The 1970s bookmobile
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In 1969 a new IHC was purchased. The body was adapted by the Thomas S. Maroney Bookmobile Co. of Shrewsbury, MA.
Washington County Bookmobile over the years
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An interested passenger
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The passenger is Samuel Haverford Ranck, Librarian, Grand Rapids Library, 1904-1941. Source - Gordon Olson, Grand Rapids City Historian. In his annual report for 1914-15, the following information is found:
"The annual meeting of the American Library Association was held in Washington this year, May 25-29...." [1914, the annual report covers a fiscal year that began on April 1, 1914 and ended on March 31, 1915]
On the way to Mt. Brier
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The 1912 bookmobile visits south county.
The 2004 Bookmobile
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The 2004 bookmobile.
The newest bookmobile has a book capacity of 4,000 titles, a handicapped lift, four computer workstation outlets, air conditioners and heating, and an awning with outside lights. It is 32 feet in length. The Bookmobile was manufactured by OBS and has a Blue Bird Body.
The bookmobile 1985 - 2004
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1985 -2004. The IHC was replaced with two 1985 Thomas-built buses from High Point, NC.
The bookmobile 1969 to 1985
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In 1969 a new International Harvester Company chassis was bought. The body was constructed by the Thomas S. Maroney Bookmobile Co. of Shrewsbury, MA.
Inside the 1960s bookmobile
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Inside the bookmobile at its stop at Tilghmanton.
"Miona Roulette" written on back on photograph
Children visiting the 1950s bookmobile
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The bookmobile 1950-1957.
It was decided that the service would be year round, so a new type of bookmobile had to be designed. Gone was the fair-weather vehicle of old, with the bookshelves on the outside, exposing the precious cargo to the elements whenever a stop was made for the patrons. A 1950 Studebaker truck was outfitted with "inside shelves, seating space for three, and a closet or bin in every other available spot." The total cost was $4,652.
The 1930s bookmobile
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The bookmobile 1931 -1940.
The 1931 Dodge was "manned" by two ladies at all times: one to drive and one to stand on the running board to keep it from tipping over. Proper attire included "a long-sleeved dress, a broad brimmed hat and gloves" to prevent tanning.
Miss Chrissinger and the 1920s bookmobile
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The bookmobile from 1921 to 1931.
The IHC and the Koehler proved to be too heavy and unwieldy for the ladies, requiring the services of a chauffeur. The third motorized book wagon was a Dodge business car specially equipped for library use. According to Miss Titcomb, the Dodge "proved so satisfactory that when it began to show signs of wear after five years continuous service, it was thought best to replace it with another of the same make."