Eagles Bus Removed From Northeast Philadelphia Rooftop

News Summary

Northeast Philadelphia mourns the removal of the iconic Eagles bus from atop the Paintarama auto body shop after over 30 years. This beloved landmark, acquired in 1970, served as a symbol of community spirit and Eagles pride. Its removal highlights the ongoing changes in the neighborhood as new owners prepare to renovate the property. Residents remember the bus’s historical significance and the memories it created, fostering connections among Eagles fans. Despite its departure, the legacy of the Eagles bus remains alive in the hearts of the community.

Northeast Philadelphia’s Beloved Eagles Bus Removed After Decades on the Roof

It’s a sad day for sports fans in Northeast Philadelphia! After more than three decades of proudly standing atop the iconic Paintarama auto body shop, the beloved Eagles bus has been removed from its rooftop perch, much to the dismay of the local community. Once described as the Liberty Bell of Northeast Philly, this green 1954 Ford school bus was a symbol of camaraderie, fun, and of course, Eagles pride.

The Journey of the Eagles Bus

Originally, this bus, fondly remembered by neighborhood residents, was acquired by Charlie Garuffe in 1970 from a church for a mere $225. A couple of years later, it was transformed into an exciting means of transport for a group of devoted dads from St. Timothy’s parish, complete with renovations that included a bar, tables, TVs, and even a bathroom! Such a creation was bound to be memorable, and it certainly was.

The bus gained notoriety after it broke down while carrying Eagles fans to Super Bowl XV in New Orleans back in 1982. Stranded 730 miles away in South Carolina, Charlie and his crew, known as the “Dirty Dozen Plus One,” had to face the reality of their situation. However, there was a twist: after towing the bus back to Northeast Philadelphia, Charlie had the brilliant idea of placing it on the roof of his auto body shop, creating a quirky roadside attraction that would capture the hearts of many.

A Local Landmark

Over the years, the bus became a beloved fixture in the community, evoking memories of shared experiences, all while serving as a constant reminder of Eagles football, despite the Philadelphia Eagles not clinching the championship title at that Super Bowl. The bus’s facade even boasted a signature message: “Either Way We Can’t Lose.” It became a gathering point for fans, a place where stories were born, and traditions began. Locals would often reminisce about their childhood encounters with the bus and what it represented for the neighborhood.

The Recent Changes

A Legacy to Remember

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Additional Resources

• The Philadelphia Inquirer
• Post Guam
• Times Daily
• CBS News Philadelphia
• CNN
• Wikipedia: Philadelphia Eagles
• Google Search: Philadelphia Eagles
• Google Scholar: Philadelphia Eagles
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Philadelphia Eagles
• Google News: Philadelphia Eagles