Subject: (tan) February, 2012 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the February, 2012 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. Picture of the Month: Birmingham cable tram 104. Thank you to John Perkin. All rights reserved.
"The cars on all the tramways are long, narrow, double-decked, ugly, and dirty affairs, having no kind
of conveniences or provisions for the comfort of the traveling public. No American city would tolerate
such hideous things..." -- Report from United States Consul Jarrett, published in 1892.
2. On the UK page: More about the Birmingham Central Tramways Company, thanks to John Perkin. Also an 1887 Street Railway Journal article and an item from an 1890 Baedeker guide
3. Added News item about newly rebuilt car 26
Ten years ago this month (February, 2002):
1. Picture of the Month: Car 24, formerly 524.
2. Add Chicago West Divsion, a short-lived experimental implementation, to the Chicago page
3. Add 524 at the Fair, about San Francisco cable car 524's visit to the 1949 Chicago Railroad Fair to the Chicago page
4. Add more photos to the Chicago page
5. Add books "Mind the Curve" and "Halfway to the Stars", article about decline in ridership, and obituary for Raymond McCann to Bibliography.
6. Add items about call to fill in Hallidie Plaza to News and Bibliography. Include photo of Cable Car Coffee. Also added news item about Olympic torch
125 years ago, on 06-February-1887, A grip car of the Geary Street Park & Ocean Railway was destroyed by an bomb at
Fillmore and Geary. On 16-February-1887, J. E. Stiles and H. C. Dean were arrested and charged with bomb attacks on
the Sutter and Geary Street cable lines.
New on my ferryboat page: The Kalakala, rebuilt from Key System ferry Peralta, suffers what may be a fatal
blow from a storm:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
New on my Park Trains page: Playland at the Conservatory of Flowers:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
Coming in March, 2012: On the Cable Car Lines in New York and New Jersey page:
More about the experimental cable car installation on Newark's
Essex Passenger Railway and Newark and Irvington Street Railway
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-February-2012)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-January-2012)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-January-2012)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) January, 2012 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
Happy new year, everyone.
I just put the January, 2012 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. Picture of the Month: A stereo view of a car on the cable-operated Hoboken elevated
2. On the Cable Car Lines in New York and New Jersey page: More about Hoboken's North
Hudson County Railway, including articles from the Street Railway Journal. Also some contemporary
newspaper articles about the elevated and the company's Weehawken Viaduct:
- Hoboken Elevated Trial Trips (New York Sun, Sunday, December 20, 1885)
- Hoboken Elevated Testing (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Tuesday, January 26, 1886)
- Hoboken Elevated Suspended (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Monday, February 8, 1886)
- Hoboken Elevated Runaway (New-York Tribune, Thursday, February 10, 1887)
- Weehawken Viaduct Removed (New York Tribune, Monday, March 5, 1900)
3. Also on the Decorated Cable Cars page: A list of cars decorated for Christmas 2011. No photos yet
Ten years ago this month (January, 2002):
1. Picture of the Month: Hoboken elevated
2. Roll out new Cable Car Lines in New York and New Jersey page with an article on the Hoboken's North Hudson County Railway
3. Sutter Street Railway cable traction 125th anniversary. Add photos to the Sutter Street Railway page and make images into thumbnails. Add Sanborn maps of powerhouses. Also thumbnailed photos on McTeague page
4. Add Henry Casebolt to the Who page
5. Add photos to the Geary Street, Park and Ocean page and make images into thumbnails. Add Sanborn maps of both powerhouses
125 years ago, in January 1887, labor trouble on the Sutter and Geary Street cable car lines
led to bomb attacks on both roads
Coming in February, 2012: On the Cable Car Lines in the UK page: Thanks to John Perkin, more about the Birmingham Central Tramways Company
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-January-2012)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-October-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-December-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) December, 2011 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the December, 2011 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. Picture of the Month: A fly-wheel for Sydney's Ocean Street cable tramway, at the Hudson Brothers' Works in Clyde.
2. On the Cable Tramways in Australia and New Zealand page, more about Sydney's New South Wales Government Tramways. Includes two illustrated newspaper articles about the Ocean Street cable tramway's powerhouse and one about the Ultimo electric powerhouse. Two newspaper articles about the beginning of Sydney's two cable tram lines:
- North Sydney Line Opens (Melbourne Argus, Monday May 24, 1886)
- Sydney/King Street Line Opens (Adelaide Advertiser, Thursday, September 20, 1894)
3. With Christmas coming, it's a good time to visit Joe Lacey's article Christmas on the Cables, and the Decorated Cable Cars page.
Ten years ago this month (December, 2001):
1. Picture of the Month: North Sydney cable tram
2. Roll out new Cable Tramways in Australia and New Zealand page with an article on the Sydney's New South Wales Government Tramways. Also photos of Dunedin's Roslyn Tramway and Wellington's Kelburn Cable Car, a funicular.
3. Add George Smith Duncan to the Who page
4. Add another photo to the Presidio and Ferries page and make images into thumbnails. Add Sanborn maps of Union & Leavenworth powerhouse and the Jefferson/Lyon roundhouse.
5. Add Sanborn maps of Sacramento Street carhouse and California/Laurel roundhouse to the Ferries and Cliff House and more Sacramento/Clay photos to the More Ferries and Cliff House page.
6. Add photo of Santa arriving at the Emporium to Joe Lacey's Christmas on the Cables article.
7. Revise Mount Lowe article with corrections and new information. Thanks to Michael Patris.
125 years ago, in December 1886, trainmen of the Sutter Street Railway went on strike. Management employed strikebreakers with guns. Someone placed bombs along the lines of the Sutter Street and Presidio and Ferries roads.
