Car # 21 is a double-ended car, with two motors and set of controls on both ends. Thus eliminating the turntable. With having the car as an “open car” it allowed fresh breezes while traveling in the summer months.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of the first motor ever used on the Derby Electric Railway.
The Railway itself was the first electric road to operate in New England, and the second in the United States. The motor was built by Pullman Palace Co. in Illinois and was put into operation in April of 1888 between Derby and Ansonia.
The Derby Electric Railway was so successful that the Derby Horse Railway became the Derby Street Railway in 1889. However, the life of trolleys was relatively short-lived, as motor buses eventually took over in approximately 1937.
This photograph of the rail-car was taken in the early 1900s at Pine Rock Grove, where the locomotive had been placed as a historical item.
[First posted in February, 2018. Thanks FB memories.]
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
The Derby Street Railway began operations in April, 1888, with the line running cars every 15 minutes to the Opera House, Birmingham, and 3rd Street, Ansonia.
The #16 Trolley is in front of the local Merchant/Tailor business of Henry Somers at 189 Main St. Somers ran his business from 1892 until his passing in 1902.
The Derby Street Railway Co. was under the leadership of H. Holton Wood, who was also the benefactor of the Derby Public Library.
The Derby Street Railway Co. was absorbed by the Ct. Railway & Lighting in December of 1900.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!
