Rural school bus shelter info?

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to run down some photos, sketches, or recollections of those old shelters we had out in the country where the school bus picked up and dropped off each day. I have a tiny spot on the layout that needs some interest and this would be perfect (in my mind's eye, anyway).

Google searches just bring up modern-era versions, and I'm looking for mid to late 50's info. I can probably come up with a credible design easily enough if I can't find prototype photos, but some details escape me. Hope someone else has a better memory.

For instance, did they have specific signage on or near that indicated "School Bus Stop", or was it just understood? Also, I think I recall some that were erected by sponsors and thus had sort of a billboard look on the sides, while others were just plain with posted bills that accumulated over the years.

When I went to find the only one that I recalled having seen in the recent past, I discovered it had been blown over and hauled away a few years ago, before I got into the hobby and started paying attention to this kind of thing.

It's crazy that this one little thing has become such a mission, but I do like to have as much authenticity as I can muster. Thanks for any word pictures or referrals to actual pictures if they exist.

Jim

[Anonymous]

In my neck of the woods, They're all privately built and range from plain to fancy. None I've ever seen had a sign. Enclosure has been simple one side to all sides. They've been built from scavanged boards on the property to new lumber. Most have floors some don't. Most have a bench seat and some don't. Designs have been lean-to, A-frame, Victorian with all the gingerbread and opening windows. You've got a lot of license.

[Pennsy58]

Same situation here as with mstein. Any shed around here is just built from what ever the neighbors had laying around. Common to see sheds made out of corrugated metal or fiberglass. Some out of plywood, even have one near here made out of wood pallets joined together. The all seem to be void of maintenance and usually look worn or half falling apart. If they have a window hole it rarely is anything more than just that, a hole in the wall. No door on them, just a wind shelter.
With that in mind, anything you got laying around and slap together would probably qualify as prototypical. LOL

[Anonymous]

Thanks, mstein and Pennsy58! Sounds like whatever I dream up they'll have trouble calling me on it.

Your feedback has helped me settle on a three-sided lean-to, with bench and quite a bit of "deferred maintenance." I'm headed for the scraps box.

Thanks again!

Jim