Coming in January, 2012: On the Cable Car Lines in New York and New Jersey page: more about the North Hudson County Railway's elevated rapid transit cable line in Hoboken
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-December-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-October-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-September-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) November, 2011 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the November, 2011 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. Picture of the Month: Powell/Hyde car 15 at Powell and Market in June, 2009
2. This month I mark the Fifteenth Anniversary of the website - November, 1996 - November, 2011
3. Thanks to Bob Murphy, added photos from the Bylands Tram Museum to the Melbourne Tramways & Omnibus Company article. These include grips and trailers, and a unique wagon used to haul reels of cable from the ship to the cable tramway powerhouse. A 1925 ad for the Hoffman Tramway Estate, Brunswick. Also some contemporary newspaper articles about the end of the Melbourne cable trams:
- First Cable Tram for Museum (Launceston, Tasmania Examiner, February 15, 1939)
- Melbourne's Last Cable Tram Makes Last Trip (Adelaide, South Australia Mail, October 26, 1940)
- Last Cable Tram/Final Appearance (Townsville Daily Bulletin, October 29, 1940, 1940)
- Cable Tram for Museum (Melbourne, Victoria Argus, November 29, 1940)
4. Also thanks to Bob Murphy, added photos of a Sutter Street Railway trailer and a California Street Cable Railroad from Knott's Berry Farm which are now preserved at the Orange Empire Railway Museum
5. Added Bibliography items about a collision at Powell and Grant, a "communications glitch" that stopped service on all three lines, Clipper working on cable cars
6. Added "Fifteen Years and What Do You Get?" to the Why page
Ten years ago this month (November, 2001):
1. Picture of the Month: Powell/Mason car 5
3. Add "The Cable Street-Railway" magazine article
4. Add more photos to the Ferries and Cliff House and More Ferries and Cliff House page and make images into thumbnails. Includes Sanborn Fire Insurance maps of Washington/Mason
Revise Los Angeles Temple Street Cable Railway with some new information. Thanks to Ray Long
5. Add "Reflections After Five Years" to the Why page
Coming in December, 2011: On the Cable Tramways in Australia and New Zealand page: More about Sydney's New South Wales Government Tramways, including a contemporary magazine article
My ferryboats page has an item about a new Delta auto ferry, the Real McCoy II, which is
having all sorts of problems.
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-November-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-October-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-September-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) October, 2011 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the October, 2011 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. Picture of the Month: A station of the cable-operated Glasgow District Subway
2. On the Cable Car Lines in the UK page: More about the Glasgow District Subway,
including an 1898 magazine article. Imagine pulling grip on a train of two steel cars
3. On the Cable Car Models page, a Garden Scale California Street cable car at the
2011 Ardenwood Rail Fair
4. Added News item about talking to schoolkids
Ten years ago this quarter (Fall, 2000):
1. Picture of the Quarter: Retired Glasgow Subway cars
2. Add articles on Glasgow's Glasgow District Subway and the Liverpool United Tramways
to the Cable Car Lines in the UK page.
3. Add Selected articles from Manufacturer and Builder Magazine (1890-1899) to the
Miscellany page.
4. Update Other California Cities and Los Angles Area Funiculars pages. Change images
to thumbnails. Added more images of Second Street Cable Railway and Knott's Berry Farm
cable cars.
5. Added more images of the Fillmore Hill Counterbalance, the Telegraph Hill Railroad,
and the California/Powell signal tower to the San Francisco page.
6. Bob Murphy provided photographs of the North Melbourne Winding House, which I added
to the Melbourne article.
7. Added article on Charles Smallwood to the Who page.
8. Reorganize Newspaper section of the bibliography by subject.
Coming in November, 2011: The Fifteenth anniversary of the Cable Car Home Page. On the
Why page: Fifteen Years and What do you Get?
My park trains page has my visit to the 11th annual Labor Day Railfair at Ardenwood
Farm. With videos and photos.
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-October-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-June-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-September-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) September, 2011 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the September, 2011 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. Picture of the Month: Electric streetcars ride up and down Cincinnati's Mount Adams Incline
2. On the new Cable Car Lines in Ohio page: A new article about Cincinnati's inclines
3. Added News and Bibliography items about the Powell Street Promenade
Ten years ago this quarter (Summer, 2000):
1. Picture of the Quarter: Upper Douglas car 72/73
2. Roll out new Cable Car Lines in the UK page with an article on the Isle of Man's Upper Douglas Cable Tramway.
3. Move London's Highgate Hill Cable Tramway to the UK page and add thumbnails.
4. Update San Francisco page. Change images to thumbnails. Added two more images of Carville.
5. Add article about Private Funiculars to the Los Angeles Area Funiculars page.
6. Add Liverpool United and Chicago West Division experimental installations to the Where page.
7. Add Selected articles from Manufacturer and Builder Magazine (1885-1889) to the Miscellany page.
8. Add photo of Mrs Klussmann and new article about her nemesis, Roger Lapham, to the Who page.
9. Update Market Street Cable Railway and Omnibus Railroad & Cable Company with colors of their lines.
Coming in October, 2011: On the UK page: More about the Glasgow District Subway
My park trains page has my visits this summer to Disneyland, the Virginia and Truckee Railway, which
recently began operating all the way from the outskirts of Carson City to Virginia City, and the
Nevada State Railroad Museum, which rearranged its collections and rolled out what may be the world's
only operable McKeen motor car.
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-September-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-June-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-August-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) August, 2011 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the August, 2011 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. Picture of the Month: A photo of Angels Flight that I took during a July, 2011 visit to Angels Flight
2. On the Los Angeles Area funiculars page: A new article about a July, 2011 visit to Angels Flight. Includes photos, videos and a cool animated gif
3. Added News and Bibliography items about the return of Angels Flight and a wonderful graphic from citypass.comOn the Los Angeles Area funiculars page: A new article about our visit to Angels Flight
Ten years ago this quarter (Summer, 2000):
1. Picture of the Quarter: Upper Douglas car 72/73
2. Roll out new Cable Car Lines in the UK page with an article on the Isle of Man's Upper Douglas Cable Tramway.
3. Move London's Highgate Hill Cable Tramway to the UK page and add thumbnails.
4. Update San Francisco page. Change images to thumbnails. Added two more images of Carville.
5. Add article about Private Funiculars to the Los Angeles Area Funiculars page.
6. Add Liverpool United and Chicago West Division experimental installations to the Where page.
7. Add Selected articles from Manufacturer and Builder Magazine (1885-1889) to the Miscellany page.
8. Add photo of Mrs Klussmann and new article about her nemesis, Roger Lapham, to the Who page.
9. Update Market Street Cable Railway and Omnibus Railroad & Cable Company with colors of their lines.
Coming in September, 2011: On the new Cable Car Lines in Ohio page: A new article about Cincinnati's inclines
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-August-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-June-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-January-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) July, 2011 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the July, 2011 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. Picture of the Month: Upper Douglas Cable Tramway car descending Prospect Hill on the Isle of Man.
