A bus for fun
TOP: The Type-A bus converted into a "cool bus" for group date nights. BOTTOM: The first group who took the cool bus for a spin, going out to dinner and stopping at Dairy Queen for dessert.
Courtesy photos
Famed actress Mae West once said, "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
West would have likely approved of Jayson Frank's latest endeavor.
Frank, of Dalton Gardens, is turning a Type-A bus, also known as a shorter school bus, into the perfect date-night vehicle.
"I've wanted a specific short bus like this for probably seven or eight years," Frank said. "I saw a Boy Scout troop in Glacier National Park load up one morning and head out for adventures. So I knew at that point I had to have one."
His wife had reservations about owning a bus, but Frank said that "after years of begging," she let him buy one.
The bus was found in Medford, Ore., and with the help of one of Frank's employees, it was picked up and brought to North Idaho.
"I had the transmission rebuilt, but other than that, the heat works great, the lights work, the fancy school bus door works, and the emergency door even dings when you open it up. I couldn't believe it."
Frank plans to add some cool horns, lights and a loud stereo to give the bus a fun vibe.
"My idea is to take a group of people, sometimes friends, sometimes strangers, and have group dates where we can get to know other people and enjoy one another's company,” Frank said. “The bus isn't for hire, but just for having lots of fun."
The first group date on the bus was Friday night, with a successful outing to Shiki Sushi Bar.
"After a month of owning the bus, my wife and I picked up six different couples, some family, some friends, and went to downtown Coeur d'Alene."
Frank grew up in the Silver Valley, living in Pinehurst and attending Pinehurst Elementary.
"I went to middle school in Kellogg and went to Kellogg High School. I have so many great memories growing up in the valley, playing with friends, swimming in the river, jumping off the silver bridge and playing sports. I had an incredible childhood."
Frank and his family now live in Dalton Gardens but still have many ties to the valley, visiting family, working, recreating and hanging out at their cabin in Burke.
Frank plans to bring his bus to the Silver Valley for the all-class reunion this summer in Kellogg and try some of the restaurants in the area.
"I have heard and seen great things about the Outlaw Burger, I need to try it,” Frank said. “Blackboard Cafe is our go-to in Wallace."