Fonds consists of 2 scrapbooks and file folders containing newspaper clippings (1943-2014); photographs (1917, 1953-2007); correspondence (1945-2014): essays on the founder Walter Callow (1958-2012); founding documents of incorporation and bus design registration (1947, 1953); fundraising event programs, promotions and brochures (1946-2013); some annual reports and annual general meeting minutes, (1953, 1960-1961, 1966-1967); donor lists (1999, 2007); directors lists (2002, 2014); a sign stencil “Callow Coaches”; and vehicle registrations for the first and third bus put on the road (1954).
Records were assembled into 2 scrapbooks by Walter Callow’s daughter Melba and given to the organization: one for photographs and documents, the second for newspaper clippings, which included some French newspapers. The organization continued adding to the photographs scrapbook and used its contents for advertising and fundraising.
Photographs include the first bus, the first Board of Directors, the first civilian and veteran riders, the hostess/nurses, drivers and secretaries, visiting dignitaries and officials, and Walter Callow in his hospital bed at Camp Hill Veterans Hospital. Later images include a 1979 celebration, and the 60th anniversary gathering in 2007.
This material documents the development of specialized transportation for people with disabilities.
Walter Callow Wheelchair Bus