jack Grace Jack Grace on th e runni ng board of the Bulldog... west of the Marble Bridge in Proctor, 1919. This Mack was registered in 1919 as a 40 horse-power truck with a serial number of 580-91D. The faded registration number was 21123. As Jack looked around t he once familiar setting, he saw a marble block founda tion enshrouded with brush and trees . "That's where Ackley's Store was," he pointed out. "The last tim e I was here , I had stepped on a nail. I went over to the store for a piece of salt pork and a bandage for the puncture," he recalled. As he pulled his corn cob pipe from his jacket pocket, Jack remarked, " You know, I don't feel over sixty, but after driving that Bulldog, which would shake the heck out of you, I often thought that by being so rattled, I'd begin to squeak when I'd walk." To meet Jack, you would have to agree it is hard to believe that he was almost 85 at the time . So, with the photographs having been taken and the anniversary justly com memorated, Jack climbed into the co-pilot's seat of Fabian's R Model Mack. Ed fired up the diesel, and the Mack pulled over the slight incline, headed for the marble yard to deliver the block of Vermont marble. The operator of one of the first Vermont Mack Trucks was once again in the cab of a Mack, delivering material for the Vermont Marble Company, 65 years after he had done so for the first time. 49 D. ZSido Jack Grace poses with a newer Mack truck... 29 September 1984. A Linn truck is teamed up witb tractor trailer up a steep grade 8 1 Public Service Corporation was Photograph made 29 March 1941. Off· Road Construction Truck s P erhaps a notewor thy exa m ple of off-road construction trucks was the Linn truck. Named afte r its develop er , Holman H. Linn of Morris , New York, the first Linn truck wa s p r oduced in 1917 . It was unmistakably unique in appearance with a distinctive cab de sign, in addition to t he fact tha t it was tra ck driven. The trac tion provided by the rear trac ks m a de these trucks id eally suited for use in dif ficult terrain and during snow conditions. When the Rutland Railway Light & P ower Comp any was rebuilding the head wall of the Chittenden Dam , a pair of Linn trucks wa s used to haul earth for the project. The photograph, taken on 6 De ce m ber 1928, sh ows the two Linns working in conj unc tion with a bulldozer . It is unlikely tha t m any Linn were seen operating in the Rutland area, since during the approxima te 35-year history of the Linn truck manufacturing, only a tota l of about 2500 units were produced. Moreover, according to rec ords fro m the Linn factory, a 1936 report indicated that through that date, only 12 trucks had been sold to owners in Vermont. Of the 12 trucks, four were sold to com panies withi n the original charter of Rutland. The Vermont Marble Company in P roctor had two Lin ns: the first , serial number 681, a 25-D model ; the second, serial Dum ber 1211 , a 6-28-D model. The Clarendon Mar ble Company of West Rutland h ad a 6-26-E model with a serial number 1108. Finally, the Sandrex Engineering Company of Rutland ow ned Linn num ber 1457, which was a 6-28-D model. Pair of Linn trucks hauling I 50 D. Isida D. Isida 'ruck .. . 29 September 1984. A Linn truck is teamed up with a McCormick-Deering bulldozer in pulling a tractor trailer up a steep grade at Grandpa 's Knob where the Central Vermont Public Service Corporation was building a wind-powered generating facility. Photograph made 29 March 1941. construction trucks was the Linn Linn of Morris, New York, the first kably uni que in appearance with that it was track driven. The trac :rucks ideally suited for use in dif : ompany was rebuilding the head ,,('ks was used to ha ul earth for the 28, shows the two Linns working .Ja: m any Linn were seen operating ale 3S-year history of the Linn its were prod uced. I factory. a 1936 report indicated sold to own ers in Vermont. Of the eo original charter of Rutland . The Lions : the first , serial num ber 681, ~-2B-D model. The Clarendon Mar odel with a serial number 1108. , Rutland owned Linn num ber 1457, J.D . Graham (C.V.PS.l Pair of Linn trucks hauling dirt at Chittenden Dam, 8 December 1928. 51 ··l'lAr:-;' OJ... . FH;~:. PHOC-rOR~ According to "The Vermont Ward was described as a rna detail". It goes on to state tha truck (in business) in Rutland State of Vermont." His comm trucks can best be measured b ing with just a single truck in 11 more than 20 trucks and buses. ,"'T. Feb. 26,1'319, The Linn Manufaoturing eorporetlon, ~orrls. The bus service, which he b Incorporated. As in his freigh business as well. Soon he e.ll Bennington and Bellows Fall! White Truck dealership was kl likewise operated the only pl vertised as "fireproof stora~ located at 129 Strongs Avenue. 