2. On the Cable Car Lines in the UK page, updated article on the Isle of Man's Upper Douglas Cable Tramway, including an 1896 Railway World article, Cable Traction in the Isle of Man
3. On Walter Rice's page about Glen Hurlburt's "Cable Car Concerto," a 1947 composition that represents a ride on the Mason Street line, added an image of the label
4. Added information about Muni fare changes.
5. Added News and Bibliography items about more shutdowns, the return of the California Street line, a fare increase and labor issues
Ten years ago this quarter (Summer, 2000):
1. Picture of the Quarter: Upper Douglas car 72/73
2. Roll out new Cable Car Lines in the UK page with an article on the Isle of Man's Upper Douglas Cable Tramway.
3. Move London's Highgate Hill Cable Tramway to the UK page and add thumbnails.
4. Update San Francisco page. Change images to thumbnails. Added two more images of Carville.
5. Add article about Private Funiculars to the Los Angeles Area Funiculars page.
6. Add Liverpool United and Chicago West Division experimental installations to the Where page.
7. Add Selected articles from Manufacturer and Builder Magazine (1885-1889) to the Miscellany page.
8. Add photo of Mrs Klussmann and new article about her nemesis, Roger Lapham, to the Who page.
9. Update Market Street Cable Railway and Omnibus Railroad & Cable Company with colors of their lines.
125 years ago, on 14-July-1886, the Second Street Cable Railway in Los Angeles started service
Coming in August, 2011: On the new Cable Car Lines in Ohio page: A new article about Cincinnati's inclines
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-July-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-June-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-January-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) June, 2011 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the June, 2011 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. Picture of the Month: Grip car of the Mt. Auburn Cable Railway, Cincinnati, Ohio.
(Source: The Street Railway Journal, February, 1888. Volume IV, Number 2).
2. On the new Cable Car Lines in Ohio page: A new article about Cincinnati's Mount Auburn Cable Railway. Including magazine articles and contemporary newspaper articles
3. Also on the new Cable Car Lines in Ohio page: contemporary newspaper articles about Cincinnati's cable cars and the Vine Street Cable Railway:
4. On the Australia/New Zealand page: Thanks to Ric Fisher, updated the Penang Hills Railway article to reflect the reopening of the rebuilt line and include his latest photographs
Ten years ago this quarter (Spring, 2000):
1. Picture of the Quarter: Will Clark riding on cable car
2. Add more items to the Kitsch page, including stamps and magazine advertisements.
3. Add Selected articles from Manufacturer and Builder Magazine (1880-1884) to the
Miscellany page.
4. Update How Do Cable Cars Work? page. Changed images to thumbnails. Added girder
rail image from Randy Hees and other new images.
5. Bob Murphy provided a photograph of the Gertrude Street Cable Winding House,
which I added to the Melbourne article. Peter Vawser provided additional information
about Melbourne cable tramways.
6. Add links to Kavanaugh Transit site, North American Vintage Trolley Systems and many others.
7. Add News and Bibliography items about a truck knocking down Seattle's Iron Pergola.
8. Add News and Bibliography items about Angel's Flight runaway accident. Also updated the Los Angeles Area Funiculars page.
9. Move Kalakala article to my ferry web site.
10. Move "The Los Angeles Cable Railway" article from Scientific American (courtesy of Tom Ehrenreich) to another server.
25 years ago, on 17-June-1986, Al Quintana won the 24th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest, interrupting Carl Payne's streak.
Coming in July, 2011: On the Cable Car Lines in the UK page: More about the Isle of Man's Upper Douglas Cable Tramway
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-June-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-March-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-January-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) May, 2011 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the May, 2011 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. Picture of the Month: Vine Street Cable Railway car 258 is shown at Vine and
Molitor Streets in Cincinnati, with a grip on display.
2. On the new Cable Car Lines in Ohio page: A new article about Cincinnati's Vine
Street Cable Railway. This includes a cool diagram of the complex trackage in
Fountain Square that was shared by horse cars, cable cars, and electric cars.
"Twenty-one street car lines pass this corner, and, to an observer who is not
acquainted with the care with which the different cars, horse, cable and electric,
are directed to their proper tracks, it often seems as if a block would certainly
result."
3. Added News and Bibliography items about a Powell/Hyde shutdown and the
passing of gripman Floyd Moore
Ten years ago this quarter (Spring, 2000):
1. Picture of the Quarter: Will Clark riding on cable car
2. Add more items to the Kitsch page, including stamps and magazine advertisements.
3. Add Selected articles from Manufacturer and Builder Magazine (1880-1884) to the
Miscellany page.
4. Update How Do Cable Cars Work? page. Changed images to thumbnails. Added girder
rail image from Randy Hees and other new images.
5. Bob Murphy provided a photograph of the Gertrude Street Cable Winding House,
which I added to the Melbourne article. Peter Vawser provided additional information
about Melbourne cable tramways.
6. Add links to Kavanaugh Transit site, North American Vintage Trolley Systems and many others.
7. Add News and Bibliography items about a truck knocking down Seattle's Iron Pergola.
8. Add News and Bibliography items about Angel's Flight runaway accident. Also updated the Los Angeles Area Funiculars page.
9. Move Kalakala article to my ferry web site.
10. Move "The Los Angeles Cable Railway" article from Scientific American (courtesy of Tom Ehrenreich) to another server.
Coming in June, 2011: On the new Cable Cars in Ohio Page: Cincinnati's Mount Auburn Cable Railway
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-May-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-March-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-January-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) April, 2011 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the April, 2011 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A menu cover from the San Francisco Cable Car Room
on Western Pacific's California Zephyr
2. On the Kitsch page: A photo of shelves of toy cable cars; a Hard Rock Cafe pin;
an Avon after shave bottle; a Starbucks gift card, a 1947 membership card from the
Citizens' Cable Car Committee; a menu cover from the Western Pacific's California Zephyr
Cable Car Room; more pictures of toy cable car 28; and a mysterious silver ingot
3. On the Cable Car Models page, a model of a California Street cable car by OcCre;
another view of a Lefton model of a Cleveland grip car
4. On the Cal Cable page: Thank you to Mike Coppack of the Poway-Midland Railroad, I
made a correction of some dates on that page and added information about their Car 17, which is under restoration
5. Added News and Bibliography items about Powell Street outages
Ten years ago this quarter (Spring, 2000):
1. Picture of the Quarter: Will Clark riding on cable car
2. Add more items to the Kitsch page, including stamps and magazine advertisements.
3. Add Selected articles from Manufacturer and Builder Magazine (1880-1884) to the
Miscellany page.
4. Update How Do Cable Cars Work? page. Changed images to thumbnails. Added girder
rail image from Randy Hees and other new images.
5. Bob Murphy provided a photograph of the Gertrude Street Cable Winding House,
which I added to the Melbourne article. Peter Vawser provided additional information
about Melbourne cable tramways.
