Twin Ports by Trolley

Twin Ports by Trolley - Aaron Sachs , University of MN press

Who knew Trolleys could be so interesting.  It is true that there are some chapters, especially at the beginning that are for RR and Trolley buffs and require some skimming before getting to the chapters that will entertain most readers.  This is a complete history, examining all the various routes and vehicles.  Even if you do not care about which line runs to Woodland Park you can still enjoy the historic photos such as the snowy and seemingly wild landscape that passes in front of the Northland Country Club.

You will learn that the cars carried groceries and goods until frustration set in when customers were not there to claim them.  You will see mules, buses, trolley cars, tracks, and support buildings and catch glimpses of our fascinating past.  Amusement Parks on Park Point, Trolley’s as hearses, Trolley’s carrying firefighters.  

There are stories of strikes and a story of customers taking over a trolley and motorman to force the company to send another car.  We learn about Halloween pranks, rails across the ice, the Incline, and even robberies as we find our way through the neighborhoods of the Twin Ports.

Duluth Tribune - 1956

"One thing can be said for the mules that pulled Duluth's first street cars in 1883. Neither the Superior Street mud nor the deep winter snow stalled their progress.  If the going got bad enough, four mules were hitched up to the dinky cars and away they went through the drifts and swirling snow."

p21

"Able bodied men and boys swung on and off the cars as they rolled along.  Besides saving time, this practice conserved the horses' limited energy, since starting a loaded car required considerably more effort than keeping it moving.

"No one thought to change this practice, and now people were attempting to board and alight at much higher speeds.  The result was numerous injuries, including amputations."

p22

"Horsecar driver, like all teamsters, had always occupied the open front platform and were exposed to all kinds of weather.  Following electrification, the dramatic increase in speed suddenly subjected them to unprecedented wind chills, creating miserable and often dangerous working conditions.  One motorman in St. Paul actually froze to death at the controls."