The Streamline Era Greyhound Terminals: The Architecture of W.S. Arrasmith - Hardcover

Wrenick, Frank E.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0786425504 ISBN 13: 9780786425501

Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc, 2006

Synopsis

In post-Depression America, Greyhound brought the glamour of travel within the reach of everyone, regardless of financial status. Their bus terminals functioned as gateways to the cities in which they were located. With this in mind, the Greyhound bus company found an architect who could translate its image into an architectural vision embodying the sleek aerodynamics of the system the terminals served: William Strudwick Arrasmith. This volume explores the life and achievements of William Strudwick Arrasmith, one of architecture's defining artists during the short-lived era of streamline design. It examines Arrasmith's development as architect, focusing on his work for Greyhound during their streamline era from 1937 to 1958. During this time, Arrasmith designed at least fifty terminals and other facilities for Greyhound - buildings which were literally spread across the country from Jackson, Mississippi to Erie, Pennsylvania. The final third of the book is dedicated to a detailed then-and-now examination of twenty-seven specific Greyhound terminals designed by Arrasmith, including those in Binghamton, New York (1938); Cincinnati (1941); and Boston (1950). A full chronology of Arrasmith's firms and commissions is also included.

About this title

Review

"the magnitude of...research... is impressive...a definitive academic reference work...belongs in every architectural...and...transportation history library"--Society for Commercial Archeology Journal; "valuable...finely detailed social history...intimate...charming...personalized"--The Journal of American Culture; "extensive chronology, notes, sources and index are impressively detailed. A fitting tribute to a little-known man behind an instantly recognizable icon of American transportation"--Hemmings Motor News.

-the magnitude of...research... is impressive...a definitive academic reference work...belongs in every architectural...and...transportation history library---Society for Commercial Archeology Journal; -valuable...finely detailed social history...intimate...charming...personalized---The Journal of American Culture; -extensive chronology, notes, sources and index are impressively detailed. A fitting tribute to a little-known man behind an instantly recognizable icon of American transportation---Hemmings Motor News.

About the Author

Retired attorney Frank E. Wrenick is an award-winning transportation author and lecturer who has participated in the restoration of World War II aircraft and a 1918 steam locomotive. He lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Elaine V. Wrenick is a retired systems analyst and program designer. Her grandfather, Asa Orra Walworth, manufactured the Walworth automobile in Chicago during 1904-1905.

Edition details

• Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0786425504
• ISBN 13: 9780786425501
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 194