6. Add links to Kavanaugh Transit site, North American Vintage Trolley Systems and many others.
7. Add News and Bibliography items about a truck knocking down Seattle's Iron Pergola.
8. Add News and Bibliography items about Angel's Flight runaway accident. Also updated the Los Angeles Area Funiculars page.
9. Move Kalakala article to my ferry web site.
10. Move "The Los Angeles Cable Railway" article from Scientific American (courtesy of Tom Ehrenreich) to another server.
Coming in May, 2011: On the new Cable Cars in Ohio Page: Cincinnati's Vine Street Cable Railway
My ferryboat page celebrated its tenth anniversary in January. This month I have added
another 1912 example of the Ferry Tales column from the "San Francisco Call":
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-April-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-March-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-January-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) March, 2011 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the March, 2011 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A Cincinnati cable train lays over on the Blair Avenue
loop at the outer end of the Mount Adams and Eden Park Railway's Gilbert Avenue line.
2. On the new Cable Car Lines in Ohio page: A new article about Cincinnati's Mount
Adams and Eden Park Railway. Also a newspaper article about an 1887 accident
3. On the Who page: A new article about Henry M Lane, engineer on the Mount Adams and
Eden Park and other cable lines
4. On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany, I
added Chinatown Squad
5. Added Bibliography item about filmmaker and former cable car gripman Melvin Van
Peebles
Ten years ago this quarter (Winter, 2000):
1. Picture of the Quarter: Market/Hayes cable car by IW Taber
2. Roll out More Market Street Pictures page.
3. Add "The Los Angeles Cable Railway" article from Scientific American, courtesy
of Tom Ehrenreich.
4. Ray Long provided two photographs of the Industry Hills Incline, one of
Sacramento/Clay car 16 on the Emporium roof and one of Cal Cable 56 at Washington/Mason.
5. Add section on The Electrical System to How Page.
6. Add Beebe book and article about ergonomic adjustments to turntable to Bibliography.
16-March-2011 will be Andrew S Hallidie's 175th birthday
Coming in April, 2011: On the Kitsch page: More kitsch, including a menu cover from the
Western Pacific's California Zephyr Cable Car Room and a mysterious silver ingot
My ferryboat page celebrated its tenth anniversary in January. This month I have added
two 1912 examples of the Ferry Tales column from the "San Francisco Call":
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-March-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 28-February-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-January-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) February, 2011 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the February, 2011 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: Barara Davies, Miss Cable Car 1973, poses on a Powell
Street car in a clipping from the 03-June-1973 Palo Alto Times.
2. On the San Francisco Page: Barara Davies Walsh, Miss Cable Car 1973, shares
memories and clippings from her exciting reign
3. On the new Cable Car Lines in Ohio page: A new article about Cleveland's Brooklyn
Street Railroad/South Side Railway, both owned by Tom L Johnson, one of which had an
experimental cable installation using the Johnson Ladder Cable System
Ten years ago this quarter (Winter, 2000):
1. Picture of the Quarter: Market/Hayes cable car by IW Taber
2. Roll out More Market Street Pictures page.
3. Add "The Los Angeles Cable Railway" article from Scientific American, courtesy
of Tom Ehrenreich.
4. Ray Long provided two photographs of the Industry Hills Incline, one of
Sacramento/Clay car 16 on the Emporium roof and one of Cal Cable 56 at Washington/Mason.
5. Add section on The Electrical System to How Page.
6. Add Beebe book and article about ergonomic adjustments to turntable to Bibliography.
Coming in March, 2011: On the new Cable Cars in Ohio Page:
Cincinnati's Mount Adams and Eden Park Railway
My ferryboat page celebrated its tenth anniversary in January. This month I have added
many photos and images of the Hatch Brothers' Monticello Steamship Company, which operated
fast ferries between San Francisco and Vallejo:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
My park trains page has the Golden Gate Express Railway, 2011 - photos and a video of the Garden
Scale layout enjoying its third year at the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco's Golden Gate
Park
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-February-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-January-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-January-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) January, 2011 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
Happy New Year, everyone.
I just put the January, 2011 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A Lefton model of a Cleveland City Cable Railway
Payne Avenue grip car.
2. On the new Cable Car Lines in Ohio page: A new article about the Cleveland
City Cable Railway
3. On the Who page: A new article about Colonel William H Paine, engineer on
the Cleveland City Cable Railway and many other cable traction lines
4. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: More images of car 60 decorated for Christmas
2010, along with photos of other decorated cars including 9, 13, 14, and 25, mostly
taken on a day of playing tourist. With the recreation center torn down, we got an
interesting angle on Washington/Mason. .
5. Added News and Bibliography items about the early shutdown of the California
Street line.
6. Added News items about plans to make Powell into a pedestrian mall all the way
to Geary Street and about the Angels Flight 109th birthday celebration
7. Add links to new site for Peter Ehrlich's photography business and the San
Francisco Trains site
Ten years ago this quarter (Winter, 2000):
1. Picture of the Quarter: Market/Hayes cable car by IW Taber
2. Roll out More Market Street Pictures page.
3. Add "The Los Angeles Cable Railway" article from Scientific American, courtesy
of Tom Ehrenreich.
4. Ray Long provided two photographs of the Industry Hills Incline, one of
Sacramento/Clay car 16 on the Emporium roof and one of Cal Cable 56 at Washington/Mason.
5. Add section on The Electrical System to How Page.
6. Add Beebe book and article about ergonomic adjustments to turntable to Bibliography.
Coming in February, 2011: On the new Cable Cars in Ohio Page: Tom L Johnson's Brooklyn
Street Railroad/South Side Railway in Cleveland, one of which hosted an experimental cable
installation. If anyone knows which one did it, I'd be grateful to learn.
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-January-2011)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-November-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-November-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) December, 2010 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the December, 2010 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: Pitcher Madison Bumgarner rides a motorized cable in the
Giants Victory Parade on 03-November-2010.
2. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: The 2010 Giants Victory Parade.
3. Also on the Decorated Cable Cars page: Car 60 decorated by Val Lupiz for Christmas 2010.
4. On the UK page: A new article about the London's Euston to Camden Incline, an
endless cable incline which took trains from Euston Station to Camden Town
5. With Christmas coming, it's a good time to visit Joe Lacey's article Christmas on
the Cables, and the Decorated Cable Cars page.
