BusTalk

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 12:40 am Post subject: 'THE PROVIDENT LOANMOBILE'

We're all familiar with Bookmobiles which were usually small customized transit buses that roamed the country side to bring the tools of learning to those far beyond brick and mortar library branches.

But a Loanmobile? this is a new one on me!

Pictured below and seen in some remote New York setting is a 1952 GM Model TGH 3101 and the only one to be delivered to the Provident Loan Society of lower Broadway in Manhattan.

The Provident, with offices throughout New York's five boroughs, was never really considered the 'corner hock shop' as it catered mainly to the 'upper crust' who just happened to have temporary cash flow problems from time to time.

Provident's history;

The Provident Loan Society was created in the financial panic of 1893 when there was a minimum of social and government agencies to help the needy. Pawnbrokers, with a long history in Europe, flourished at this time in New York City, however, with unsavory reputations. Pawnbrokers required borrowers to pay usurious rates of interest on short term loans.

A group of the City's business leaders and financiers saw an urgent need to create an alternative to unscrupulous pawnbrokers. These dignitaries were determined to establish a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing low-interest short term loans to individuals upon pledge of personal property. The founders included such notables as Solomon Loeb, Alfred B. Mason, J.P. Morgan, Gustav H. Schwab, and Cornelius Vanderbilt.

Photos borrowed for educational purposes only.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Inc., Jamaica, New York

Q65A · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 11:40 am Post subject:

Check out that swinging rear door!!!

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 2:43 pm Post subject:

Bob,

I was quite impressed with that opening myself - it seems to be a solid aluminum store front door and very professionally installed too.

Considering the cash and other valuables that this bus would normally have contained though, it's doubtful that such a concept would be viable today in anything less than a Sherman Tank!

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

Q65A · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 4:51 pm Post subject:

Besides, what's a bank without a drive-thru window and an ATM ? Very Happy