1!. Y. Gentlemen: Wl11you ~lee~e ~11 us copy oZ your t~~otor oat.log marklld for "lie attention of llr. G. H, DavIa, Gen6:fal 3uperlntena.ent. YOtlrll truly. It is somewhat amazing that same types of businesses, whi< Today the expanded building agent for North American Va: mont Transit Line's buses. VERlWNT IoIA.RBLE COllPAHY 4.~~ ---. HLS/.l{ Pur • .i:lept. O. Zsido Although Vermont Marble Company did not purchase Linn trucks for some years thereafter, this letter clearly indicates that the company was interested in Linn trucks as early as 1919. Rutland, Vermont's First Motor Company The first motor truck freight service came to the second largest city in Vermont during 1916. Arthur Franklin Ward moved from his hometown of Pittsford. and brought with him a firm belief and commitment concerning the future potential of trucks in the freight business. That year he acquired his first truck, which was a 27 horsepower Federal (Serial No. 23660-C). Initially he conducted business from his residence on 57 Jackson Avenue. However. he later moved the business to 129 Strongs Avenue. In the early days he had a small variety of trucks as shown in the accompanying photographs. These included the Federal, a Garford, and some unidentified truck. As he expanded his business enterprises. he did. among other things, take on the dealership in Rutland for White Trucks. Therefore, in the following years his truck fleet was comprised mostly of White Trucks. 52 Arthur Ward is shown with. on 24 August 1891 in Pittsford, the 27 horsepower Federal tro of23660-C. According to "The Vermont of Today", which was published in 1929, Arthur F. Ward was described as a man of "unremitting toil and undivided attention to detail". It goes on to state that "Mr. Ward was the first man to utilize a motor truck (in business) in Rutland, and was a pioneer of the moving business in the State of Vermont." His commitment and dedication to his belief in the utility of trucks can best be measured by the business growth he experienced. After start ing with just a single truck in 1916, in a period of 12 years his fleet was expanded to more than 20 trucks and buses. _IP __\...'··Y ~: j<jCI The bus service, which he began in Rutland, was known as Ward's Bus Lines, Incorporated. As in his freight business, he naturally used White chassis in this business as well. Soon he expanded his bus service to include the towns of Bennington and Bellows Falls, Vermont. It should also be pointed out that the White Truck dealership was known as A.F. Ward Sales and Service Company. He likewise operated the only public warehouse in Rutland, which was then ad vertised as "fireproof storage", called the Ward Warehouse. This too, was located at 129 Strongs Avenue. tl"bctor E. Davis, Gene;el It is somewhat amazing that 129 Strongs Avenue in Rutland is used today for the same types of businesses, which Arthur F. Ward initiated there over 65 years ago . Today the expanded building is the home of Wilson Moving and Storage , local agent for North American Van Lines, Incorporated. It is also the depot for Ver mont Transit Line's buses. _ lLlEll!3 COLIP ANY -4 · ~/~ ....., Pur. .iJep t. D . Zsido ~ purchase Linn trucks for some at the company was interested in 'loe second largest city in Vermont is hometown of Pittsford, and oD cerning the future potential of ed hi s first truck, which was a !sidence on 57 Jackson Avenue. gs Avenue. In the early days he :companying photographs. These tontified truck. As he expanded his "ll gS , take on the dealership in ..()v, ing years his truck fleet was Arthur Ward is shown with his first truck, a 1916c Federal. Mr. Ward was born on 24 August 1891 in Pittsford, and died on 9 March 1982. This photograph showing the 27 horsepower Federal truck was taken in 1918. The truck had a serial number of 23660-C. 53 ARTHUR FRANKLIN WARD Although beginning life as a farm worker near Pittsford, Arthur Franklin Ward, president and manager of the Ward's Motor Trucking, Incorporated, and the Ward's Bus Lines, Incorporated, has become one of the most prominent figures in motor transportation in this section of Vermont, where he was the first to use a motor truck in the conduct of his business. While his first connection with transportation was confined to trucking, he later obtained franchises in Rutland and nearby cities and now (1928) operates an extensive bus service. While. perhaps, his most important connections are with the Ward's Motor Trucking and the Ward's Bus Lines, he has other business affiliations, including the agency for a line of well·known trucks and the conduct of the only fireproof warehouse in this city. His business, of course, brought