Opera Bus, or Private Omnibus, 1890-1905

01

Artifact Overview

The private omnibus developed as a general-purpose carriage for wealthy owners. It was roomy enough to use for daytime shopping trips, but formal enough to carry passengers to an evening at the theater or the opera. Owners did not drive their own omnibuses. If you could afford an omnibus and horse, then you could afford a coachman to drive them.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Omnibus

Date Made

1890-1905

Location

at Greenfield Village in Carriage Barn

Object ID

95.0.22.5

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wood (Plant material)

Color

Black (Color)
Red

Dimensions

Height: 83 in
Width: 69 in
Length: 231 in
Length: 117 in
Wheelbase: 65.5 in
Diameter: 48 in (Wheel Diameter)
Diameter: 35.5 in (Wheel Diameter)

Inscriptions

Front hubs: Brewster & Co. of Broome St. / New York / B'Way & 47th One of rear hubs: Brewster & Co. / New York