6. Added News and Bibliography items about an attack on a cable car conductor
7. Added Bibliography item: an obituary for William Frost, retired Cable Car Division
Electrical Shop Foreman
Ten years ago this quarter (Fall, 2000):
1. Picture of the Quarter: Geary and Market
2. Roll out Excerpts From Frank Norris' novel The Octopus page
3. Add news item and other remarks about old car 4 being installed at Pac Bell Park.
4. Join more webrings: Funicular, Trolley & Interurban, Tram, and International
Transportation
Coming in January, 2011: On the new Cable Cars in Ohio Page: The Cleveland City
Cable Railway
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-December-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-November-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-November-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) November, 2010 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the November, 2010 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: Fear the Beard -- A window of Powell/Mason Car 28 praises the Giants' excellent
corps of hirusite relievers.
2. On the UK page: A new article about the City and South London Railway, the first successful tube railway,
which planned to use cable traction. I found some nice illustrations of the system as it was built
2. On the Who page: Added more about J M Thompson (no relation), who was involved in promoting and building
cable car lines in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland, Oregon to the Who page: His full name, a photo, and a brief
biographical sketch from the Street Railway Journal
3. On the How page: A photo of a Washburn and Moen wagon used to deliver cables in San Francisco
4. Added News item about a "60 Minutes" report about the 1906 movie "A Trip Down Market Street." I updated my
own page about the film with a 29-March-1906 newspaper article about the Miles Brothers requesting permission to make
the movie.
Ten years ago this quarter (Fall, 2000):
1. Picture of the Quarter: Geary and Market
2. Roll out Excerpts From Frank Norris' novel The Octopus page
3. Add news item and other remarks about old car 4 being installed at Pac Bell Park.
4. Join more webrings: Funicular, Trolley & Interurban, Tram, and International
Transportation
Lots of anniversaries this month:
30-November is the 175th birthday of Samuel Clemens.
06-November is the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's first inauguration.
06-November is also the 125th anniversary of start of service of the experimental cable
car line in Binghamton, New York.
11-November is the 125th anniversary of the start of cable service in Melbourne, Australia
30-November is the 75th anniversary of the end of cable service on the Outer Circle of the
Glasgow District Subway.
Coming in December, 2010: On the Cable Tram Lines in the UK Page: London's endless-cable incline which took
trains from Euston Station to Camden Town
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-November-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-September-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-September-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) October, 2010 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the October, 2010 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: An 1840 view of Marsh Station on the London and Blackwall Railway.
2. On the UK page: A new article about the London and Blackwall Railway, a
pre-Hallidie cable-operated line
3. Added News and Bibliography items about the 48th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing
Contest. The gripmen and conductors chose to boycott the contest because of
union/management issues
4. Add links to two sites: FunCheapSF and Railroad Parts: History for Kids
Ten years ago this month (October, 2000):
1. Picture of the Month: Geary and Market
2. Roll out Excerpts From Frank Norris' novel The Octopus page
3. Add news item and other remarks about old car 4 being installed at Pac Bell Park.
4. Join more webrings: Funicular, Trolley & Interurban, Tram, and International
Transportation
08-October is the 125th anniversary of the start of service on the first cable car
line in Los Angeles, the Second Street Cable Railway. 21-October is the 125th anniversary
of the National and Pacific Cable Companies agreeing to share the national market.
New on my ferryboats page: The fate of former ferries Fresno and San Leandro:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
New on my park trains page: A flier for the 10th Annual Ardenwood Railfair:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
Coming in November, 2010: On the Cable Tram Lines in the UK Page: The City and South
London Railway, London's first tube railway, which considered using cable traction
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-October-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-September-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-September-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) September, 2010 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the September, 2010 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: Kennington Changing-Place, where London's Brixton Road
horse trams received cable grips for the trip up Brixton Hill.
2. On the UK page: A new article about London's Brixton Cable Tramway, including
"A Chat on a Cable Car", a magazine article describing a ride over the line
3. Also on the UK page: Chapter Six from "Tramways: Their Construction and Working,
Embracing a Comprehensive History", an 1894 book by Daniel Kinnear Clark
4. On the Cable Cars in the Pacific Northwest page, more photos from our July, 2010
visit to Seattle, including the Waterfront Streetcar Line (which is now a bus route), the monorail,
light rail at SeaTac airport, and Union Station
5. On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: Thanks to Dexter Wong, I added "Petulia"
6. Added News and Bibliography items about cable car 62 at the State Fair and the introduction of Clipper
Ten years ago this month (September, 2000):
1. Picture of the Month: Fairfax funicular
2. Add Fairfax funicular article to the San Francisco Miscellany page.
3. Add news item and other remarks about old car 4 being installed at Pac Bell Park.
4. Add news item and bibliography item about new cable car book.
5. Add news item about car 9 mishap.
The much-delayed 2010 Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest may take place on Tuesday,
28-September-2010. Or not.
New on my ferryboats page: A ride on Washington State Ferry Tacoma, from Seattle to Bainbridge
Island, photos and videos:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
New on my park trains page: A ride on the Seattle Monorail, with photos and videos:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
Coming in October, 2010: On the Cable Car Lines in the UK Page: The London and Blackwall Railway,
a pre-Hallidie cable-operated rail line
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-September-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-August-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-August-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) August, 2010 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the August, 2010 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: The intersection of Twelfth and Market Streets in Philadelphia,
where the Market Street cable line crossed a horse car line.
2. On the Cable Car Lines in Pennsylvania Page: More about the Philadelphia
Traction Company, including a lithograph of Twelfth and
Market Streets and an 1892 newspaper article about how Philadelphia gripmen were
developing asymmetically
3. On the Cable Cars in the Pacific Northwest page, photos from our July, 2010 visit to Seattle
4. On the Los Angeles Area funiculars page: Roll out a new article
about the funicular at the Victoria Station Restaurant at Universal
City. Thank you to John Heller for telling me about the funicular. Also thanks to John for
permission to use the only known photo of the Playa Del Rey Incline Railway
Ten years ago this month (August, 2000):
1. Picture of the Month: Philadelphia Traction train
2. Roll out Philadelphia Traction Company on the Other Cities page. Later moved to the
Pennsylvania page
3. Add news item about bell ringing contest
4. In the Bibliography: update information about J Bucknall Smith book.
Coming in September, 2010: On the Cable Car Lines in the UK Page: London's Brixton Cable Tramway
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-August-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-June-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-June-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) July, 2010 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the July, 2010 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A single-jaw side grip used on the Birmingham
Central Tramways Company's cable tram line. Source: "Tramways: Their Construction
and Working, Embracing a Comprehensive History" by Daniel Kinnear Clark.
