Gladewater in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Franchised Motor Bus Line in Texas
Photographed By Larry D. Moore, June 23, 2019
1. First Franchised Motor Bus Line in Texas Marker
The W. E. Nunnelee Bus Lines began passenger service from Tyler to Gladewater and Mt. Pleasant in March 1925; later added buses from Tyler to Henderson and Nacogdoches. Twenty-six vehicles were operated over the 205 miles. These included 7-passenger automobiles and 12-, 15-, 16-, and 19-passenger buses.Fare from Tyler to Gladewater was $1. with stops in Winona, Starrville, Friendship, the 30-mile run took an hour, over roads paved in 1919 and 1923.
On Aug. 1, 1927, buses were placed under regulation of the Railroad Commission. This line had franchise No. 1; it was one of 247 companies running 865 public passenger vehicles on 20,348 miles of Texas roads.
Many of these "buses" were autos built for private use. Others had "stretched" auto chassis seating 10 or more passengers. Several models had doors that opened along the side. Uncomfortable and hard to drive, they constantly needed new tires and repairs to brakes and valves. Breakdowns were frequent. Overhauls (often made, or necessity, by the roadside) were handled by mechanics lacking suitable tools.
Although far different from the airconditioned,
this page online
Erected 1966 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 9956.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1925.
Location. 32° 32.121′ N, 94° 56.692′ W. Marker is in Gladewater, Texas, in Gregg County. Marker is at the intersection of West Pacific Avenue and North Dean Street, on the right when traveling west on West Pacific Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 116 West Pacific Avenue, Gladewater TX 75647, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Ben Shepperd (here, next to this marker); Gladewater Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Rosendale Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp's Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); Development of Gladewater (within shouting distance of this marker); The Notorious Bonnie & Clyde (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gladewater Discovery Well (within shouting distance of this marker); Gladewater (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gladewater.
Photographed By Larry D. Moore, June 23, 2019
2. First Franchised Motor Bus Line in Texas Marker Area
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2019, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 156 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 6, 2019, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
