BusTalk

[Mr. Linsky]

This is another of a series of essays first seen on BusTalk.Net, and now reprised here for your enjoyment and the record.

‘MR. COOPER’S ORPHANS’

Because William Cooper, co-founder and long time president of Green Bus Lines of Jamaica, New York, was a cousin to my father (and, therefore, a second cousin to me), I knew a great deal more about his personal life than perhaps anyone who worked for him.

I think Alan Bromberger (the well known transportation historian) said it best in his comprehensive history of the company when he alluded to the fact that much had been written about this man and his accomplishments.

There were, of course, the many milestones that made Green Line as successful as it was, but that was only one facet or side to this man’s life.

Bill Cooper was a charitable sort and worked diligently for many causes including his place of worship (as its president) and in raising millions of dollars for the then fledgling State of Israel.

But, for reasons that must have hit a special chord, he had a passion for orphans and rarely missed an opportunity to give and give generously to orphan related causes.

Today, when children find themselves without parents or close relatives, they are usually placed in foster homes to get some feeling of family and freedom.

However, years ago the story was very much different in that such waifs were relegated to orphanages (often referred to as orphan asylums) until they reached the age of maturity.

I suppose it was because these youngsters were so helpless and alone in their plight that Mr. Cooper felt the need to give to them what ever he could.

It was for this reason that he helped to found Long Beach Orphan's Day which became a once yearly summer event sponsored by the American Legion, the City of Long Beach, N.Y. and Green Bus Lines.

Company buses were dispatched to orphanages throughout Brooklyn, The Bronx and Queens to bring children to the beach for a day of frolicking and enjoyment.

But I think the one person that got the most enjoyment of all was Mr. Cooper himself – you knew that because of his day long smile each time he hosted the event!

Mr. Linsky
"The Green Hornet"
Green Bus Lines, Inc., Jamaica & Arverne, New York