2. On the UK page: The Birmingham Central Tramways Company, which operated
cable trams until 1911
3. Also on the UK page: an 1897 article by William Newby Colam on the "Conversion
of Edinburgh, Leith and Portobello Horse Tramways Systems Into Cable Traction"
4. On the Who page: Thanks to John Colam, a cousin, a photo and biographical information
about engineer William Newby Colam, who was involved with several UK cable tramways. Also
engineers Edward Pritchard and Joseph Kincaid, who designed and built the Birmingham Central
Tramways Company's cable tram line
5. Added News item about an effort to revive the Mount Beacon Incline Railway
Ten years ago this month (July, 2000):
1. Picture of the Month: State Street, Chicago at night
2. Roll out page with excerpt from "South of the Slot" by Jack London
3. Add State Street at night postcard to Chicago page
4. Add more information about Portland Cable Trams Inc to Melbourne page.
Add thanks to Bruce McMillan for the information.
5. Add link to John Smatlak's Railway Preservation Resources page
6. Add photo of Benjamin Brooks to Who page
On my Park Trains page: A June visit to the Golden State Model Railroad Museum
in Point Richmond:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in August, 2010: On the Cable Car Lines in Pennsylvania Page: More about the
Philadelphia Traction Company
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-July-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-June-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-June-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) June, 2010 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the June, 2010 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: Edinburgh cable tram 209, built in 1903 by the Electric
Railway and Tramway Carriage Works
2. The Edinburgh Northern Cable Tramways/Edinburgh and District Tramways Company, Ltd,
which operated until 1923 and an 1890 article by William Newby Colam on the Edinburgh
Northern Cable Tramways
3. On the Who page: A new article about engineer William Newby Colam, who was involved
with several UK cable tramways
4. On the Cable Car Video page: Two videos of cars rounding the corner at Powell and
Jackson. One of a car backing into the barn at Washington and Jackson. One of a car
running from Jackson and Mason to Washington
5. On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: Thanks to Dexter Wong, I added
"The Sniper"
5. Add link to new cable car page, Coming to Grips
Ten years ago this month (June, 2000):
1. Picture of the Month: DB Fisk Advertisement
2. Mystery Picture Contest results.
3. Roll out Seattle Miscellany section with article about ferry Kalakala (later moved
to my San Francisco Bay Ferryboats site.
4. Add newspaper items about ferry Kalakala and Demoro Key System books to bibliography
5. Add mention of 1897 movie clip to Chicago page
6. Add thanks to First & Fastest, a magazine about the electric railways in the
Chicago area for recommending this site in its Summer, 2000 issue. Add thanks to Val
Golding for supplying newspaper clippings about Kalakala. Add thanks to Yahoo for listing
this site in its directory. Add link to Clive Mottram's Tramway and Trolleybus Images.
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in July, 2010: On the Cable Trams in the UK Page: the Birmingham Central Tramways
Company
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-June-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-March-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-April-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) May, 2010 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the May, 2010 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: Matlock cable tram 3 carries a good crowd up Bank Road
2. On the UK page: The Matlock Tramways Company, Ltd, which operated until 1927
3. On the More Muni Photos page: photos of Powell and Market in the early morning
4. Added News item about Willa Johnson, the second gripwoman
5. Added date for the 2010 Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest
Ten years ago this month (May, 2000):
1. Picture of the Month: Mystery Picture Number One
2. Roll out Mystery Picture Contest page
3. Roll out article by Emiliano J Echeverria about the California/Powell
signal tower on the San Francisco Miscellany page. Add references on
How/CSC/ FCH/Muni pages.
4. Add DOA to Movies Which Feature Cable Cars list.
5. Add info about new Car 9 to roster. Add story to bibliography
6. Add link for Harry Marnell's California Trolleys page. Add link to SF
Seals web site
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in June, 2010: On the Cable Cars in the UK Page: the Edinburgh
Northern Cable Tramways
April 22 is the 100th anniversary of the death of Mark Twain. April 30 is the 75th
anniversary of the last day of cable traction on the Outer Circle of the Glasgow
District Subway.
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-May-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-March-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-April-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) April, 2010 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the April, 2010 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A souvenir piece of California Street Cable Railroad cable
2. On the Sutter Street Railway page and the Miscellany page, in the
Cable Railway Trust article: A stock certificate for the Cable Railway
Company, which has been in the Schmitt family since 1881. Thank you to
Carl P Schmitt for sharing this family treasure
3. Also on the Chicago page, two magazine articles about the Chicago
Tunnel Railway
4. On the Who page: A photo of Henry Casebolt's home, which still
stands on Pierce Street
5. Added News and Bibliography items about the return of Angels Flight
6. Added News and Bibliography items about plans to refurbish the
California Street and Powell Street lines
7. On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany,
I added What's Up, Doc?
8. Add link to the website of the South Western Electricity
Historical Society, from the UK
9. Changed toy cable car picture on the main page to Number 501 on its box
Ten years ago this month (April, 2000):
1. Picture of the Month: Cable Car Room menu.
2. Roll out Cable Car Kitsch page.
3. Change toy cable car picture on the main page to car 504.
4. Use database table in Where & When page.
5. Add news items for Powell Street suspension and Hallidie anniversary.
6. Add links for the Baltimore Streetcar Museum and the Baltimore
Transit Archives and remove dead Bay Area Backroads link. Add link for
GGIE.com.
7. Join Blickpunkt Straßenbahn web ring.
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in May, 2010: On the new Cable Cars in the UK Page: the Matlock Tramways Company
April 22 is the 100th anniversary of the death of Mark Twain. April 30 is the 75th
anniversary of the last day of cable traction on the Outer Circle of the Glasgow
District Subway.
On my San Francisco Bay Ferryboats page: "How the Southern Pacific
Maintains World's Cleanest Ferry Boats": an article from the California
State Board of Health which appeared in the March, 1921 "Southern
Pacific Bulletin":
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-April-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-March-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-January-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) March, 2010 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the March, 2010 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: West Chicago Street Railroad trains on Randolph Street
2. On the Chicago page, more about the West Chicago Street Railroad, including a
selection from the 1898 Report of Special Committee of the City Council of Chicago
on the Street Railway Franchises & Operations, an ad for a default settlement, and
a contemporary newspaper article:
- Chicago -- Halsted Street Runaway (Saint Paul Daily Globe, Monday, February 25, 1895)
3. Also on the Chicago page, two magazine articles about the Chicago Tunnel Railway
4. On the San Francisco page: A link to a blog about Cubbie the Cable Car
5. On the San Francisco page: A link to a blog about Cubbie the Cable Car
6. On the Cable Car Video page: Two F Line views of Muni 162 this year.
7. Thanks to Ric Francis, added News and Bibliography items about the shutdown of the Penang Hills Railway, a funicular
8. Added News and Bibliography items about Eric Neubauer's book about early Pullman car production
9. Add link to the website of an Italian colonel who commands a military railroad engineering unit
Ten years ago this month (March, 2000):
1. Picture of the Month: West Chicago cable train on Madison Street
2. Add West Chicago Street Railway to Chicago page.
3. Add article about the Chicago Tunnel Railway to the Chicago Miscellany page
4. Add more detail to Seattle page. Add Yesler/2nd & Iron Pergola pictures.
5. Add J M Thompson (no relation) to the Who page
6. Add postcard of former cable car used on Mount Tamalpais railroad to San Francisco/Omnibus page
7. Add links to Steve Annells' The Bus Station, Jacek Wesolowski's Urban Mountain Railways and People Movers site, and Joel GAzis-SAx's An Almanac of California.
