RailNutterNews:Issue 15: Shelburne Falls Trolley

photos by railpipe

click for full size photo

High in the hinterlands of Western Massachusetts stands the picture perfect little town of Shelburne Falls. We visited in late October, when the Autumn leaves were resplendent, seeking the trolley we had heard so much about. #10 of the Shelburne Falls & Colrain Street Railway has been so affectionately restored, with such meticulous attention to every detail, that it has the attention of trolley enthusiasts around the world. The interior wood glows with luster. In fact, the interior was reconstructed and finished by a piano restorer. Every aspect of this project, from the acquisition of the 1898 trucks to the stringing of the wire, was worked on by a team of people determined to recreate a masterwork of traction. When you realize that this trolley car sat on a farm, used as a chicken coop, for nearly 70 years you begin to appreciate the deed that these devoted people have accomplished.

Ceiling

click for full size photos

**photos by railpipe**
click for full size photo	High in the hinterlands of Western Massachusetts stands the picture perfect little town of Shelburne Falls. We visited in late October, when the Autumn leaves were resplendent, seeking the trolley we had heard so much about. #10 of the Shelburne Falls & Colrain Street Railway has been so affectionately restored, with such meticulous attention to every detail, that it has the attention of trolley enthusiasts around the world. The interior wood glows with luster. In fact, the interior was reconstructed and finished by a piano restorer. Every aspect of this project, from the acquisition of the 1898 trucks to the stringing of the wire, was worked on by a team of people determined to recreate a masterwork of traction. When you realize that this trolley car sat on a farm, used as a chicken coop, for nearly 70 years you begin to appreciate the deed that these devoted people have accomplished. Ceiling	click for full size photos

click for full size photos

The SF&C Ry. ran from 1896 to 1926 moving both passengers and freight. In 1908 the company built a trolley bridge across the Deerfield river (it remains today as the Bridge of Flowers). Car #10 was built by the Wason Manufacturing Co. in Springfield in 1896. All the other cars were burned for scrap iron after the line closed. At that time a local farmer named Frank Johnson, who had ridden the trolleys to school as a child, saved #10 and brought it to his farm. And there it sat for decades, holding tools and shielding chickens from the winter cold and snow for generations. In 1991 a museum was founded to restore the trolley to its former glory and Frank's son Marshall Johnson, now 83, donated the old wooden trolley that had graced his farm since he was a child..

**click for full size photos**

The SF&C Ry. ran from 1896 to 1926 moving both passengers and freight. In 1908 the company built a trolley bridge across the Deerfield river (it remains today as the Bridge of Flowers). Car #10 was built by the Wason Manufacturing Co. in Springfield in 1896. All the other cars were burned for scrap iron after the line closed. At that time a local farmer named Frank Johnson, who had ridden the trolleys to school as a child, saved #10 and brought it to his farm. And there it sat for decades, holding tools and shielding chickens from the winter cold and snow for generations. In 1991 a museum was founded to restore the trolley to its former glory and Frank's son Marshall Johnson, now 83, donated the old wooden trolley that had graced his farm since he was a child..

click for full size photos

And then, for nearly a decade, the labor of love began. On October 9, 1999, some 73 years since the last passenger stepped down from #10, The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum proudly rolled the magnificently restored trolley car out for its official inaugural run.

The museum, located at 14 Depot Street, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, has a gift shop with great souvenirs and historical materials.

click for full size photos

SHELBURNE FALLS TROLLEY MUSEUM 2000 SCHEDULE:
Memorial Day Weekend to first weekend in November:
Saturday and Holidays 10am to 5pm
Sundays 12 noon to 5 pm
EVENTS:
Aug 27 - Johnson Family Day
Sep 10 - Grandparent's Day, Grandparents ride free with children
Oct 8 - Trolleyfest II - events for Rail and Trolley Buffs
Oct 9 - Columbus Day - Holiday Schedule
Nov 4 - Cider Days - local Shelburne Falls celebration
Nov 24 - Moonlight Madness: operation 4 to 9pm

click for full size photos

For PHOTO-MOTION graphic of #10 and addtional photos Click:
Shelburne Falls Trolley Update 2000

Further information may be obtained directly from the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum website: http://www.sftm.org

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And then, for nearly a decade, the labor of love began. On October 9, 1999, some 73 years since the last passenger stepped down from #10, The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum proudly rolled the magnificently restored trolley car out for its official inaugural run. The museum, located at 14 Depot Street, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, has a gift shop with great souvenirs and historical materials.

HOME	TROLLEYS	DIESELS	STEAMERS	AUSTRALIA	SUBWAYS	GUEST BOOK
MARS	TRAINFANS	MODELS	EVENTS	RAIL RHYMES	SUBSCRIBE	E - MAIL