Note: The following is one of a series of articles looking at events in the history of Bulloch County.
Part I
The Bulloch Times-Statesboro News-Statesboro Eagle newspaper issue of March 15, 1923 announced that "Bus Line Proving Popular with Public."
It continued, "The Fulford bus line, operating between Graymont-Summit and Savannah, and touching at Statesboro and all other intermediate points, is rapidly gaining popularity with the traveling public."
"A double-daily schedule is maintained, thus affording opportunity for a round trip in either direction each day. Attention is invited to the schedule in another column."
Going east? In the morning, leave Graymont-Summit, stop in Statesboro, and arrive in Savannah. Going west? In the morning, leave Savannah, stop in Statesboro and arrive in Graymont-Summit.
Then, the Bulloch Times-Statesboro News-Statesboro Eagle issue of Jan. 22, 1924 revealed Bulloch County's "Ogeechee River highest in over (a) Quarter of Century."
And, "Mr. Fulford's plan is to run from Graymont to the Ogeechee River on the road to Savannah, and as soon as the bridges are passable, he will run into Savannah."
Until then, "persons desirous of reaching Atlanta can drive to Wadley and reach the Central train at that point. Roads out of Bulloch County in the direction of Swainsboro are now passable."
The Bulloch Times-Statesboro News-Statesboro Eagle issue of Aug. 25, 1926 stated that “Fulford’s New Passenger Bus Attracts Attention. The new 25-passenger Mack bus was introduced by Fulford’s Bus Line Saturday.”
It “attracts wide interest as it runs the route through Bulloch County from Garfield to Savannah daily. No Pullman passenger coach could be more beautiful or more comfortable.”
“Seating capacity for 25 passengers gives comfort to the patrons of the line. The machine is said to have cost in the neighborhood of $10,000 (and) has double rear windows.”
The Bulloch Times-Statesboro News-Statesboro-Eagle issue of March 3, 1927 displayed the Savannah-Statesboro-Swainsboro Bus Line Schedule of the busses operated by proprietor B.W. Fulford.
Going west? Bus No.1 left Savannah, arrived in Statesboro, and then Swainsboro, arriving back in Statesboro. After a short break, it left Statesboro and arrived back in Savannah.
Going east? Bus No.2 left Swainsboro, arrived in Statesboro, and then Savannah. Then, it left Savannah, arrived in Statesboro, and then Swainsboro, and then returned to Statesboro at 11 p.m.
The Bulloch Times-Statesboro News-Statesboro Eagle of Jan. 31, 1929 reported “Percy Averitt (started) a Statesboro to Dover bus, (so) passengers and mail packets (could catch) their trains. The fare was 50 cents.
The newspaper stated the “Fulford Bus Service (had been) Extended to Dublin.” This new service will cover “passenger business" (after) the Central of Georgia discontinued (their) trains between Dover and Dublin.”
Next, the Bulloch Times-Statesboro News-Statesboro Eagle issue of March 21, 1929 revealed Homer Ray’s new Statesboro to Dover Bus line. His "Star Route Bus Line" operated a closed seven-passenger bus.
The bus left the Jaeckel Hotel in Statesboro and arrived at Dover in time for passengers and mail to catch both the morning and afternoon trains. The afternoon bus left Dover and arrived at the Statesboro Post Office.
It proceeded to Register, then to Pulaski, and on to Metter’s Tatum Hotel. After a break, it returned to the Jaeckel Hotel, and then to Dover's train station, so its passengers and mail sacks could make the evening trains.
The Bulloch Times-Statesboro News-Statesboro Eagle issue of April 10, 1930 revealed the Montford Motor Lines was now running their own bus service between Statesboro and Savannah.
One bus left Statesboro for Savannah with connections to Jacksonville and Miami; and another bus left Statesboro for Savannah with connections for all points north.
The fares for either of the two buses cost $1.75 for a one-way ticket, and $3.15 for a round-trip ticket. Their bus station was at 67-69 East Main Street in Statesboro.
Roger Allen is a local lover of history who provides a brief look each week at the area's past. Email him at rwasr1953@gmail.com.