Trolley Days
(courtesy of Russell Archer)
(courtesy of Joe Meador}
HAHS President and Hattiesburg Historic Preservation Planner Russell Archer recently rescued a six-foot section of trolley rail unearthed during downtown street repairs. The rail is displayed in our museum, and it prompted us to compile materials from our archives along with internet resources to create this gallery that takes us back to the Hub City's trolley days. Many thanks, Russell, for getting the track to us.
Story
In the early 1900's, the Hattiesburg trolley system included 12 motor cars. Approximately 8 miles of track extended from downtown west to State Teachers College (now The University of Southern Mississippi) and south as far as the Women's College campus (now William Carey University). Early trolley cars were designed with an open front where the conductor stood. Later models included a enclosed front for the conductor. The trolley cars, themselves, were powered by 550-volt d.c. motors that produced superior torque on start-up and achieved desired speeds despite varying passenger loads Miss Preservation.com.
Turn-of-the-century trolleys were typically operated by "Traction Companies." The business office for the Hattiesburg Traction Company was located on Pine Street where residents could also pay their home electric and natural gas bills. The trolley car barn was located on Dabbs Street.
Pine St. business office
Traction Co. map
In addition to its transportation business, the Hattiesburg Traction Company also played a role in the adoption of electrical service in homes. Stuart Irby, (then) manager of the company's Commerce Department, converted an open trolley car (with the seats removed) to display and demonstrate electrical appliances during "America's Electrical Week." The promotional may have been one of Hattiesburg's earliest home shows and was described by Frank Brooks, Jr. as follows:
"Each day during 'America’s Electrical Week' in Hattiesburg, the unique car was stationed at the end of one of the lines or on a turn-out track where all the people in the neighborhood came in large numbers to visit and inspect the displays. They greatly enjoyed the free demonstration of the electrical appliances. Toast was made on toasters and served to the visitors. Music was provided by playing records on the new-fangled Edison electrified phonograph. At night, the car was brilliantly lighted and displayed on a turn-out track in the middle of the downtown area. Hundred(s) of people visited the car where they saw rugs cleaned electrically, clothes washed electrically and many other things! As a result, a large number of appliances were sold. One can be sure that the traction company profited greatly in terms of good will because of Mr. Irby’s keen and well-planned project."
Wide-spread automobile adoption eventually contributed to the demise of trolley systems. Autos were allowed to drive on streetcar tracks in many cities which, in turn, interrupted trolley schedules. Trolley companies were also required to maintain pavement on roads adjacent to the tracks which inadvertently subsidized the very automobiles that competed with their business. Many trolley car companies were also locked into a 5-cent fare which eventually became insufficient to cover operating expenses Vox.com. Hattiesburg's trolleys were phased out in the 1920's and replaced by buses, while the Hattiesburg Traction Company merged with Mississippi Power Company by 1929.
Additional Photos
Hattiesburg Traction Co. employees
the Hattiesburg Traction Co.
stock certificate auctioned on eBay
The coloring book is available through our Gift Shop
Post script
Public transportation in modern-day Hattiesburg includes Hub City Transit's comfortable, air-conditioned buses that cover a wide range of routes across the city.