BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Was just watching a classic "I LOVE LUCY" episode from 1954, "TENNESSEE ERNIE VISITS", and, in the scene just before "Cousin Ernie" arrives to visit the Ricardos, Lucy and Ricky are playing Scrabble.

Lucy tells Ricky he cannot use the word he's just made: "LUCKL".

She says there is no such word, but he insists there is.

Lucy tells him to use it in a sentence.

Ricky says "It's like when you take a ride on the 5th Avenue bus....you can take either a 'LUCKL' or a 'SPRESS'!"

Lucy then informs Ricky that he means "LOCAL"!!

Just thought this might be worth a chuckle......

John

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Further proof of FACCO's inroads into "popular culture" comes in the form of a truly endearing children's book from 1951. "BLUNDERBUS", by Phyliss McGinley.

This charming old book tells the story of "BLUNDERBUS", the very last of the old open-topper FOCCO buses.

Though most of the "new, single-deck buses" are friendly to him, and regard him as the "senior" member of the fleet, one bus (#11), is not only rude and cantankerous to his drivers and, also his his passengers, but also, to poor old "BLUNDERBUS".

He takes a devious delight in throwing the old-timer's age up in his radiator, but also greatly enjoys dropping hints that he's heard old "BLUNDERBUS" will soon be heading to the junkyard.

William Weisner, the illustrator, did a wonderful job of bringing "BLUNDERBUS" to life; his carictures of the modern FACCO buses are nothing short of priceless!

I used to borrow this old book from our old library in Union City when I was growing up, and, a couple of years ago, I was very lucky indeed to find a copy on eBay for only $10.00!

MORE than worth the money!

I truly recommend this wonderful old book to anyone interested in either the FACCO or vintage NYC buses in general.

It's a wonderful old book!

John

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

"......people had been proud to ride 'BLUNDERBUS' then. His paint had glittered, his windows had sparkled, and his seats had been upholstered in bright yellow straw. But what passengers had liked most about him was his being a double-decker......"

".....oh, it had been a fine thing to board him in the old days, to climb his back stairway to the top, and let yourself be carried swiftly up the Avenue. It was better than sailing. It was better than swinging. You felt like a king, there, on a bright spring day, with the blue sky gleaming overhead, the breeze frisking your hair, and taxis and automobiles scurrying out of your way below......."

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?2386

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

One of "BLUNDERBUS' "modern "single-deck" running mates......

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?3387