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.

Resource Type: Tokens

Cooke Street 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 obverse side is slightly defaced.
Obverse: The legend reads :WATERBURY CONN./CSL
Reverse: The legend reads: CSL.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Cooke Street Line, Inc.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1353
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1353

Cooke Street 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.
Obverse: The legend reads: COOKE STREET/C.S.L./LINE INC.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR/C.S.L./ONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Cooke Street Line, Inc.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1352
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1352

Buffalo 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 circular hole in the center of the token.
Obverse: The legend reads: B.T.CO.BUFFALO / DIME TOKEN
Reverse: The legend reads: B.T.CO.BUFFALO / DIME TOKEN
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1331
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1331

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
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1680
catalog number
1981.0296.1680
accession number
1981.0296

Union 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: UNION ST.RY.CO./NEW BEDFORD/ONE FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: UNION ST.RY.CO./NEW BEDFORD/ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Union Street Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1586
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1586

United Transit 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 center of the token has been punched out in the shape of a star.
Obverse: The legend reads: UNITED TRANSIT CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: UNITED TRANSIT CO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1458
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1458

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./ ONE FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: WASHINGTON ST. RAILWAY CO./ ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Washington Street Railway Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1460
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1460

Charlotte 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. There is a hole in the center of the token.
Obverse: The legend reads: CHARLOTTE ELECTRIC RAILWAY CO./ ONE FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: CHARLOTTE ELECTRIC RAILWAY CO./ ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Charlotte Electric Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1336
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1336

5 Cent Panamanian Transportation Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token around 1880. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token around 1880. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill is an important example of early American industrial manufacturing that adapted armory machines to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, and coins.
Obverse: The legend reads: VALE AL PORTADOR/5 COLON/J. SUCRE
Reverse: The legend reads: VALE AL PORTADOR/5 COLON/J. SUCRE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1671
catalog number
1981.0296.1671
accession number
1981.0296

Hudson and Manhattan Railroad 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 the shape of an “H.”
Obverse: The legend reads: H. & M./ ONE FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: H. & M./ ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1378
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1378

Hudson and Manhattan Railroad 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: H. & M./ ONE FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: H. & M./ ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1379
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1379

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. There is a hole in the center of the token.
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
1981.0296.1448
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1448

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 three parts punched out in the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: CR&L Lines/CRL CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/CRL CO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Connecticut Railway and Lighting Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1349
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1349

Hazleton Auto-Bus 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 is an “H” inscribed into the center of the token, with a hole in the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: HAZLETON AUTO-BUS/COMPANY
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Hazleton Auto Bus Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1381
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1381

Interborough Rapid Transit 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 has three sections punched out, and the overlapping initials IRT.
Obverse: The legend reads: INTERBOROUGH RAPID TRANSIT CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Interborough Rapid Transit Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1385
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1385

Boston Elevated 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 punched out to form a “B.”
Obverse: The legend reads: BOSTON ELEVATED RY. CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Boston Elevated Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1321
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1321

Worcester 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. The token has a heart-shape punched out of the center.
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
1981.0296.1470
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1470

New York City Transit Authority Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token starting during in 1953. 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 starting during in 1953. 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 central legend of NYC.
Obverse: The legend reads: NEW YORK CITY/TRANSIT AUTHORITY.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1953
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1619
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1619

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.
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
1981.0296.1362
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1362

Chicago Transit Authority 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 bears the initials “CTA,” and has three punched-out sections around the middle.
Obverse: Two stars. The legend reads: CHICAGO TRANIST/AUTHORITY.
Reverse: Two stars. The legend reads: SURFACE SYSTEM/TOKEN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Chicago Transit Authority
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1337
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1337

Bay State Transit 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. Two semi-circles are punched out in the center, leaving a center bar.
Obverse: The legend reads: DISTRICT 2/ CITY ZONE FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: BAY STATE/ BAY STATE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1319
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1319

Indiana Service Corporation 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 the shape of an “I.”
Obverse: The legend reads: INDIANA SERVICE CORPORATION
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR/ONE CITY FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Indiana Service Corporation
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1383
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1383

Union 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: UNION ST.RY.CO./NEW BEDFORD/ONE FARE
Reverse: The legend reads: UNION ST.RY.CO./NEW BEDFORD/ONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Union Street Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1417
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1417

Chicago & South Side Rapid Transit Railroad 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: THE CHICAGO & SOUTH SIDE RAPID TRANSIT R. R. CO/ GOOD FOR ONE CONTINUOUS RIDE/ 12/ JOHN H. GLADE/ TREASURER.
Reverse: The legend reads: DEPOSIT THIS IN GATEMAN'S BOX/12.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Chicago & South Side Rapid Transit Railroad
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1338
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1338

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