'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby Street Railway trolley

Turnback Tuesday is taking you for a Trolley Ride down Main Street, Birmingham/Derby.

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!

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights electric trolley car in downtown Derby

Turnback Tuesday reminds us of the first electric trolley. Col. H. Holton Wood (Derby Public Library benefactor) was also involved in bringing the first electric trolley in New England to Derby in 1888. This postcard shows the Shelton, Pine Beach Park, Stratford, and Bridgeport line trolley most likely coming from Transfer Point heading towards Shelton. 

If you look closely in the back of the photo on the right, you can see the ever-famous, green Howard & Barber sign. The trolley is about to head over Bridge Street into Shelton.

Thanks go to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

'Turnback Tuesday' features trolley car tracks in Derby

Turnback Tuesday takes a look back to Seymour Avenue in Derby. 
This photo shows a team of horses pulling a trolley car along the tracks in the road in front of 42 Seymour Ave. 
The tracks went from Atwater Avenue down Seymour Avenue then traveled down Elizabeth Street and connected to the Main Street Track Route, according to an 1898 map at the Library. (year of photo unknown)


Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library for sharing interesting local history each week! 

'Turnback Tuesday' features 1909 trolley wreck in Seymour

Turnback Tuesday looks at this old postcard showing the trolley wreck of 1909. 
On Dec. 26, 1909, the New Haven Trolley Line, trolley No. 265, plunged down a 40-foot embankment in Seymour at Rimmon Pond. There were five passengers and two crew members traveling southbound from Waterbury to Derby. 
Unfortunately, the two crew embers did not survive the accident. The passengers were able to crawl to safety out the back end of the trolley.


Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing local history each week!