On Saturday May 5, 2007 the East Troy Trolley Museum celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Co TMER&L line from Milwaukee to East Troy. The museum decided to parade out most of their equipment and put it on display. Having just recovered from several cars being damaged by graffitti things looked pretty good.
Another problem was there was only one substation in operation on the line, so power conservation was another issue. But slowly the equipment made its way from East Troy east to Mukwanago where it was parked on the interchange track with the Canadian National. It was great to see of this vintage equipment on display in one place. Great History.
Below are some pictures from Saturdays’ parade.
Freight Motor and a Milwaukee Road transfer caboose
SEPTA PCC car was the next to arrive
These two cars are currently used for Dinner Trains on the Museums line. They are very nice inside.
A pair of Chicago Elevated Cars rolled up next in line.
This TM built line car is said to be one of the best running pieces of equipment on the East Troy roster.
This Open Car is collectively 100 yrs old. According to a museum member the frame is 80 yrs old and the passenger area 20 yrs old. Don’t fall out of this one.
Twin Cities Lines streetcar was also on display
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Very cool. Thanks for the great pictures.
Was Lauber’s Drug Store open and serving those delicious, huge hot fudge sundaes topped with whipped cream, nuts, sugar wafers and a cherry? Those alone are worth the drive from down here.
PopZ
Thanks for the photos, Keith. I’m always glad to see traction restored and operating. I’ve been to Milwaukee several times but have never made it to East Troy. Next time for sure.
Thanks for the photos. And keep up the good work. Was at the musuem many years ago. Just think a part of the real interurban heritage still in operation, not only a musuem, but don’t you still provide interchange frieght service?
I don’t know if Lauber’s Drug was open. My Dad and I never made it into East Troy. But I am familiar with it and the great deserts there.
As far as East Troy hauling freight. I don’t believe they have hauled any interchange freight for several years. In talking to one of the East Troy people he said the last interchange were some hoppers of ballast for the trolley tracks. I believe the industries served 10-15 years ago have switched to trucks.
Keith
Very cool pictures you got there. I kinda wished I got to see that it. Would have been really neat to see some of the history. we once had here in milwaukee and other parts of the U.S
Keith
Nice shots. A modest but eclectic selection that is obviously kept in excellent shape. As a railroad museum, it is good to see them do quality over volume.
One of these days I will actually travel all 18 or so miles to take a look myself. I am not a hard core member of the traction faction, but I do appreciate the equipment.
Jay
Thanks for the info Keith. We will make it up there this summer for sure.