Finding aid for the Jitney Busses scrapbook
Table of Contents
Finding aid prepared by Sue Luftschein, 2012 September
Summary Information
- Repository
- USC Libraries Special Collections
- Title
- Jitney Busses scrapbook
- Collection no.
- 6023
- Date
- 1914 December-1915 March
- Extent
- 0.21 Linear feet, 1 box
- Language
- English
- Textual materials [Box]
- 1
- Abstract
- This small scrapbook contains clippings, from December 1914 to March 1915, documenting the controversy over lack of regulation of "jitney" buses in Los Angeles. Many of the clippings come from the Los Angeles Times, the Express, the Tribune, and the Examiner, and are identified as such in pencil or ink annotations, along with dates (often without year). The remainder of the clippings are not identified as to source. The jitneys were private automobiles that operated as "buses" and competed with the network of streetcars in downtown Los Angeles (and other cities) in the early years of the 20th century. Unlike the streetcars, they were unregulated, meaning their drivers were not commercially licensed and did not follow standard routes; and their vehicles were not uniformly identified and were not bonded or insured; and they paid no taxes. The "nickel chasers" as they were dubbed, were the cause of traffic congestion and of many traffic accidents.
Preferred Citation
[Box/folder# or item name], Jitney Busses scrapbook, Collection no. 6023, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California
Historical note
The jitneys were private automobiles that operated as "buses" and competed with the network of streetcars in downtown Los Angeles (and other cities) in the early years of the 20th century. Unlike the streetcars, they were unregulated, meaning their drivers were not commercially licensed and did not follow standard routes; and their vehicles were not uniformly identified and were not bonded or insured; and they paid no taxes. The "nickel chasers" as they were dubbed, were the cause of traffic congestion and of many traffic accidents.
Scope and Content
This small scrapbook contains clippings, from December 1914 to March 1915, documenting the controversy over lack of regulation of "jitney" buses in Los Angeles. Many of the clippings come from the Los Angeles Times, the Express, the Tribune, and the Examiner, and are identified as such in pencil or ink annotations, along with dates (often without year). The remainder of the clippings are not identified as to source.
Administrative Information
Publication Information
USC Libraries Special Collections
2012 September
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California, 90089-0189
213-740-5900
specol@usc.edu
Conditions Governing Access
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.
Conditions Governing Use
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Controlled Access Headings
Genre(s)
- Clippings
- Scrapbooks
Geographic Name(s)
- Los Angeles (Calif.)--History--20th century--Archival resources
- Los Angeles (Calif.)--Social life and customs--20th century--Archival resources
Subject(s)
- Bus accidents--California--Los Angeles--History--20th century--Archival resources
- Buses--California--Los Angeles--History--20th century--Archival resource