Save our historic Phoenix street cars!
January 24, 2010
The history of Phoenix street cars. With the exception of longtime Phoenix natives, very few Phoenicians realize that a street car (a.k.a. trolley) system thrived in Phoenix as early as 1887. According to Wikipedia, mules once pulled street cars east and west on Washington Street.
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Electric railway car was introduced in Phoenix by General Moses Sherman.By 1893, Phoenix considered itself a modern city when the revolutionary electric railway car was introduced by General Moses Hazelton Sherman. From 1911 through 1925, the street car line, with 28 miles of track, ran from Central Phoenix as far west as Glendale, and as far north as the Phoenix Indian School.
City of Phoenix purchased street car system.
The City of Phoenix reluctantly opted to purchase the dilapidated street car system from founder Moses Sherman in 1925 and to rebuild it. Eighteen new cars were added to the fleet, and street car ridership skyrocketed, reaching an all-time high in 1929 when over 6.6-million passengers paid 5-cent fares, grossing Phoenix $298,000!
Phoenix street car woes.When the Great Depression arrived in Phoenix,street car maintenance again lagged. Once the Nation's economy recovered, the automobile industry grew, and the Phoenix population began sprawling in all directions. By the end of the 1930s, the unprofitable Glendale line was eliminated, other routes were shortened, and the City of Phoenix made preparations to phase out the street car system with buses.
World War II, however, required rubber tires for the war effort, so street car use was revitalized. (This writer fondly remembers the street cars in the mid-1940s, with their bells clanging along West Washington Street, taking my Mother or Grandmother and me to downtown Phoenix to shop or watch a movie!) Once the War ended, competitive bus lines, maintenance woes, and urban growth meant that many people began buying their own automobiles to reach all areas of Phoenix.
World War II, however, required rubber tires for the war effort, so street car use was revitalized. (This writer fondly remembers the street cars in the mid-1940s, with their bells clanging along West Washington Street, taking my Mother or Grandmother and me to downtown Phoenix to shop or watch a movie!) Once the War ended, competitive bus lines, maintenance woes, and urban growth meant that many people began buying their own automobiles to reach all areas of Phoenix.
1947 Phoenix street car fire.A mysterious fire at the street car barn located on 13th Street and Washington (next to former owner General Sherman's residence) in 1947, gutted machinery, equipment and all but six Phoenix trolleys.
City of Phoenix abandoned street car system.By 1948, Phoenix abandoned its street railway system, and the six cars were stripped and sold for use as storage sheds, living quarters, a concession stand at the once popular Legend City, and even a monkey cage!
Last street cars saved from destruction.
Finally, in 1974, three of the original 1928 cars were saved from final destruction by a small, interested group of citizens; these old trolleys, partially restored #116 and yet to be restored #504, are on-site at the Phoenix Trolley Museum today.
Dawn of a new Phoenix railway.Public railways ceased to exist from 1948 until Phoenix opened its new "Light Rail" on December 27, 2008. Again, the popularity of a public railway has blossomed!
Where to see historic Phoenix street cars.
To view the history of the Phoenix Street Railway System, visit the non-profit Phoenix Trolley Museum, centrally located at 1218 N. Central Avenue ( West Culver and Central) in Phoenix. It is open October through May, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information is available by calling 602 254-0307 or by visiting the website at www.phoenixtrolley.com. Two original trolley cars, 300-feet of track, historical photos, maps, the 1947 film "Last Run," and a self-guided walking tour are there.
Save the Phoenix Trolley Museum!
Donations, memberships, and volunteer opportunities abound for individuals, retirees and service organizations Craftsman experience (electrical, carpentry, plumbing, construction, grounds maintenance) would greatly assist the Phoenix Trolley Museum to stay in Phoenix for all to remember and enjoy. We don't want the City of Phoenix to close or move our historic link to Phoenix roots.
Donations, memberships, and volunteer opportunities abound for individuals, retirees and service organizations Craftsman experience (electrical, carpentry, plumbing, construction, grounds maintenance) would greatly assist the Phoenix Trolley Museum to stay in Phoenix for all to remember and enjoy. We don't want the City of Phoenix to close or move our historic link to Phoenix roots.
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