Trolleys Of Our Past

[jon]

[jon]

ON THE TROLLEY LINES

A superficial inspection of the Belt Line extension to Frankfort was made yesterday by Horace E. Anderson, vice president of the company, and John J. Stanley. In only one place has the progress of the company been blocked. The objectors being eight farmers who refuse to concede right of way and against whom condemnation proceedings have been commenced.

Utica will be represented by resident stockholders in the city and suburban electric railway corporation. Two hundred thousand dollars worth of stock will be taken by a syndicate composed of Charles B. Rogers, president of the First National Bank; Charles S. Symonds, president of the City National Bank; Henry W. Miller, W. E. Lewis, Walter N. Kernan, N.E, Dexereux, Hon. James S. Sheerman, M. Jesse Brayton, N. E. Kernan and Pierrepont White.


UTICA SUNDAY JOURNAL - AUGUST 11, 1901

[jon]

WHITESBORO
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THAT DOUBLE TRACK
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It Is Again Brought Before the People - Action Will Probably Be Taken

Whitesboro, Aug 10 - The question of laying double track through the village has been aroused from its slumber and is being brought before the people with renewed vigor. The same arguments which have been discussed are again literally being picked to bits. An article in one of the daily papers gave the views of one of the residents of the village in regard to the matter. It seems that he at least is very much in favor of the project, believing that it would be as much a benefit to the village as to the railroad company. Better speed and better accommodations would be given. But this argument was not backed by any reasons why all this would be so. The people of Whitesboro are not likely to swallow an assertion as so because any individual says it is so.

[jon]

There is some bitterness between the railroad company and many of the residents of the village. Many say the present condition of Main street to the car tracks being up so high that it is impossible to run the water off of the road. Gravel and crushed stone have been drawn upon it to raise it above the tracks, but no sooner has this been done than a gang of men appear upon the scene and up go the tracks again. They are at present so high through the village that it is a matter of climbing to get into a car. The question of why the village trustees allow these conditions to prevail is often discussed, but for an answer it will be necessary to ask them. Again, in regard to accommodations; the people of Whitesboro should have and are worthy of far better car service than they are receiving at present. Persons wishing to take a car for Oriskany or the park at certain hours are obliged to wait from 30 minutes to an hour, and are then fortunate if they can enjoy the pleasure of standing on the dashboards. There was a time in the past when Whitesboro had a special car to the park at certain times. If the company wishes to receive favored from the people of Whitesboro, why not set an example and give them better car service? Nevertheless, the question which must soon be decided is important, as it is understood that the railroad officials will take the necessary steps to procure a franchise in the near future.

UTICA SUNDAY JOURNAL - AUGUST 11, 1901

[jon]

TROLLEY LINE FROM UTICA
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In a Project That May Some Day Be Successfully Carried Out[/size]

Waterville, Aug 10 - Ever since a trolley line from Clinton to Utica was talked of, people in this place wondered if it would be within the bounds of the possible to extend it to Waterville. Certainly it would be a very good thing in many respects, but it is thought the merchants here would dislike to see such a project come to a successful termination, as it would hurt their business to a certain extent. People here who have discussed the matter say it would be an excellent thing, would help the town greatly facilitate getting to Utica. Not only that, but with the line running to Waterville, it would be comparatively easy to extend it to Oriskany Falls. It is thought to be only a matter of time when such will be the case.


UTICA SUNDAY JOURNAL - AUGUST 11, 1901

[Dave]

Thanks for this thread, Jon! This is a fascinating topic and I have wondered about it since we began to delve into history here via old newspapers. The trolleys you've discovered must be part of the interurban
railway system that I seem to remember reading stretched across the state. Taking a trolley to Whitesboro or Frankfort must have been kind of neat, because I believe the train system was of a "human scale" with slower moving cars. Some of the cars may have been smaller than that shown above, but even in that photo you can see the large amount of window glass compared to a regular fast moving train. And lower roadbeds would place the cars closer to the ground. I imagine the overall experience would have yielded a more pleasant and relaxing ride than on a New York Central Express train.

[Dave]

Here's the East Herkimer Trolley Bridge at:

herkimer.nygenweb.net/herktown/herktrolley.html

[Dave]

The Utica Syracuse Trolley leaves Franklin Square (no date given)

[jon]

[jon]

Main Street Little Falls

[jon]

[jon]

[jon]

[jon]

[jon]