Description
Book Synopsis: From its zenith, Ohio's electric transit systems were built across the state at breakneck speed, connecting towns, villages, and city's that were isolated from each other. Beginning in 1884, entrepreneurs, local citizens, and bankers invested to build the best electric railway system in the United States. The Rise and Fall of these systems was remarkable and changed social norms and habits. It provided entertainment leisure time and changed the work culture. This book addresses the entire state interurban system chronologically, and indexes all company names. Interurban companies augmented their business models to include entertainment. They built amusement parks that ran on the electricity they provided and offered discount rates for patrons to and from these parks. Ridership on week nights and weekends would be filled to capacity as people flocked to new electric parks for a fun-filled day of entertainment. Many of these parks closed as did the interurban lines. This book takes a look at many of these early ‘Trolley Parks’ that were a part of this illustrious era. A detailed chronological progression will take the reader on a long journey, showing the amelioration of each interurban line, when they were incorporated, reconsolidated, sold, and reorganized over and over until each was finally abandoned, one at a time. The reader will be challenged to keep-up with all of the name and date changes as they occur. The highlight from this era is the Golden Spike Ceremony. President A. E. Akins of the Western Ohio Railway Company drove the ‘Golden Spike’ into the last rail on the company’s Findlay-Lima extension on December 30, 1905. This completed what became known as the Green Line. The author has a plethora of evidence as to why these interurban and trolley lines across the country went out of business. Beginning with ‘National City Lines’, a company created as a front for General Motors, Standard Oil, Firestone, Mack Truck, Phillips Petroleum and others. The General Motors conspiracy court trail of 1949, and the 1974 reexamining by the U. S. Senate Judiciary Committee will be discussed. In addition, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison’s electric car will be introduced. Exclusive photographs are provided throughout the text to illuminate each company. A photo chapter will enrich the reader's understanding of interurban car styles that took place over the decades. This fascinating story will give the reader an in-depth understanding of interurban travel in Ohio.
Details
Discover the fascinating history of Ohio's interurban railroad system with our comprehensive book. From its inception in 1884 to its eventual decline, this book takes you on a journey through time, showcasing the remarkable rise and fall of these electric transit systems. With meticulous research and indexed company names, you'll gain a deep understanding of how these systems shaped social norms and habits, providing both entertainment and convenience.
But that's not all – our book also delves into the interurban companies' innovative business models. They didn't just transport passengers; they created electrifying amusement parks that became the talk of the town. Imagine riding on a fully-electric train to an amusement park, enjoying thrilling rides, and then returning home with discounted rates. The excitement on weeknights and weekends was palpable, as people flocked to these electric parks for a fun-filled day of entertainment. Learn all about these early 'Trolley Parks' and the memorable era they represented.
Throughout the pages of this book, you'll embark on a chronological progression, witnessing the amelioration and eventual demise of each interurban line. Experience the challenges faced by these companies as they navigated through name and date changes, consolidations, and reorganizations. Follow along as we unveil the pinnacle of this era – the Golden Spike Ceremony. The significance of President A. E. Akins' latest rail extension, known as the Green Line, is beyond measure, and we'll showcase the momentous occasion with exclusive details and accounts.
But why did these interurban and trolley lines eventually go out of business? Our book sheds light on the intriguing conspiracy involving National City Lines, a company created as a front for influential players like General Motors, Standard Oil, Firestone, Mack Truck, Phillips Petroleum, and more. Learn about the controversial General Motors conspiracy court trial of 1949 and the subsequent reexamination by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in 1974. We'll also introduce you to the electric car inventions of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, further deepening your understanding of this transformative era.
Enhancing your reading experience, our book is adorned with exclusive photographs throughout. Immerse yourself in the interurban car styles that evolved over the decades, visually capturing the essence of this historical period.
Don't miss out on this enriching and captivating journey through Ohio's interurban travel. Order your copy of "Ohio's Interurban Railroad History Book" today and become immersed in the remarkable history that shaped the state.
Discover More Best Sellers in Man-Made Objects
Shop Man-Made Objects
American Horsepower: 100 Years of Great Car Engines
$7.10


$9.49


The Cars of the 50s: A History of Cars Manufactured and Assembled in Australia During the 1950s
$40.00


Iconic Cars 5-Book Bundle: Mustang, Camaro, Corvette, Porsche, BMW M Series
$3.99
