Arcadia Publishing has returned to Western New York with its latest book, Buffalo’s Historic Streetcars and Buses.
Much like the other titles in the series, Buffalo’s Historic Streetcars and Buses is primarily a collection of images topically and chronologically arranged with introductory material at the beginning of each chapter.
Just as the title promises, the book is nonstop collection of images of public transportation in and around Buffalo. Included are a few surprises like Buffalo’s double-decker buses that ran down Delaware Avenue, or the streetcar hearses that literally took you to the end of the line.
Buffalo’s Historic Streetcars and Buses does focus more pages to the mid 20th century and there are more images of buses than streetcars. This scope, while interesting, is somewhat limiting. The first horse drawn streetcars began operation in 1859, and the operations with some fits and starts, expanded since. Unfortunately, this formative growth period is poorly represented in only the first 6 pages.
The other criticism, is the over use of images of only a bus publicity photos. The _ shots of buses in a garage or empty lot devoid of context are a bit tedious.
That said, many of images are treasure troves of interesting glimpses into Buffalo’s past. Not just for the streetcars and buses either. Lost vistas and structures abound throughout the book. It would behoove urban planners who wonder what hardscapes to include in commercial districts to pick up Buffalo’s Historic Streetcars and Buses. Streetlights, signage, and transit stops are all well documented within the photographs. Of particular interest to readers may be the Shelton Square shelter. Built of brick, this handsome little stop sat on an island in the middle of the square serving bus and streetcar patrons.
Overall, this little book is well worth its $19.95 cover price, and should be a welcome addition to any Buffalo or transportation library.
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Other books in the series:
Buffalo: Good Neighbors, Great Architecture, Buffalo’s Waterfront, and Buffalo’s Pan-American Exposition
Images of America: Buffalo’s Historic Streetcars and Buses
Arcadia Publishing
www.arcadiapublishing.com
127 pages | 19.95 cover price
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