Pontiac in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Pontiac's Coach Builders

The Proud History of UAW Local 594

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021

1. Pontiac's Coach Builders Marker

Inscription. Pontiac was the world's capital of coach manufacturing and United Automobile Workers (UAW) Local 594 was the largest truck and coach union local in the world. General Motors (GM) began building coaches in Pontiac as early as 1928 and Local 594 was formed in 1938 to represent the working rights of its members. Over many years these workers built cutting-edge GM coaches, carrying passengers in comfort throughout America, including Freedom Riders who rode interstate buses to the segregated South in the 1960's. Local 594 members benefitted from union activism and the establishment of their own credit union. From 1977 to 1987, members built RTS (Rapid Transit Series) buses, the last coaches built in Pontiac.
You Auto Know
Futurliner designer Harley Earl was know to say, "When in doubt, chrome it out."

Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Labor Unions • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 42° 38.174′ N, 83° 17.511′ W. Marker is in Pontiac, Michigan, in Oakland County. Marker is at the intersection of South Saginaw Street and West Pike Street, on the right when traveling south on South Saginaw

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Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pontiac MI 48342, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. From Trail To Pavement (within shouting distance of this marker); Building Trucks In Pontiac (within shouting distance of this marker); Outstanding Architecture (within shouting distance of this marker); Parades and People-Watching (within shouting distance of this marker); Molten Metal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Inspiration Road (about 600 feet away); A Record Of Innovation (about 600 feet away); Pontiac Thrived (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pontiac.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021

2. Pontiac's Coach Builders Marker

Close-up of left side

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021

3. Pontiac's Coach Builders Marker

Close-up of right side

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, May 28, 2021

4. Pontiac's Coach Builders Marker

Looking north on South Saginaw Street

Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.