[PRCo] Re: Interurbans and Animals

[Dennis Fred Cramer]

The best story I have ever read concerning track obstructions was from the local paper here in Kittanning when I was researching material for my book.  I quote from my website:  (which I am currently working on an update)   http://sites.google.com/site/armstrongtrolley/
"The first trip on the line took place on July 3, 1899 at 10:10 AM with Superintendent A.B. Norton and electrician Greene in charge of the car. They traversed the line from the Valley depot to the lower end of South Jefferson Street and were greeted by hearty demonstrations and fireworks. The car, with its oak interior, could hold 50 persons and apparently caused little concern to the horses pulling rigs that were met along the route. 

An inspection run was held on Friday, August 4, 1899 on the little line that was engineered and built by the Altoona Engineering and Electrical Supply Company. The car left the Kittanning depot at 5:00 PM with A.B. Norton, representing Altoona Engineering, as the motorman. Those onboard included: 

  a.. J.R. Haskins of the Westinghouse Company 
  b.. J.B. Crawford, Manager of the Tarentum Street Railways Company 
  c.. Frank A. Moesta, President of the Kittanning and Ford City Street Railway Company 
  d.. Dr. C.J. Jessop 
  e.. W.H. Hebert of The County Standard and a representative of the Daily and Weekly Times
Their first stop was on South Jefferson Street to pick up sand for the car. They then proceeded to the foot of the railroad underpass to check overhead clearances and to grease the curve. While at the southern end of the street, some of the passengers looked north and saw an immense crowd looking at the car. The car continued southward over Typewriter Hill and crossed a trestle on the Kittanning side of Slabtown stopping periodically to clear tree limbs that were brushing the car. They had smooth sailing until they arrived at Dr. J.T. Deemer's farm. The first obstacle was the roof on a small shed that struck the roof of the car. A section of the shed roof was quickly cut away so the car could clear. Just a little further, the car was impeded by Dr. Deemer's barn. Employees of the line made quick work of cutting off the corner of the barn and invited Dr. Deemer to join the ride, which he did. The car continued to Bovard's Store where a large crowd had gathered to watch the car pass. It went down the hill and across the bridge to Garretts Run. The citizens of Manorville turned out in full force to see the little car make its inaugural run through their borough. Upon reaching McCain, the end of the line, the pole was turned and the return trip to Kittanning was made without incident. It was reported that the road was remarkably solid and the curves over the narrows were safe and secure."

And we thought only engineers of today made errors in design!!



Dennis F. Cramer
      Trombone