Cosmopolis streetcar Number 14, a wooden trolly — circa 1920 — #L360022_6
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Photograph Copyright Anderson & Middleton Company
United States — Washington (State) — Cosmopolis
Thanks to Sam Talley who notes: "The Grays Harbor Railway and Light Company started in 1904 to produce electric power and operate an electric railway. Current was supplied by an Anderson & Middleton sawmill and also by a power plant at the north end of Myrtle street. It was to become known as Electric Park. By 1913 the system had 13 miles of electric rail lines and over 30 rail cars. It also had 15 freight cars. In 1914 a streetcar barn was built. There were five different lines in the system with the longest being almost 5 miles between Aberdeen and Hoquiam and the second longest being between Aberdeen and Cosmopolis. When automobiles become plentiful and with the onset of the Depression, the system was abandoned in 1932. The power company became todays Grays Harbor Public Utility District and remains at the Electric Park site."
Mr. Talley adds: "Tram, trolly, trollycar, or streetcar ----what they were called depends on different regions of the country, but they all had certain characteristics. They were railborne vehicles, lighter than a conventional railcar, designed to haul passengers within, or between cities, and on tracks running in streets. They were numerous in the late 1800's and early 1900's, being powered through electric overhead wires connected by a 'trolly pole'. The Briggs Carriage Co. and St. Louis Car Co. were two of the bigger trolly makers. In Grays Harbor the bus replaced them, but in other areas they have continued to be used. The new systems are known as 'light rail'."