him into close contact with public affairs and civic improvement, and he has been a figure of import in various projects and organizations working toward this end. Mr. Ward was born August 24, 1891, at Pittsford, Vermont, son of Frank and Emma (Baker) Ward. His schooling was confined to those courses prescribed by the public schools at Pittsford, but has oftentimes been demonstrated, higher education is not always necessary for success, and Mr. Ward's career is living proof of this. After completing his public school education he became a farm worker near Pittsford, but soon decided that he was not fitted for this work and obtained a position as a clerk in a Pittsford store. Later, in 1916, he removed to Rutland, and his keen foresight enabled him to realize that success lay in the motor transportation industry. After coming to Rutland he laid the foundation for the present trucking enterprise, possessing only one truck at the time. His judg ment has proved sound, for now (1928) the company which he founded owns twen ty trucks and buses. Mr. Ward was the first man to utilize a motor truck in Rutland, and was the pioneer of the moving van business in the State of Vermont. His interests now comprise ownership of one of the largest vans in the State. and he is allied with various concerns engaged in hauling and public transportation. As his interests extended, he incorporated his firm, becoming associated with H.T. White and Clayton Kinney, and Mr. Kinney is secretary. In 1924, Mr. Ward obtained a franchise from the city of Rutland for bus service there and later ex tended his lines to Bellows Falls and to Bennington and to North Bennington. These lines are now operated under his direction and through the company bear ing the name of Ward's Bus Lines, Incorporated, with the same officers as the Ward's Motor Trucking, Incorporated. Arthur F. Ward is the president of these two concerns. As an individual enterprise, Mr Ward conducts the A.F. Ward Sales and Service Company, holding the agency for White trucks. These vehicles he us ed almost exclusively in his various transportation enterprises. Another concern which he founded and now owns is the Ward Warehouse, a large fire-proof struc ture in Rutland, the only public warehouse in this city. It will be noted that while Mr. Ward did not enter into his present vocation until 1916 he has, in the com paratively few years that have elapsed, become one of the foremost figures in motor transportation spheres of Vermont. His large holdings have not come to him through coincidence or luck; on the contrary, it has been through his unremitting toil and undivided attention to the details of his business that he has attained success. For this reason he is looked upon in Rutland as one of the most sagacious and capable citizens of the town. His public spirit has moved him to give freely of his time toward the welfare of Rutland and its progress, as is evidenced by his membership in the Rutland Chamber of Commerce and the Rutland Exchange Club. Arthur Franklin Ward married, in April 1917, at Ludlow, Vermont, Edna A. Walker, and the children of this marriage are: Janet, Eleanor, and Nita. Mr. Ward's business is located on Strongs Ave. Rutland, while he resides with his family at No. 57 Jackson Avenue, this city. The Vermont of Today, 1929 54 Another pair of trucks owned b~ in Rutland. Unfortunately, neitbeJ ",r Pittsford, Arth ur Franklin otar Trucking, Incorporated, and e one of the most prom inent 'ermonl. where he wa s the fir st s While his firs t connec tion with i :)btained fran chises in R utl a nd ,., extensive bus ser vice . While, e Ward 's Motor Trucking a nd ial1ons, including the agenc y for e only firep roof warehouse in this close- contact with public affairs of import in various projects and 4'ord. Verm ont, son of Frank and d to those course s prescribed by es been demonstr ated, higher and :YI. Ward's career is living education he bec a me a farm p was not fitted fo r this work and n' Later, in 1916, he re moved to ealize tha t suc cess lay in the Rfltland he laid the fo undation for ODe truck at the time. His judg pany which he founded owns tw en an to utilize a motor truck in ~ business in the State of Ver mont. :he largest vans in the State, and ~a'..l.!ing and public transporta tion. mm, becom ing assoc iated with ey ~ secretary. In 1924, Mr. Ward for bus service there and la ter ex ,glon and to North Bennington . and through the com pany bear ed.. \\;th the same officers as the E Ward is the president of t hese "ard conducts the A.F . Ward Sales ite trucks . The se vehic les he us ion enterprises. Another concern :arebouse, a large fire-proof struc is city. It will be noted that while until 1916 he has, in the com e one of the foremost figures in ) large holdings have not come to )nir.rry. it ha s bee n through his e' ails of his business tha t he ha s in Rutland as one of the most .