West Chester, Pa. (1003 N. Chester Rd., West Chester 19380)
Publisher
B. Rohrbeck Traction Publications,
Date of Publication
c1984.
Physical Description
278 p. : ill. (some col.), maps ; 28 cm.
Notes
Includes index.
A look at the street railways of the Keystone State. Contains the histories of 116 different operating systems, route information, operating statistics, and system maps. The book provides an extensive history of the street railway industry in Pennsylvania, including horse cars, cable cars, and early electric cars as well as an analysis of the economic factors that led to their success and ultimate downfall. The book also has sections on Pennsylvania's boomer cars and car builders. Illustrated throughout with photos. (Amazon)
Bibliography: p. 263.
Contents
Contents : County maps Index of operating electric railways Index of not operating street railways
The book opens with a very interesting chapter on the predecessor horse drawn lines which were then succeeded by the electrified Harrisburg City Railway and the East Harrisburg Railway. The book examines the operation of the streetcar companies, including the Harrisburg Traction Co., the operational and financial difficulties, and the transition to bus service that became complete after the 1937 Susquehanna River flood. With chapters on the rolling stock (including paint schemes), routes, parks and buildings, and even a chapter on the ill-fated Middletown Electric Railway. Illustrated throughout with black and white photos.
Chapters: When the first train arrived -- The cut changed the town -- Florin's station -- The end of railroading? -- When the trolley arrived -- Short lived trolley era.
Notes
Vera E. Albert has written several books about the Mount Joy area . Each book covers a different historical aspect of Mount Joy. She wrote a column for the Donegal Ledger (a weekly newspaper in Mount Joy) from 2002 until 2008.
