ca. 1870
The opera bus was a four passenger vehicle, normally privately owned, with an outside driver’s seat. The interior seats faced each other and the windows on the carriage were beveled glass. This carriage was developed around 1870 and was was sometimes called a private omnibus. This carriage earned its name because it was often associated with more well-to-do people who would attend the opera or a similar event.
The opera bus is a variation of another broader type, the omnibus. During the 19th century, the omnibus was a form of public transportation which could be a wagonnette, a coach, or even a double decker. Other variations on the opera bus idea include a six seated version.
This carriage was acquired in May 1979 from the Martin Auction Company in Intercourse, Pennsylvania. To restore this carriage, U.C. Sterquell had to repaint the outside and refurbish the inside upholstery with neatsfoot oil. The original maker was F.D. Reed of Boston, Massachusetts.