The red trolley cars that played a significant role in the development of Orange County.
Pacific Electric Railway
These red trolley cars transported many people from Los Angeles to an underdeveloped Orange County during the mid-1900s. These individuals arrived for leisure and also took advantage of the remarkably low-priced properties available. Although much of its history has been erased, there are still visible remnants for those who know where to look. Many residents of Orange County unknowingly pass by remnants of the Pacific Electric Railway frequently. The trolley car network faced several reasons for its failure, none of which were related to its operations or design, but rather to politics and other factors. If this system were still operational today, it would serve as an efficient and environmentally friendly network.
Nowadays, not much remains from the Pacific Electric system but there are some remnants if you know where to look. This blog focuses on all the remaining artifacts from this once bustling transportation system across Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside Counties.
Historical Markers
Here are some plaques of the Pacific Electric Railway scattered across Orange County. Most of these plaques are located in Garden Grove, Stanton, and Fullerton areas. Some locations where the track was torn out have been replaced with cement to show where the track once was.
Cars
One of these cars is located in Seal Beach at Electric Park, on display as a museum. The trolley car sits on the original track and if you notice, the track sits right in the middle of a long, narrow park. Electric Park has this shape because this is where the trolley tracks were when the area around it was developed.
Structures
Most people don't give it any thought when driving past any of these structures but they have history! Hopscotch bar in Fullerton is an old depot that was converted as well as Polly's Pies in Yorba Linda.
Track
Here are some places where you can still find visible track from the railway or commemorative cement track
Sothern California Railway Museum
Besides being an amazing place to see historic trains from Southern California, this museum has the largest collection of Pacific Electric Trolly Cars and other items. During weekends, you can even take a ride on an original red trolley car. This museum is not only a fantastic destination for those interested in historic trains from Southern California and beyond, but it also boasts the most extensive collection of Pacific Electric Trolley Cars. On weekends, visitors have the opportunity to experience a ride on an authentic red trolley car. Here are a couple of their notable Pacific Electric Trolley Cars.
Trolley #717
One of the famed "Hollywood" cars, the 600 class of trolley cars were said to be the finest trolley cars in the nation. These trolley cars had the longest lifespan of any of the trolley cars in the Pacific Electric network. When you experience a ride on a Pacific Electric Trolley Car at this museum, chances are it will be on this particular trolley car that has been meticulously restored to its original 1920's appearance and functionality.
Trolley #1001
Built in 1913, this trolley car moved passengers between Los Angeles and San Bernardino. In 1948, the seats were taken out and it was modified into a rail grinder. Renamed #00199, it was now the only trolley car in the Pacific Electric fleet that traveled the entirety of the railway network, grinding down the tracks to smooth them out. This trolley car operated until 1952. After being abandoned and set for destruction, the car was saved by Walter Abbenseth who transported it to Travel Town at Griffith Park and later this museum that it sits at now. It has been restored to its original look.
To get more information about visiting this museum, visit their website.
2201 S A St, Perris
Perris, CA 92570
Travel Town USA
Located in Griffith Park, this museum has many historic train cars and engines including a unique Pacific Electric engine and a station. The "Electra" was built in 1902 but wasn't purchased by Pacific Electric until 1917. This engine helped with the construction of some tunnels for the Pacific Electric Railway network and was later used as a switch engine to maneuver rail cars for short distances. The Rio Vista Waiting Station was basically a bus stop for Pacific Electric trolley cars. This station was located along the Los Angeles to Van Nuys line and was built in 1920.
The Formosa Cafe
This restaurant in West Hollywood features an authentic Pacific Electric Trolley Car that you can dine inside. This trolley car began service in 1903 and is the only remaining "800 series" which were the fastest in the Pacific Electric fleet. This trolley car originally had an open air design but with speeds up to 70 mph, that was just too much wind so it was redesigned to be fully enclosed. This trolley car is in great shape and because of this cafe, it is being preserved in a great way.