~ public spiIit has moved him to ! Rutland and its progress, as is :r.amber of Commerce and the Mr s. El ea no rW ard Flanders Another pair of trucks owned by Arthur F. Ward is shown on Jackson A venue in Rutland. Unfortunately, neither truck could be indentified. Ludlow, Vermont, Edna A. Janet. Eleanor, and Nita. Mr. d, while he resides with his Mrs . Eleanor Ward Flanders 55 Mrs. E leanor Ward Fl and er s Another of Wa rd 's buses. This truck chassis. B us N o. 14 also b No. 15. This photogr aph was proba Ward's Bus Lines No.6 bus is shown parked just off Strongs A venue. Another bus, No.3, was identical to this bus. M rs . E leanor Ward Fl ander s This photograph, taken in 1929, shows the fine fleet of White trucks owned by Mister Ward when his business was located at 129 Strongs Avenue. Mister Ward is standing beside his 1926 Chrysler. The two smaller trucks on the far left appear to be Dodges. 56 Another of Ward 's fine buses _ in front of the R utIand H igh School Mrs. El eanor Ward Fl anders Mrs . E lea ner Ward Flanders Another of Ward 's buses. This one, as was his entire bus fleet , is on a White truck ch assis. Bus No. 14 also ha d similar coun terparts with Bus No. 9 and B us No. 15. This photograph was probably taken d uring the m id-1 920s. off Strongs A venue. Another Mrs . E leanor Ward Flander s Mrs . E leanor Ward Flanders IE' fleet of White trucks owned by Strongs Avenue. Mister Ward is :rucks on the far left appear to ~ !" Another of Ward's fine buses was Bus No. 27, shown in this photograph parked in front of the Rutland High School in 1930. 57 Mrs. Eleanor Ward Flanders A final photograph of the Ward's Bus Lines fleet shows a pair of Ward's buses parked in Bennington in front of the Rutland Railway station . The photograph shows its curre ged glass, and in need of paint. I visible on the doors. After some e over 40 years ago as the pri m e m One of the Survivors The Cavalcade of Trucking Unfortunately, very few examples of pre-World War II large trucks from the Rutland area remain in existence today. Once large trucks had completed their ten~re of useful purpose, they were generally disposed of in two distinct fashions. TheIr ~eavy ste~l frames and iron castings made them valuable primarily as scrap Iron. DUring the World War II effort, undoubtedly many early vintage trucks of the Rutland region were collected for salvage. The War probably claim ed all of the chain-driven trucks, which once had rumbled through the streets of Rutland. The Great Depression and the industry as we know it today. 'h National Recovery Act, mans s together. They formed the A Another significant milestone dustry, occurred when Congress • In addition, as the mechanized era came to the Vermont farm, used trucks became an inexpensive alternative to the horse. Vermont farmers would operate these used trucks for their remaining usefulness. Then the farmers found uses for the worn-out trucks, such as converting them into trailers, or using the power plants for sa w rigs. One of the surviving trucks from Rutland is the 1936 Ford, a one and one-half ton platform truck, which was operated by Lincoln Iron Works until about 1955. The platform had been extended to allow for increased load capacity, and a trail axle was attached to the rear of the drive axle . The trail axle was actually a Model TT Ford rear axle assembly, which was welded to the frame of the 1936 Ford behind its re~r axle. L?ter,.after working for a number of years on a Mount Holly farm, it was fmally retIred m the early 1960s, and parked out in a back pasture for over twenty years. 58 On 16 October 1983, a m obile . dustry, and the 50th anni ersa corporated, began a tour of the ! one year to complete. The displa. Volvo Trucks, in conjunction .: .' Finally, on 19 September1984 Rutland at the downtown Sbopp was the only location in ermont interior of the box trailer wa s models. Several antique trtlcks to lea ving, driver Merlin Gr iese plate. The plate was presented b: the American Truck Historica tion plates from other sta tes. T .1: Historical Society, and is house . Mrs. El eanor Wa r d Flanders eet sbows a pair of Ward's buses 1;' way station. The photograph shows its current condition: ripped and jammed fenders, fog ged glass, and in need of paint. The original Linc oln Iron Works lettering is still visible on the doors. After som e extensive restoration work, it will look as it did over 40 years ago as the prime mover for the Lincoln Iron Works. The Cavalcade of Trucking Id Wa r II large trucks from the arge trucks had completed their lS))osed of in two distinct fashions. ~a.d e them valuable primarily as doubtedly many early vintage salvage . The War probably claim d r um bled through the streets of '!le Ver m ont farm, used trucks 'ermont farmers would operate , Then the farmers found uses for '0 tra ilers , or using the power- e :938 Ford, a one and one-half ton Iron Works until about 1955. The d load capacity, and a trail axle crail axle was actually a Model TT :.be fr ame of the 1936 Ford behind of ye ars on a Mount Holly farm, it ,erl out in a back pasture for over 1 The Great Depression and the years that followed actually molded the trucking industry as we know it today. