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In addition to our regular activities, we are occasionally asked to help with some other special projects. This
assistance ranges from providing information or materials to assisting with fund raising, or physical involvement.
Here are some of the major projects.
WELLS STREET STATION
Although now operating under a different name and format, for several years this restaurant on east Wells Street
featured a streetcar theme.
We assisted the owner and manager by providing photos, maps, passes and other items for decor and use on
menus, etc. Some of our members and others provided models and other items for display.
Now that the theme has changed, items loaned by individuals have been returned, and the decor and other items
are in storage for possible future use at another location.
MILWAUKEE COUNTY TRANSIT EXHIBIT
The Milwaukee County Historical Society constructed and maintains a transit history exhibit on the second floor of
the MCTS downtown transit center.
The exhibit follows Milwaukee's transit history from horsecars to modern buses, but it is one of Milwaukee's best
kept secrets, as hardly anyone uses the transit center, and even fewer know there is an exhibit on the second floor.
Our members and others contributed photos, maps, artifacts and other materials.
CEDARBURG INTERURBAN STATION
The Ozaukee County Historical Society acquired and restored the former Milwaukee Northern Rwy./TMER&L
interurban station in Cedarburg.
We assisted with fund raising and continue to offer information and support whenever needed. We also have
provided photos and other items to add to their displays.
If you have items you could donate, or would like to make a contribution, you can visit their website or drop them
a note: co.ozaukee.wi.us/ochs
Ozaukee County Historical Society - PO Box 456 - Grafton, WI 53024
DEMPSTER STREET CNS&M STATION
When the CTA planned to demolish the former Dempster street CNS&M (North Shore Line) station, the Skokie
Historical Society launched a campaign to save this historic building.
In order to save it, someone would need to move it and restore it. We assisted with the search to find interested
parties through flyers at train shows and notices in our newsletter.
A savior was found, and the building has been moved and is being restored for use as offices and shops.
CNS&M 727
While former CNS&M (North Shore Line) interurban 727 was at the Iowa Trolley Park it developed problems with
its traction motors.
We helped the Iowa Chapter of NRHS (727's owners) raise funds with notices in our newsletter. In addition we
matched contributions made by or own members.
After failure by the ITP to make the repairs, and a rather involved legal dispute, ownership was transferred to the
Iowa Traction Railroad. It is stored inside, and is being restored. Funds raised for repairs are held in a trust and
are used as needed.
The 727 operates once each year for benefit of the Iowa Chapter NRHS. Other excursions using the 727 on the
Iowa Traction Railroad may be possible when restoration is complete.
KENOSHA ELECTRIC STREETCAR
The Kenosha Electric Streetcar is Wisconsin's only public electric rail line. They use five former Toronto PCC
cars painted in schemes from other cities that operated PCC's.
The line makes a loop through part of downtown connecting the METRA station, government buildings, some
shops, new condos, the new public museums and the lakefront.
Daily operation uses one car. Cars are rotated. Additional cars are used on holidays and other special event.
Round trip takes about 15 minutes. Fare is only 25 cents.
Our involvement with Kenosha goes back to 1986, when we considered the old Sieman's spur for a possible site to
relocate some of our museum equipment. While that idea didn't work out, several parties liked the idea of a
downtown trolley operation. When the new Harborpark was being developed, plans for a trolley operation were
included.
We assisted with some technical input, as well on suggestions for locating equipment, etc. We continue to offer
support when requested.
TROLLEYCAR '86
Our involvement with Trolleycar '86 goes back to 1982, when Appleton celebrated their Fox Valley Festival Of
Light, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Appleton using hydo-electric power.
WEPCO borrowed our ex-Milwaukee streetcar, M&ST 978. They moved it to Appleton, repainted it and made
necessary cosmetic and mechanical repairs to make it operational.
During the Festival (Sept. 30th to Oct 3rd) thousands of people waited in line, and paid a nickel to ride the 978 on
an 800 ft long section of track at the power plant. Following the Festival, WEPCO operated 978 for schools and
other groups.
Upon learning of 978's operation, San Francisco MUNI wanted it to join their fleet of older trolleys operating on
Market Street. An agreement was reached to loan 978 to MUNI in exchange for loan of two PCC cars.
In 1983, PCC 1164 arrived on a flatbed truck at East Troy, and 978 was sent on its way. Unfortunately, while
being trucked to San Francisco, 978 was not properly secured on the trailer. The rocking motion severely damaged
the bolsters and buckled the sides. It was taken off its trucks and continued out to MUNI shops for evaluation.
After examination by mechanics and insurance adjusters a settlement was agreed upon.
In the meantime, Trolleycar '86 in Appleton wanted a streetcar of their own. We sold them our rights to
ex-Milwaukee streetcar M&ST 846 which was in Kentucky. The 846 was hardly more than a shell, having been
through several floods and years of neglect. Several years earlier we had purchased 846 from Kentucky and
moved the seats and other parts up to Milwaukee.
Trolleycar '86 moved 846 up to Appleton and began restoration. We gave them all the parts, plus some extras.
We also supplied diagrams, photos and other documents to aid in restoration.
Meanwhile, the Village cancelled our contract and closed our museum. Instead of using the insurance settlement to
repair 978, our General Manager decided to use the money to pay existing and on-going expenses. With our
museum closed, there was no reason to return 978 to East Troy. It was returned to Appleton instead, and sold to
them for $1.00. Appleton used 978 as a full scale model to restore 846.
The restoration of 846 took many years. Through the years we, and individual members have supplied additional
parts, documents, etc. Some of our members have provided physical assistance.
Finally, in 1988 streetcar 846 was restored and operational. It was able to operate on about 500 feet of track at the
power plant, pulling a small generator for power.
After several years of looking for a better site around Appleton to operate 846, Trolleycar '86 decided to merge
with the East Troy Electric Railroad Museum. M&ST 846 is now at East Troy and operates on special occasions.
(see below) The 978 still needs extensive repairs.
TM - HISTORY OF TMER&L
The book, TM, (The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Co.) published by Central Electric Railfan's Assn. is the
definitive history of the company's streetcar and interurban operations.
We, and individual members contributed much of the information, maps, documents and photos to make this book
possible.
M&ST 846
After Milwaukee streetcar 846 was moved to East Troy, it operated for several years. In 2006 it developed some
problems with its traction motors. It is estimated repairs could cost thousands of dollars.
At our April 2007 Annual Meeting our members voted to donate $500.00 towards repairing the motors.
We also encourage individual members to help return this piece of Milwaukee history to operation with a donation
of their own.
MILWAUKEE TRANSIT MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
The Milwaukee Transit Museum & Archives is a repository for models, artifacts, books and documents related to
electric railways. We have provided them with excess materials from our collection for research and display.
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