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in April, 2010: The Tenth Anniversary of the Cable Car Kitsch Page
March 29 is the 100th anniversary of a big accident in Kansas City. A car of the Metropolitan Street Railway derailed
on the 12th Street incline and was struck by the following car.
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-March-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-November-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-January-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) February, 2010 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the February, 2010 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A stereo view of "State Street north from Madison" in Chicago.
2. On the Chicago page, more about the widely hated North Chicago Street Railroad, including a selection from the 1898 Report of Special Committee of the City Council of Chicago on the Street Railway Franchises & Operations, an advertisement for investors, a cartoon and some contemporary newspaper articles:
- Chicago -- Patent Lawsuit (Sacramento Daily Record-Union, Wednesday, December 21, 1887)
- Chicago -- Runaway Horse Car (San Francisco Morning Call, Sunday, October 03, 1890)
- Chicago -- Cable Cars to Carry Bicycles (Saint Paul Daily Globe, Sunday, May 30, 1897)
- Chicago -- Making Money From Cable Cars (Omaha Daily Bee, Saturday, July 1, 1899)
I particularly liked the article about cable cars carrying bicycles. Bikes on public transit can still be a touchy issue.
3. On the Cable Car Models page, photos and a video of Garden Scale Cable Cars
4. On the Horse Car Home Page, a John Stephenson ad and a Chicago newspaper article
Ten years ago this month (February, 2000):
1. Picture of the Month: North Chicago cable trains at the La Salle Street tunnel, Chicago
2. Add North Chicago Street Railway to Chicago page.
3. Add article about the Patent Trust to the Miscellany page
4. Add C B Holmes and Asa Hovey to the Who page
5. Move Thanks/Links to a separate page
6. Add postcard of former cable car used on Mount Tamalpais railroad to San Francisco/Omnibus page
7. Add information about iron pergola in Seattle
8. Add information about modern Portland, Victoria tourist cable tram project to the Melbourne page
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in March, 2010: More about the West Chicago Street Railroad
On my Park Trains page: A January visit to the Golden Gate Express garden scale
railroad at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. With photos and videos:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-February-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-November-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-January-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) January, 2010 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the January, 2010 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A stereo view of "State Street north from Madison" in Chicago.
2. On the Chicago page, more about the Chicago City Railway, including a selection from the 1898 Report of Special Committee of the City Council of Chicago on the Street Railway Franchises & Operations and contemporary newspaper articles:
Chicago -- Gripman Killed (Saint Paul Daily Globe, Friday, February 03, 1882)
THE CABLE-CAR LINE/Progress of the Work -- Eleven Trains and the Horse-Cars Still Running (Omaha Daily Bee, Wednesday, February 15, 1882)
Chicago -- Third Fatality (Sacramento Daily Record-Union, Saturday, March 25, 1882)
Chicago -- Fifteenth Victim (Saint Paul Daily Globe, Monday, September 04, 1882)
Killed by a Cable Car. (New-York Tribune, Wednesday, November 6, 1893)
STOPS CHICAGO CABLE LINES./The City Begins Active War on Street Car Company. (New-York Tribune, Thursday, January 18, 1906)
CABLES MAKE LAST RUN ON STREET IN CHICAGO (San Francisco Call, Sunday, July 23, 1906)
3. Added Bibliography item about Mayor Newsome's proposal to fill in part of Hallidie Plaza and install a reservoir or cistern below it
4. Added News and Bibliography items about the discovery of a relic of Saint Paul Minnesota's Selby Avenue cable car line
5. With Christmas coming, it's a good time to visit Joe Lacey's article "Christmas on
the Cables", and the Decorated Cable Cars page
Ten years ago this month (January, 2000):
1. Picture of the Month: State Street, Chicago
2. Roll out Chicago page with Chicago City Railway and excerpt from The Pit by Frank Norris.
3. Add Miscellany page
4. Add C B Holmes and Asa Hovey to the Who page
5. Add items about Muni's New Year's Eve plans to news and bibliography
6. Add links to Library of Congress page about cable cars and Don's Railspot
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in February, 2010: More about the North Chicago Street Railroad
Happy new year,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-January-2010)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-November-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-October-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) December, 2009 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the December, 2009 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: The proposed incline and improvements in Griffith Park,
Los Angeles. From the Los Angeles Herald, 27-August-1905
2. On the Los Angeles area funiculars page: Roll out a new article about the proposed
Griffith Park Incline Railway, including newspaper articles:
- "Incline Railway to Griffth Park" (Los Angeles Herald, Sunday, August 27, 1905)
- "Col. Eddy Gets More Time for Griffith Park Project"
(Los Angeles Herald, Saturday, July 22, 1905)
3. Also on the Los Angeles area funiculars page: More about the Industry Hills Incline
including its current status
4. On the Cable Trams in the UK, more about London's Highgate Hill Cable Tramway,
including an entry from Baedeker's guidebook for 1889. Also an illustrated paper, "Cable
Tramways", concentrating on Highgate Hill, that engineer William Newby Colam presented
to the Society of Engineers in 1885
5. With Christmas coming, it's a good time to visit Joe Lacey's article "Christmas on
the Cables", and the Decorated Cable Cars page
6. Added a new photo of Janelle Wang of Channel 7 performing with the 49er
Cheerleaders at the 47th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest
7. Also on the Los Angeles area funiculars page: Contemporary newspaper articles about
the Santa Catalina Island Incline Railway:
- Catalina Inclines Under Construction (Los Angeles Herald, Saturday, July 22, 1905)
- Catalina Inclines Near Completion (Los Angeles Herald, Saturday, July 29, 1905)
8. Added News and Bibliography items about a sudden stop on Powell Street and the last
Carville house
Ten years ago this month (December, 1999):
1. Picture of the Month: Highgate Hill, London
2. Roll out Highgate Hill Cable Tramway on the Other Cities page (later moved to the
Cable Trams in the UK) page. Add thanks to Stuart Jenkins
3. Roll out Los Angeles area funiculars/ Industry Hills and Getty Center on the Other
California Cities page
4. Add IW Hellman to the Who page
5. Add California/Drumm and old Cal Cable barn photos to the More California Pictures
page
6. Add National Geographic Carville article to bibliography
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
On my San Francisco Bay Ferryboats page: "Bridging the Bay With Our Ferries": an
article by Superintendent Charles F. Heath from the March, 1921 "Southern Pacific
Bulletin", about the history of San Francisco Bay ferry operations and particularly
Central/Southern Pacific operations:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Coming in January, 2010: More about the Chicago City Railway, which built the first
Hallidie-type cable car line in the United States outside of San Francisco
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-December-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-November-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-October-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) November, 2009 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the November, 2009 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: An advertisement for the Playa Del Rey development which
mentions the "unique incline railway which will extend to the summit of Del Rey
Heights..." From the Los Angeles Herald, 21-July-1905.