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Recovery Act, many sm all splinter fr eight organizations were drawn together. They formed the American Trucking AssOCiation, Incorporated. Another significant milestone in the history of trucking, and the trucking in dustry, occurred when Congress enacted the Motor Carrier Act of 1935. On 16 October 1983, a mobile display depicting progress made in the trucking in dustry, and the 50th anniversary of the American Trucking Asssociation , In corporated, began a tour of the 48 contiguous United States. This tour requir ed one year to complete. The display was sponsored by Fruehauf Trailers and White Volvo Trucks, in conjunction with the American Truck Historical Society. Finally, on 19 September 1984, the mobile photorama made its Vermont debut in Rutland at the downtown Shopping Plaza parking lot. In fact, the Rutland visit was the only location in Vermont where the Cavalcade of Trucking appeared. The interior of the box trailer was filled with photographic displays of trucks and scale models. Several antique trucks from the Rutland area were also on display. Prior to leaving, driver Merlin Griesel was presented with a Vermont truck registration plate. The plate was presented by the Green Mountain Heavy Haulers Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society . It was affixed to the display of registra tion plates from other states . The trailer was later donated to the American Truck Historical Society, and is housed in the Roanoke (Va .) Transportation Museum. 59 Antique Truck Enthusiasm If the interest and enthusi sm growth of one national organi1.a· The American Truck HistoriC'a profit organization . Its m ain p tl preservation of the dynamic " pioneers . The organization started with it grew to 1160 me mbers. Ho e • members to its ranks. ow t . dividuals. A loc al chapter of A_ Dav id G. Zsido and Robert J . G called t he The Green Mountain E The Cava lc ade of Trucking in the downtown parking lot . The truck in the foregro un d i s a 1941 Ford, 1 ¥.! ton, owned by Over the Hill Trucks of Rutland. The task is not simple for 0 trucks. If the truck has been abal of cold, snow , and rain ha ve : a v aila bility of good used parts 0 requires purchases being made' the truck creates proble ms wi . these obvious problems, it is per vived. However , with the enthus" amples of these mechanized 'or to enjoy. - D . Zsido Another 1920 vintage photo. Mr. Ward's daughter , J anet. _." 60 Antique Truck Enthusiasm If the interest and enthusiasm about antique trucks can be ga uged by the recent growth of one nationa l organization, it is tr uly inc r easin g at a consider<lble p ace. The American Truck Hi storic al Society (ATHS) was established in 1971 as a non profit organization. Its ma in purpose is to r e m ain dedicated to th e collection a nd preservation of the dynamic history of trucks, the truc ki ng ind ustr y and it s pioneers. The organization started with a core of 33 individuals in 1971. In its fi rst 10 ye ars it grew to 1160 members . However, from 1981 to 1985, it added al most 4500 more members to its r anks. Now it stands with a membership of almost 6000 in dividuals. A local chapter of ATHS was fo unded in Rutland on 26 March 1984 by Da vid G. Zsido and Rober t J. Giddings (Over the Hill Tr ucks). Th is chapter is called the The Green Mountain He a vy Ha ulers. J'kirlg lot. The truck in the Hill Trucks of Rutland. The task is not sim ple for those who attem pt to preserve examples of ea r ly trucks. If the tr uck has been ab andoned for several years, the Vermont elements of cold, snow, and rain have undoubtedly inflicted severe da m a ge to it. The availability of good used parts or new old stock parts is always a problem. Often it require s purchases being m ade throughout the United Sta tes . The physic al size of the truck creates problem s with storage and with moving the vehicle. With all these obviou s proble ms. it is perh aps no wonder tha t so few large trucks have sur vived. However , with the enthusias m , which appe a rs to be growing , many fine ex amples of these mechanized workhorses will be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Mrs. Eleanor Ward Flanders D. ZSido Another 1920 vintage photogra ph, taken on Ja ckson Avenue in Rutland, sho ws Mr. Ward's daughter, Janet, sitting on a Garford truck. 