By Erle C. Hanson One hundred eighteen miles south of San Francisco lies the picturesque city of Monterey, historically famous for being the first capital city of the territory which is now the state of California. Until 1890, the only link between Monterey and Pacific Grove (the Chautauqua of California) was a rutted and dusty dirt road, over which passed stages and private conveyances. From its start that year as a financially successful horse-drawn streetcar line, the Monterey & Pacific Grove Streetcar Railway had everything going for it except fate itself. Its expansion was rapid, and electricity replaced horses at an early date, providing clean, efficient transportation for residents of the area. Unfortunately, the railway was controlled by a succession of utility companies who literally robbed the system of any profits. When the motor coach appeared on city streets, the utility owners juggled the books and the unfortunate street railway was left to "die on the vine" in 1923. 80 pages, 72 black and white photographs, maps, car drawings, and roster. |
P.O. Box 94911 Pasadena, CA 91109-4911 |