Coronado Eagle and Journal, Volume 1, Number 50, 3 May 1913 — “Preypayment” Car Running [ARTICLE]

“Preypayment” Car Running

John G. May was the proudest man on the Beach Wednesday. The reason John was so “chesty” is that he handles the only “pay-as-you-enter” car on this side, and it has'been newly pain ed and decorated, and shines and glistens in the sun till the folks who live along Fifth street ar ein danger of having to wear dark glasses. No. 11, which now is the “last word” in street cars, was brought to San Diego some time ago from Los Angeles, where she was used by Mr. Huntington to gather in the nickels. After reaching San Diego her motors, which were extra large, were taken out and smaller ones substituted, and she was used on the other side of the bay for a time, being brought to this side some six months ago. Folding gates and steps have been installed and now the Country Club members and visitors and Beach residents on the west side feel that they have a fine “wagon.” The boys on the other side say that No. II used to have a family of fleas in her cushions that were as big as the top of a controller handle, but John May says they must have all stayed in San Diego, to help entertain the tourists, and offers a reward of a free transfer to anyone finding any insects of the genus pulex that are larger than the good old Coronado average. John is from Boston, where they say “pre-payment” instead of the more blebian “ pay-as-you-enter, ” and acts as motorman and conductor combined, but does not find his duties too onerous.