The summer of 2023 came to a great end for bus history buffs with two unique events on September 16, 900 miles apart. Like fraternal twins celebrating at a distance, the Friends of the New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center and the Midwest Bus Museum had simultaneous gatherings for fans of bus transportation history.
Bus gods smiled at us with great weather at both locations.
The Friends of the New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center held their annual Historic Bus Festival at Saint Veronica’s Church in Howell Township NJ. This is a huge venue, with acres of parking and a full-sized gymnasium for their bus memorabilia market.
More than 50 buses were on display dating from the 1940s to a new MCI J4500. The size of the parking lot allowed them to spread out, creating great photo opportunities, and 12 vendors offered a variety of bus models, artifacts, and printed material.
Jason Davis, Friends of the New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center Vice President, reported that 526 bus history enthusiasts registered, and that, of the buses exhibited, there were about 20 “visiting” coaches complementing the 30 owned and restored by members of the Heritage Center.
Among the notable visitors was a new Academy MCI J4500 and an immaculate DASH Transit bus from Alexandria Virginia.
New Jersey Transit brought their bus driving simulator, and it was a huge hit with both kids and adults. 90 guests tried their hand, a great way to get a feel for driving without risking crushed metal.
The crowd had a family atmosphere in a unique sense. Many of the guests were either employed in the bus industry or were “alumni” … and there was a unique bond… lots of shared stories.
Davis said “It was nice seeing people of all ages enjoying the various buses we had on display. Hearing all the stories of going on a school trip or a charter on a GM Old Look. Or in the case of our younger fans, hearing their stories of riding their favorite MCI Cruiser Bus.”
The flavor was New Jersey/New York but attendees came from as far away as Florida and New England. Jeff Silver, owner of Iconic Replicas ( https://www.iconic-replicas.com/ ) drove up from Florida up in his spectacular motor home, the Iconicruiser. He’s been a regular at events celebrating bus history for years. The Museum of Bus Transportation/AACA Museum was represented by several members.
The event ended with a parade… one of the Friends of the New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center’s hallmarks… and a tribute to the fact that virtually all their buses are maintained in operable condition.
Davis pointed out that this wouldn’t be possible without “Glenn Schmelz our Chief Maintenance Superintendent. His continuous hard work and dedication allow us to keep all this history rolling. “
One time zone to the west, the Midwest Bus Museum held an Open House for its members and supporters. Founded in 2020, this is a relatively new museum based in Richmond, Illinois with another location in Bangor, Wisconsin. Despite their relative youth, with the help of a dedicated band of volunteers, they’ve grown rapidly, and now have a fleet of 50 buses.
Despite their relative youth, with the help of a dedicated band of volunteers, they’ve grown rapidly, and now have a fleet of 50 buses ranging from a 1926 Wayne/International to more modern equipment. The emphasis is North American school buses, but they have a number of heavy-duty transits.
For “Skoolie” fans… this is a bit of heaven, with lots of beautifully preserved school buses. This group knows a ton about school buses and is eager to share that knowledge.
Starting with dinner Friday night, and ending with a Farewell Brunch on Sunday, the event was packed with activities for the 30 attendees. Saturday morning was spent exploring the fleet and Richmond facility grounds. Following the lunch/member meeting, the group boarded buses for the Illinois Railway Museum in Union IL, where they rode trolley buses and toured the garage. After dinner, the railway museum provided night rides.
If you are anywhere East of the Rockies, and love bus history and people… keep an eye out for these events next year. Neither will disappoint.
The following photos are courtesy of the Midwest Bus Museum at The Illinois Railway Museum
