Community Corner
Streetcar Traveled 2 Million Miles; Ride it Today
Take a ride on a restored streetcar for a history lesson or a bedtime story.
Built in 1907, Streetcar No. 1239 has been restored to its original condition on the inside and out. Today, the Minnesota Streetcar Museum offers 15-minute streetcar rides in Excelsior, and volunteer motormen and conductors share historical facts and other information with passengers during the trip.
“In the early 1920s, ladies refused to ride the trolley,” said volunteer R.Bruce Kobs. “They wore silk stockings and the rattan seats were snagging them, so they made us paint over them before riding again.”
From 1906-1932, the Twin Cities Rapid Transit (TCRT) company operated streetcars to Lake Minnetonka.
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“This streetcar traveled 2 million miles and had 1 million passengers,” said Kobs.
Retired in 1953, Streetcar No. 1239 was purchased by a private party to be used as a cabin. The Minnesota Streetcar Museum acquired the body of the streetcar in 1987 and began its restoration. In 2004, it was put back into service.
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The streetcar departs from the old Excelsior Depot on Water Street and travels along a half-mile track between Water Street and Old Excelsior Road. The fare is $2 per person (children 3 and under are free).
The streetcar stops at a car barn along the track. Passengers are invited inside to see two other streetcars, one that is already restored and one that is currently being restored.
The already restored streetcar is No. 78, which began operating in Duluth in 1893. During the 1890s, electric streetcars like No. 78 replaced cars being pulled by horses and mules. It is one of the oldest restored streetcars in the United States.
In addition to offering regular rides, The Minnesota Streetcar Museum hosts special events on the streetcars, including Halloween Trolley, Trick ‘r Trolley, and Christkindlsmarkt with Santa.
New this year is the Story Time Trolley. Passengers are treated to a ride and a bedtime story. On Tuesday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m., author Phyllis Root will read her book entitled Kiss the Cow on the trolley.
The fare for the Story Time Trolley is $5 per passenger and includes a treat. Tickets are available at Excelsior Bay Books at 36 Water Street. For more information, visit www.excelsiorbaybooks.net.
The 2011 season runs through October 27. Rides are offered on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Schedules vary according to the day and month. The streetcars are also available for charters. For more information, visit www.trolleyride.org.
Stephanie Larsen grew up in Minnetonka and now lives on Lake Minnetonka with her husband and two children. She loves sharing information about fun places, interesting people, and events in the Lake Minnetonka area with others.
