BusTalk

[Mr. Linsky]

Seen in downtown Baltimore in front of Fire Department Headquarters sometime in 1968 is a 1947 ACF Model C-44 reworked as a rolling educational tool in the fostering of fire prevention in that large east coast city.

The bus, which at the time, was the first in the country to be used in such a fire department promotional campaign, was said to have been one of five purchased used for parts by the Baltimore Transit Company in the late 50's from Queens/Nassau Transit Lines of College Point, New York.

Painted in eye catching red and white stripes, its mission included stops at schools, industrial complexes and shopping centers to disseminate its message of fire safety awareness.

Inside the bus (lower frame) visitors are greeted by a likeness of Sparky, the symbol of fire prevention, along with displays of all types of equipment and lectures by department personnel.

Photos from Chicago Tribune Photo Archives (Baltimore Sun file) and are up for bid on eBay as item #'s 251071976571 and 251072299001 respectively.

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