An early postwar era City of Chicago garbage truck.

 

I found this photograph recently on a few Facebook photo pages.

 

Before there was today's big City of Chicago Department of Streets

And Sanitation, there was the "Chicago Department Of Sanitation."

 

This photograph which was more than likely taken during the late

1940's era, shows how back then, municipal city garbage trucks once

had a large loading scoop on the back of the truck, which was then

connected mechanically via linkage, to a lid on the top of the odd -

shaped enclosed disposal body, that would open or close depending

on the movement of the rear loading scoop. When it was time to go

and unload the full truck at a local municipal waste transfer station

or incinerator facility, these were enclosed dump trucks that would

tip to unload at the city dumping facility or landfill operation.

 

I was born in Chicago during 1962, and I fondly remember that the

City of Chicago garbage trucks, were painted a dull utilitarian solid

orange color scheme, with maroon front grills, wheels and fuel tanks.

This is more than likely what this truck was painted in as well  in this

vintage Chicago photograph. Around 1967, the City of Chicago Dept

of Streets and Sanitation, began painting their vehicles including the

Street sweepers and dump trucks, in to the light blue and copper color

scheme that is still in use today.

 

Notice in the photograph, that there are early electric powered exterior

lights that were similar to ones used on buildings. Notice also the -

complete lack of rear view mirrors. ( A big "No No" today.)

 

Thanks.

Eddie K.