61 Editor's Note: David Zsido's enthusiasm for antique trucks prompted the follow ing letter from the author shortly before the Quarterly went to press. It is included here as an addendum to the article. Over The Hill Trucks Over • ATHS Rutland Vermont Rutland Vermont Members 11.0 Autiu.s.} I J$?l... Collectors of Pre-World War II Equipment CoIledOBoi C!.DV~ HIrt.J~ .1 CHeL.k::.t:Ei::J. V~fL'1 I OP n.f1t, :::JA.t:L bf7.A.Ct!{ .J.. !'hit Y UJrU£; -fvt..t~ 7HP.. •L I TTL£.. l.!H A~T' WH ICl.J- WA..$ '4- />owETL -tm.s,- ifluclL ~ WHIl.U TH-E b\4"lCA"-J ef: 'S"rJ LL Et::7M/).JS 7Hr!; wAS. ~ wllS. £::J t)/OAJe!l .::JoLb 7b THE TiJ.:1O /\..!'Or A. PPA~T~ GAL\CiLs. L'rUI...JDtdL fnEfLHAAJJCA-LLi:J WAN1E:A 7Jf6 C>f'Po~ eJ..:J(?"l...,rE fht.b 'Luot r ' '1J-Je GAUGK fhrl::l '::ll.c..f.l GALla.$. THE. 7'Itt!: fL lir A ~1t....Jb.eA ENGJlvE::._ 1'-fLJrx.. "He;, PUT" nh!. lofL ;25 bALta.!.. ~ ;'Ib ROBERT GIDDINGS 483-6464 • DAVID 25100 775-O!il6 t S LEPr fF ntI ~ I:::JI P.:xJ'f')f c.HA ,,..,, ~~i ~ Gu M\. ~ ~ IrtL 11 (le5 ; 7lh '1l-1e &OM mJ'I#..:>.:5 m ~~~f D;...) A1.Jl) A rlk""~~ .. iif1rr ~ QUL;WIHVTe!l GAL/aLs. C1V~ uP wlm '7lfE:: If/Nt nw AS i'o...o~ 4:, n.e. WA-LL I..:J I rn 8ru.S use 7lfe SmltJ.L SuM;, ":>/IJ{E JI..e; OriPJt.t!UProfL QI.J IT TJhj /?;;fJLJu.6.J.Pr LI7Tl.£ 6f~'L - \ IAJ /:,vest·nltV~ A (/~ 1\_,_ Irlu SJ.hz:h _ -b 0... 1""lt'Fl f'L I?>c 1\r /9.,.')[511 ~E) 7'12ueJ:.. -h>L JT!S wHu.JJ wAS UI-Jbert n+e- 'Se1tT: "r1f€:?J PLh..JIJEn 7b G110 S )10 Pew I:!TL 7712:1 fL &Ar: nil:!:: &LJct:...s . 6P~ {)uI-JCA.u $25..JQf'L 7Jhr; Tn.udt... Am-k1J Gil Pfl.crn=s~ IA \2u1!:.e,~ f!!'::J.:) Du/.J CN..J rn~ 'his MAl u IV\ POAJe ~ ~AJN)S D~ htt I-k:::: :Z~CLiI.Ja~ L.oCA~ /}J..e; I +MI.Jt1 ~ t:;;..J LoFT of J1lo-21 6no~ c:>F' wc:s.r i-h:t-veJ.J. DUIUCAAJ })£LJvl!.11...J:?b SLA-B woob Iw...:JA UArL (•.JlrJ./ TJ.I.l! T1l.u..cL" ~erVetL.J wA~ Tttt::.. 12u~1l KAlLt.JiIt!::f AK'.cu.,..,.,o l£ftf::l t:>1-,.) nIE we:l6-fI-1' L~t'Y\..::b J A i'"EL~ Be-LJeve: 7f.;f;A, OJ:: TH7t-r I11Z., TfZu.cK.. LlIuE will rlZ'H1\ LJ..-, I 1"1E7'IftI A- ~. o.JCE mB.fT10k..leh~ ALSo /-fAA LlG,HT t:::.. A LI Vii: _ mu.CJ·.j 1'D E/6.1-fi ~ hYJ r Au.sW€.LL 1-fleM WtOb'bSTot.!!.) AL Jk IIoJ b Ie Ir~ Aj...J b' AS tvrm !-AILE ChI< Vk/2 J £'i'j Of! Lf:'r mE Iluo. Ju Fol1mA'1 Itf"lt)(/)DKJAL RJE5;r ~12bS- T?J Ic.e!"" ROBERT GIDDINGS 41 e trucks prompted the follow ly went to press. It is included Over The Hill Trucks tS ATHS ATHS Rullond Vermont Members Members lis, AUtlus'r J Jfit Collecfors lMen! rr Q .... A"IZ:n.;m.L'j '_ i-n.eM Wl!lbb.S~J 61?ACt!f I~ C!. D VE1'l..e:tl. LA Il.e IlJrllh::1:::::. To A T:l?lWl DF E.1t..Jri~ hiJr Lettf'.l (7/) Pfl£.veA.>i A CotuC£AJT1LA:naiJ DP We1c... H-1 ~. S rJ L.L Ot..lCE ~S T'lt-e:. TrtA-r 1112. Oft: Af?.ou f,..Jo. J'1lD-21 J.etl 2>::J ILuclt. 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Prl.LE j T1te ~;-.A YLE WIn.; 11t-t!. f2e1M., f...;) ~ D ~ T1te f."X)Db~ :::A::.Ji.E;- .s Dl...J b i2u~~e1L 1\ fie5 ; nte. BElL ~ PAI>.J ..f<n.. nH!; e:....>G,/Ue;:; 1"l4e &~e SHvLZ MSt:!1J\&ues j 7Jh!::: 1TI ~.s m v;<", (JI....J ~~ Sift Fn #oJ;:;' lJ::uf!1L . n.It; WI4!JDekj QE.. WA-U t...:J I TH 8Tl.A So ~ ~#....;)b L.E.s ') .p~ DefL. R:,fLAc.e::s ~ ..l Aut) A UM21E1':1 OP OTlh=:il. /)')J~( PAl2.rs. ~ GALJcK ])el..JV~ 1Lu.LL. ~A.J nIE i>+e. f.:J0 LoP;- ~~l'.. fAtLluIt"!:J CJhthi PLA) U _ ) t f))ffiEh JA l""eL';1 BELieve: -nJ:Ar I of Pre-World Wor II Equipmen! ~ ltJ ICe ROBERT GIDDINGS 483-6464 • DAVID ZSIOO Tl5-65l6 D. Zsido A f amiliar landmark at the Main Street park in Rutland during the 1950s and 1960s was Roxie the Popcorn Man truck. It has a 1940s Dodge chassis. With its brigh t red hood, dark blue fenders and shiny steel body it is still serving hot dogs, french fries, cold drinks and popcorn at a South M ain Street l ocation and on the Rutland Fairgrounds during Fair Week Over Rutland Vermont ROBERT GIDDINGS D. Zsido The remains of the 1932 Ford chassis Roxie The Popcorn Man truck. 64 D. Zsido -k in Rutland during the 19505 and as a 19405 Dodge chassis. With its 'eel body it is still serving bol dogs, th Main Street location and on the D . Zsido Over The Hill Trucks Rutland Vermont ATHS Members Collectors of Pre-World War II Equipment ROBERT GIDDINGS 463-6464 DAVID ZSIDO 775-<>576 The Popcorn Msn truck. 