Body painted black with red gear. Trimmed in black broadcloth.
There were many types of rockaways, but the distinguishing feature of this vehicle is the roof which projected over the driver, assuring him of some protection in inclement weather.
This depot wagon or curtain rockaway also has the enameled leather curtains which could be rolled up on fine days, and yet dropped quickly for protection if caught out in a shower. After a rain storm, the curtains were dressed with sweet or sperm-oil rubbed on with a greased rag, and with proper care, they proved durable and remained pliable for many years.
This vehicle was used particularly to take guests to and from the railway station in suburban Philadelphia, but it also served for shopping expeditions. It was built by Horace Ervien, of Ogontz, Pennsylvania.
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Lippincott, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
COUPÉ ROCKAWAY
Dark green, striped with red. Trimmed with leather seat, green satin roof interior and padded seat back.
The rockaway was a popular close carriage of both the affluent and not so wealthy American family; in the year 1900, for instance, only 846 broughams (a comparable close carriage) were built as compared with 3,166 rockaways turned out that year.