I was looking at this pretty early picture of the Nuclear Research Lab (later named the Bonner Lab in memory of Tom Bonner ’32, ’34), intently studying the landscaping when I finally looked over at the sleek automobile over on the left. And then I noticed that . . . other thing . . . next to it.
I have seen a lot of vehicles in these old pictures, from mule-drawn wagons to scooters to all kinds of tractors, golf carts, and jalopies and even an occasional ice cream truck but I have never seen anything like that before. Usually you can tell at glance what the function of a vehicle is. Not here, though.
Also–I’m just going to say it–it is ugly. A mule is better looking than that thing.
Thoughts?
Bonus: This is prettier.
It has three wheels. Looks like the engine is in the rear, driving the single rear wheel.
Is that an ice chest on the front with a T-handle? Ice cream truck? Or is it a toolbox?
Maybe it is an early version of a maintenance cart. Zip around the campus and hop off when needed.
That might be a Cushman logo on its flank.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushman_(company)
It looks like the same Cushman Truckster model shown in this photo, with a different front. But the photo doesn’t identify the model.
http://www.hobbytech.com/FeatureBikes/darrell-mitchell.jpg
That photo is from this page.
http://www.hobbytech.com/trucksters.htm
Here is one for sale. My browser complains about the security of this site, sorry. It says it is a 1955 Cushman Truckster. “It may be referred to a Model 39 (G551 or G672) and was most likely built sometime in the 50s.”
https://tuapoma.com/inenglish/ads/1955-cushman-truckster-three-wheeled-scooter/
That is a postwar Cushman Package Kar, used for mail delivery. I’ll bet you found its ice-cream delivery cousin, painted white and with a bell, to be a much more delightful sight during your childhood. https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0117-263324/1947-cushman-package-kar-model-59/
The Buick is a 1950 Super. http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1200243
Yeah, I didn’t look closely enough at the picture. That is a slightly later variant with a steering wheel instead of handlebars, as in the pictures posted by Wunderwood and William. But it’s definitely a Cushman Package Kar, probably the precursor to the campus mail electric carts.
That’s a variation of the Cushman Model 39 3-wheel scooter built for the army during WW II.
I was slightly concerned when I heard ugly vehicle and saw the beautiful ride in the foreground. With some much needed zooming, I saw what you were describing. I can’t agree it’s ugly, though, since it’s got utility. I think it is a Cushman Package Car. I can’t find an exact match, but these come pretty close:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/howard33/2879295656
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cushman_(company)#/media/File:US_Gov_Cushman_scooter_01.jpg
It is indeed a Cushman 3-wheel scooter with the single cylinder engine under the seat. I had an earlier version with handlebars rather than a steering wheel in 1947. They were definitely not ugly!