65 Just a Bit "Side-tracked" The Flying Switch end of the tracks. It broke througJ as a barricade. The car flipped ( tunately, Brakeman Brown jum header. Although not directly related to the main theme of the article on trucking, this short anecdote of the Clarendon & Pittsford Railroad does have some relationship to the advancement of the mechanized era. My tenure as the unofficial as: short-lived, since my family mo' However, before I headed down tJ received some hasty instructions box camera. The first two picture the C&P No. 11 with its crew. N01 Bert H. Nelson is the only crew m, of No. 11 occupy spaces within my Switch" remain vividly in my min~ The tracks are gone now. They have been pulled up, and you would not realize that the Clarendon and Pittsford Railroad had been there, if you had not seen it yourself. The railbed had extended from the northerly side of the Vermont Marble Company's machine shop, headed somewhat northeasterly, crossing the bridge which passes the former Rutland Railway tracks in the village of Proctor, and slipping between the marble shops. ultimately terminated in a marble dump easterly of Terrace Hill. Back in the late 1950s, the C&P Railroad, sometimes affectionately known as the "Come & Push", operated two small diesel locomotives. Engines No. 10 and 11 worked on the small system of tracks, moving marble products out of the "Mar ble Town" of Vermont. The C&P Railroad engines Nu electric locomotives introduced iJ 1945. Engine Number 11 remaine scrapped by a local salvage de sometime earlier. Daily, without fail, Engine No. 11 with Chief Engineer Henry Nelson and a crew comprised of Bert Nelson, Warren Brown and Raymond Anoe quietly rumbled in to the backyards of the Terrace Hill residents to move the flat cars loaded with marble and to dump the waste marble scraps. As a boy of 11 years, I shared the same fascination with railroads as other youthful contemporaries of mine. So, when the orange-colored Number 11 per formed its usual morning operations, I would do my best to catch a view of it through the trees. I finally decided to improve that view by cutting a twenty-foot swath of trees which stood between my father's chicken coop and the tracks. I ac complished this with one dull ax and my father's best (and only) rough-cut carpenters saw. However, simply watching the train from the house was not good enough, so I then ventured track-side to wait and watch for No. 11. Then one morning, as Number 11 rolled up the tracks, Bert Nelson jumped off and asked, "Do you want a ride?" Naturally, my answer was obvious. From that morning on, and for many mornings thereafter, the engine would stop and pick up its unofficial assistant engineer. Then Engineer Henry Nelson and his crew would continue to switch the flat cars loaded with white Vermont marble, with empty cars. On the end of a string of cars, which had been parked under the cranes in the marble shop yard, was a small side-dump, railway dump car. It was loaded with scrap marble pieces, wooden planks, sawdust and metal shavings. The car was uncoupled from the other cars and old Num ber 11 would pick up speed in anticipa tion of executing the "flying switch", as Engineer Henry Nelson called it. Normally, Raymond Anoe would be prepositioned on the side track switch, which led to the marble dump. Warren Brown would be riding on the dump car. Bert Nelson would be riding on the engine at the coupling which connected it to the dump car. At just the right time, Nelson would pull the pin, unlatching the dumper from Number 11. The engineer would then speed up the locomotive, pulling away from the free rolling dumper. As soon as Number 11 passed the switch, Ray Anoe would throw the handle. Then the slower-rolling dumper car would glide down the rail spur into the dump yard. Warren Brown would crank the brake wheel bring ing the small car to a halt. The load of waste material would be dumped. The engine would hook up to the dumper car again, then another "flying switch" would place the dumper car back on the rail spur in the marble shop yard. On one occasion, when the flying switch was performed as the dump car rolled down the spur along the marble dump, the brakes failed. Warren Brown did his best to stop the car, but it easily glided to the 66 I The crew of C&P No. 11 during. Brown, Ray Anoe and Henry Nels acked" ;ch 'me of the article on trucking, this lro ad does have some relationship ulled up, and you would not realize been there , if you had not seen it 'lherly side of the Vermont Marble lorlheasterly, crossing the bridge cks in the village of Proctor, and ly terminated in a marble dump Imetimes affectionately known as locomotives . Engines No. 10 and 11 m arble products out of the "Mar ~ n gineer Henry Nelson and a crew t aymond Anoe quietly rumbled in t o move the fla t cars loaded with end of the tracks . It broke through the rail-tie header, which was intended to act as a barricade. The car flipped over and slid to the bottom of the dump. For tunately, Brakeman Brown jumped clear before the car broke through the header. My tenure as the unoffici al assistant engineer of Number 11 was relatively short-lived, since my family moved from Proctor to Rutland in July of 1959. However, before I headed down the hill on that July morning for my last ride, I received some hasty instructions from my mother on the operation of a Kodak box camera. The first two pictures wh ich I had ever taken were photographs of the C&P No. 11 with its crew. Now over 25 ye ars later, the tracks are gone and Bert H. Nelson is the only crew member still aliv e. Only a couple of photographs of No. 11 occupy spaces within m y photo album, but the memories of the " Flying Switch" remain vividly in my m ind . The C&P Railroad engines Number 10 and 11 were among the first diesel electric locomotives introduced into New Engla nd . Both were acquired around 1945. Engine Number 11 r emained in active service thr oug h 1976, when it wa s scrapped by a lo cal salvage de a ler. Engine Num ber 10 had been scrapped sometime earlie r . Da vid G. Zsid o scination with railroads as other e orange-colored Number 11 per do my best to catch a view of it th at view by cutting a twenty-foot chicken coop and the tracks. I ac ther's best ( and only) rough-cut tr ain from the house was not good Ii watch for No. 11. ~ e tracks, Bert Nelson jumped off rl Yanswer was obvious . From that the engine would stop and pick up I Henry Nelson and his crew would ~ ite Vermont marble , with empty ~ en parked under the cranes in the ..... a y dump c ar. It was loaded with a nd metal shavings. The car was 11 would pick up speed in anticipa er Henry Nelson called it. itioned on the side track switch , ould be riding on the dump car. coupling whi ch connected it to the ~ u ll the pin, unlatching the dumper ~d u p the locomotive, pulling away er 11 passed the switch , Ray Anoe ~ dumper car would glide down the :ould crank the brake wheel bring . The engine would hook up to the would place the dumper car back e occasion , when the flying switch ~ spur along the marble dump, the the car , but it easily glided to the The crew of C&P No. 11 during J uly of 1959. From the left: Bert Nelson, Warren Brown, Ray Anoe and Henry Nelson 67 RUTLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY 101 CENTER STREET, RUTLAND, VERMONT 05701 (802)775-2006; 775-0179 The Rutland Historical Society was founded in 1969 to preserve. study and disseminate the history of the original Town of Rutland as chartered by New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth in 1761. now comprised of the City of Rutland (1892) and the Towns of Rutland (1761), Proctor (1886) and West Rutland (1886). The Society maintains and operates The Rutland Museum in the historic Bank of Rutland building built in 1825. now owned by the City of Rutland, and The Vermont Farm and Rural Life Museum at the Vermont State Fair. A research library and the historical collections are maintained in the Museums and the historic'Nickwackett Fire Station. Gifts or bequests of articles of historical in terest or money are welcome at all times and are deductible for income tax pur poses. Membership in the Society is open to all upon payment of appropriate dues. (See the dues schedule below.) With membership. for its period, go a subscription to the Quarterly, any newsletters, a copy of the Annual Report. entitlement to vote at business meetings. and benefits accruing from support of the Society's Museums, exhibits, programs. collections and library. The year through which membership is paid and the category are noted on all address labels. Please send any address change on Postal Service Form 3576 (a postcard freely available at your local post office). Contributing $15 Annual dues categories are: Sustaining $100 or more Sponsor $ 25 Regular $5 Memorial $150 Special one-payment categories are: Life $125 AdVance payment for 2 or 3 years is welcome, helping to reduce costs. Please make checks payable to: Rutland Historical Society and send to: Treasurer 62 Ormsbee Ave., Proctor, VT. 05765 Manuscripts are invited; address correspondence to the Managing Editor. Editor: Michael L. Austin Managing Editor: Jean C. Ross Copyright © 1986. The Rutland Historical Society. Inc. RUTLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY 101 Center Street Rutland, Vermont 05701 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID Rutland, Vermont Permit No. 12 The number or letter on the address label indicates your dues status: 86 current L life membership 850ne year in arrears