Bus company celebrates 100 years

CLEARFIELD, Pa. — In 1908, Emerson Fullington purchased a nine-passenger, horse-drawn surrey to transport residents to the local train station, founding Fullington Auto Bus Company.

With 450 employees and a fleet of 50 motorcoaches, 250 school buses and 10 limousines, the company is still run by the Fullington family.

Emerson’s great-granddaughter, Aerial Fullington Weisman, is president and CEO; Michael L. Fullington, Emerson’s great-grandson, is vice president and COO. Milton H. Weisman, Aerial’s husband, is vice president of intercity coach services, and April “Lory” Fullington, Michael’s wife, is vice president of charter, tour and school bus services.

“Our parents, J. Richard ‘Dick’ and Mildred ‘Tillie’ Fullington, deserve much of the credit for the company’s success,” Michael Fullington said, adding that their efforts were the catalyst for the company’s major expansion during the more than 50 years that they ran the company.

Dick Fullington established collaborative relationships with five area school districts to provide their daily bus transportation needs; became an early member of the Trailways Transportation System; was a founding member of the Pennsylvania Bus Association, as well as the Museum of Bus Transportation; and expanded the company by establishing a GMC truck dealership and a limousine division.

Throughout this year, the company will feature special anniversary tours, celebrations, prizes and gifts, Lory Fullington said.