Transportation

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.

Original artwork, of page 19, for the book Tootle, written by Gertrude Crampton with illustrations by Tibor Gergely, published by Golden Press in New York, New York, in 1945.Born in Budapest, Hungary into a middle-class Jewish family, Tibor Gergely (1900-1978) was captivated by a
Description (Brief)

Original artwork, of page 19, for the book Tootle, written by Gertrude Crampton with illustrations by Tibor Gergely, published by Golden Press in New York, New York, in 1945.

Born in Budapest, Hungary into a middle-class Jewish family, Tibor Gergely (1900-1978) was captivated by art and culture at a young age. Known as a graphic illustrator and a caricature artist, Gergely’s early works documented Jewish life before the rise of Hitler. By 1939 the political situation in Europe was dire, and Gergely and his wife immigrated to America. They settled in New York and his love affair with the city never waned. He was enchanted with his new life in a postwar New York that included skyscrapers, rushing traffic and the excitement of life in the big city.

By 1940 Gergely was working for the American Artists and Writers Guild and became a popular illustrator for Little Golden Books, providing drawings for more than seventy books, including illustrations for The Taxi that Hurried, Make Way for the Thruway, Five Little Firemen and Tootle. His portrayals of America's rapidly expanding transportation systems and the recognition of public servants foretold the dramatic social and cultural events that would impact American society in the 1950s.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1945
maker
Gergely, Tibor
ID Number
1992.0634.066.07
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.066.07
This butter dish, substantially similar to another one from Leviathan in the Smithsonian's collections (1991.0856.37), is decorated with the emblem adopted by the new owners of the United States Lines in 1929.The ocean liner Leviathan was built as the Vaterland for Germany's Hamb
Description
This butter dish, substantially similar to another one from Leviathan in the Smithsonian's collections (1991.0856.37), is decorated with the emblem adopted by the new owners of the United States Lines in 1929.
The ocean liner Leviathan was built as the Vaterland for Germany's Hamburg-American Line in 1914. During World War I the American government seized the ship and operated it as a troopship. After a complete reconditioning at Newport News, Virginia, in 1922-23, the Leviathan became the flagship of the new United States Lines, which operated it for the U.S. Shipping Board until 1929. Subsequently sold into private hands, the ship ran until 1934. Laid up as a result of high operating costs and low Depression-era patronage, the Leviathan was sold to Scottish shipbreakers in 1938 and dismantled.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1929
used date
1929-1931
maker
International Silver Company
ID Number
1991.0856.38
catalog number
1991.0856.38
accession number
1991.0856
This is the original builder’s half hull model of the famous ship Young America, constructed by the renowned shipbuilder William Webb in 1852/53 at his New York shipyard.
Description
This is the original builder’s half hull model of the famous ship Young America, constructed by the renowned shipbuilder William Webb in 1852/53 at his New York shipyard. Measuring 243 feet long on deck and 1,961 tons, the Young America was an extreme clipper, characterized by a sharp bow and long, narrow hull. Constructed lightly for speed and commonly sailing the harsh waters of Cape Horn off the southern tip of South America with crews of up to 100 men, clippers often lasted only about ten years before being sold to foreign owners.
Costing $140,000 to build, the Young America set a number of speed records. It sailed from New York to San Francisco 20 times, averaging 118 days per trip. Its reputation for strength and speed earned high freight rates—its maiden voyage from New York to San Francisco earned $86,400. The clipper traded mainly between Liverpool, New York and San Francisco, but also sailed to China, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, the Philippines, Mauritius and other countries. After a very long and profitable 30-year career, the Young America was sold to Austrian owners in 1883 and renamed the Miroslav. In February 1886, the ship cleared Delaware for a trading voyage and was never seen again.
Half hull models were the first step in the construction of a ship. They were carved out of horizontal strips of wood known as lifts, and only one side was needed since ships are symmetrical. After a model was approved, its lines were taken (measured) and it was disassembled. Then the lines were lofted, or drawn at full scale on the floor. The actual ship’s frames were cut to fit the lines on the floor and then set in place along the keel during the construction process. Sometimes the models were discarded or even burned as firewood after use, but many original examples are preserved today.
Date made
1853
sold and renamed
1883
ship disappeared after setting sail from Delaware
1886
maker
Webb, William H.
ID Number
TR.160135
catalog number
160135
accession number
15059
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2017.0091.21
catalog number
2017.0091.21
accession number
2017.0091
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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