Transportation

1955 Ford Country Squire

Americans have always been a people on the move—on rails, roads, and waterways (for travel through the air, visit the National Air and Space Museum). In the transportation collections, railroad objects range from tools, tracks, and many train models to the massive 1401, a 280-ton locomotive built in 1926. Road vehicles include coaches, buggies, wagons, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and automobiles—from the days before the Model T to modern race cars. The accessories of travel are part of the collections, too, from streetlights, gas pumps, and traffic signals to goggles and overcoats.

In the maritime collections, more than 7,000 design plans and scores of ship models show the evolution of sailing ships and other vessels. Other items range from scrimshaw, photographs, and marine paintings to life jackets from the Titanic.

Name: Scovill Manufacturing Company

Worcester Street Railway Company Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: WORCESTER STREET RWY CO
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR/ONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Worcester Street Railway Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1471
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1471

United Electric Railways Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The center of the token is punched out in the shape of a star.
Obverse: The legend reads: UNITED ELECTRIC RAILWAYS CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/ A. E. Potter./ PRES.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
United Electric Railways Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1456
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1456

Railway Transit Line Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The center of the token has been punched out to leave an “R” shape.
Obverse: The legend reads: RAILWAY TRANSIT LINE
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1441
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1441

Delaware River Bridge Line Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. There are three cut-outs in the center of the token. The Philadelphia Transportation Company used this token.
Obverse: The legend reads: DELAWARE RIVER/PTC/BRIDGE LINE
Reverse: The legend reads: PHILADELPHIA/BRIDGE TOKEN/CAMDEN
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1435
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1435

Philadelphia Transit Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. There are three sections punched out in the center of the token, and a central legend that reads PTC.
Obverse: Small Keystone symbol at the bottom. The legend reads: PHILADELPHIA/PTC
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR/ONE FARE/PTC
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Philadelphia Transportation Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1429
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1429

U Street Railway Company Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. This token has a hole in the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: ONE RIDE TO OR FROM/LINCOLN PARK/U. ST. RY. CO./D.&W. DIVISION
Reverse: The legend reads: ONE RIDE TO OR FROM/LINCOLN PARK/U. ST. RY. CO./D.&W. DIVISION
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Union Street Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1584
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1584

Interstate Ltd Motor Coach Company Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: INTERSTATE L’T’D MOTOR COACH CO./ILMCCo
Reverse: The legend reads: ONE FARE/ILMCCo/FALL RIVER, PROVIDENCE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Interstate Limited Motor Coach Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1579
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1579

Kansas City Railways Company Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The reverse bears the signature of J.A. Harder on the center strip.
Obverse: Image of four stars. The legend reads: FULL/K.C. RYS. CO./FARE
Reverse: Three stars at the top. The legend reads: J.A. Harder/TREASURER
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Kansas City Railways Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1396
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1396

United Electric Railways Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The center of the token is punched out in the shape of a star and filled with different colored metal.
Obverse: The legend reads: UNITED ELECTRIC RAILWAYS CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/ A. E. Potter./ PRES.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
United Electric Railways Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1457
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1457

Connecticut Railway and Lighting Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. This token has a triangle punched out of the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: C.R.& L. Lines
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Connecticut Railway and Lighting Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1351
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1351

Detroit & Canada Tunnel Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The center of the token has been punched out to leave a “T” shape.
Obverse: The legend reads: DETROIT & CANADA/TUNNEL CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR/ONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Detroit & Canada Tunnel Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1360
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1360

Lehigh Traction Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. There are four holes punched in the center of the token.
Obverse: The legend reads: LEHIGH TRACTION CO./ HAZLETON, PA.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/ C. B. Houck/ V. PRES.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Lehigh Traction Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1405
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1405

Manila Electric Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The center of the token is inscribed with a “1,”and has two semi-circles indented on the obverse, and two semi-circles protruding on the reverse.
Obverse: The legend reads: MANILA ELECTRIC CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE/FIRST CLASS FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Manila Electric Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1412
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1412

Delaware River Bridge Line Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. Philadelphia Rapid Transit used this token.
Obverse: The legend reads: DELAWARE RIVER/PRT/BRIDGE LINE
Reverse: The legend reads: PHILADELPHIA/BRIDGE TOKEN/CAMDEN
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1356
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1356

Havana Electric Railway Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The center of the token is cut out in the shape of a combined “HE.”
Obverse: The legend reads: HAVANA ELECTRIC RY. CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: VALE POR UN PASAJE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Havana Electric Railway Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1377
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1377

Washington Street Railway Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. This token has a hole in the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: WASHINGTON ST. RAILWAY CO./ HALF FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: WASHINGTON ST. RAILWAY CO./ HALF FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Washington Street Railway Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1461
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1461

Cape Girardeau - Jackson Interurban Railway Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: CAPE GIRARDEAU-JACKSON INTERURBAN RY. CO./SAMUEL BARNES/GENERAL MANAGER.
Reverse: The legend reads: CAPE GIRARDEAU-JACKSON INTERURBAN RY. CO./SAMUEL BARNES/GENERAL MANAGER.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Cape Girardeau-Jackson Interurban Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1335
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1335

Oskaloosa Traction and Lighting Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens.
Obverse: Image of an electric streetcar in the center. The legend reads: OSKALOOSA T. & L CO./ ONE FARE.
Reverse: Image of an electric streetcar in the center. The legend reads: OSKALOOSA T. & L CO./ ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Oskaloosa Traction & Light Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1422
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1422

Sioux City Service Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: SIOUX CITY SERVICE CO./ ONE FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: SIOUX CITY SERVICE CO./ ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Sioux City Service Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1447
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1447

Washington Street Railway Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: WASHINGTON ST. RAILWAY CO./ HALF FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: WASHINGTON ST. RAILWAY CO./ HALF FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Washington Street Railway Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1462
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1462

Laconia Street Railway Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. There is a small round hole in the center of this token.
Obverse: The legend reads: LACONIA/ONE FARE/ST. RAILWAY CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: LACONIA/ONE FARE/ST. RAILWAY CO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Laconia Street Railway Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1403
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1403

Plattsburgh Traction Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The center of the token is punched out to leave a “P” shape.
Obverse: The legend reads: PITTSBURGH TRACTION CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: PITTSBURGH TRACTION CO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Plattsburgh Traction Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1438
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1438

Southern New England Telephone Company Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The token has a hole in the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: S.N.E.T.CO./DIME TOKEN
Reverse: The legend reads: S.N.E.T.CO./DIME TOKEN
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Southern New England Telephone Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1449
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1449

Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this telephone token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this telephone token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. There is a hole punched in the center of the token.
Obverse: The legend reads: C. & P. TEL. CO./ DIME TOKEN.
Reverse: The legend reads: C. & P. TEL. CO./ DIME TOKEN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1588
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1588

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