2. On the Los Angeles area funiculars page: Roll out a new article about the obscure
Playa Del Rey Incline Railway, including newspaper ads and contemporary articles:
- "The present week also marks the beginning of work upon the inclined railway..."
(Los Angeles Herald, Monday, July 17, 1905)
- "Rails and lumber are already on the ground for the inclined railway..."
(Los Angeles Herald, Saturday, July 22, 1905)
- "Work began today upon the new inclined railway..."
(Los Angeles Herald, Saturday, July 29, 1905)
3. Also on the Los Angeles area funiculars page: More about the Los Angeles and Mount
Washington Railway including a contemporary newspaper article:
- Mount Washington Auto Climb (Salt Lake Herald, Sunday, July 11, 1909)
4. Also on the Los Angeles area funiculars page: Three advertisements for Court Flight
and an entry from a 1907 Los Angeles guide book.
5. Also on the Los Angeles area funiculars page: More about the Angels Flight, an
entry from a 1907 Los Angeles guide book.
6. Also on the Los Angeles area funiculars page: Newspaper ads for the Mount Lowe
incline and an entry from a 1907 Los Angeles guide book
7. Also on the Los Angeles area funiculars page: Contemporary newspaper articles about
the Santa Catalina Island Incline Railway:
- Catalina Inclines Under Construction (Los Angeles Herald, Saturday, July 22, 1905)
- Catalina Inclines Near Completion (Los Angeles Herald, Saturday, July 29, 1905)
8. Added News and Bibliography items about big rainfalls and the city working out a
deal to buy historic cable cars and other artifacts
Ten years ago this month (November, 1999):
1. Picture of the Month: Mount Washington, Los Angeles
2. Roll out More Ferries and Cliff House Pictures page
3. Roll out Los Angeles area funiculars/Los Angeles and Mount Washington Railway on
the Other California Cities page
4. Add Fillmore Hill counterbalance postcard to the SF page
5. Add news item and bibliography item about a collision at Washington and Taylor
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
On my Park Trains page: An October visit to the Western Railway Museum and its
pumpkin patch service. With photos and videos:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
Coming in December, 2009: A proposed incline railway in Griffith Park
Also coming in December, 2009: More about the Highgate Hill Cable Tramway, Europe's
first Hallidie-type cable tram line
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-November-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-November-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-October-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) October, 2009 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the October, 2009 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A circa-1930 view of Court Flight, showing the sandwich
shop which provided additional revenue to the line.
2. On the Los Angeles area funiculars page: More about the Court Flight, including a photo
of Court Flight, an entry from a WPA guide, and some contemporary newspaper articles:
- Court Flight Delayed by Rain (Los Angeles Herald, Sunday, January 1, 1905)
- Court Flight Real Estate Ad (Los Angeles Herald, Sunday, January 8, 1905)
- Court Flight Fights A Competitor (Los Angeles Herald, Saturday, January 14, 1905)
- Court Flight Approved (Los Angeles Herald, Sunday, August 13, 1905)
- Court Flight In Progress (Los Angeles Herald, Sunday, August 27, 1905)
- Court Flight to Open Monday (Los Angeles Herald, Sunday, September 24, 1905)
- Court Flight a Success (Los Angeles Herald, Sunday, October 15, 1905)
- Court Flight Tax Plea (Los Angeles Herald, Tuesday, June 26, 1906)
- Court Flight Inspires Hotel (Los Angeles Herald, Sunday, October 21, 1906)
- Court Flight Losing Money (Los Angeles Herald, Friday, February 8, 1907)
3. Also on the Los Angeles area funiculars page: Another postcard of the Santa Catalina Island
Incline Railway
4. Added News items about two new cable car videos, one for kids and one about
the bell ringing contest. Created a new section on these and other Cable Car Videos
on the San Francisco detail page
5. Added News and Bibliography items about a collision at Washington and Mason
Ten years ago this month (September, 1999):
1. Picture of the Month: Powell and Mason, 1880's
2. Roll out More Ferries and Cliff House Pictures page
3. Roll out Los Angeles area funiculars/Court Flight and Catalina on the Other
California Cities page
4. Add news item and bibliography item about a loose strand
5. Updated SF Roster page
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
On my Park Trains page: A July visit to the California State Railroad Museum and a
Labor Day weekend visit to the Ninth Annual Washington Township Railroad Fair at
Ardenwood Farm, featuring, for the first time this year, two steam locomotives.
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
Coming in November, 2009: The little-remembered Playa Del Rey incline
Also coming in November, 2009: More about the Los Angeles and Mount Washington Railway
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-October-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-November-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-September-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) September, 2009 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the September, 2009 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: An early Angels Flight advertising
flier, including a photo of Colonel JW Eddy, who built the line and
operated it
2. On the Los Angeles area funiculars page: More about the Angels
Flight, including photos from Joe Lacey, tickets, and an old flier, and
several contemporary newspaper articles
3. Also on the Los Angeles area funiculars page: Two contemporary
newspaper articles about the Mount Lowe incline
4. On the Motorized Cable Cars page: A strange-looking double decker
5. Added link for MunsonWorks, a manufacturer of inclined elevators
Ten years ago this month (September, 1999):
1. Picture of the Month: Angels Flight
2. Roll out Los Angeles area funiculars/ Angels Flight on the Other California
Cities page
3. Add link to new site from the Friends of the Cable Car Museum
4. Add cable car sudden stop to news and bibliography
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
There is an important anniversary this month:
The Cable Car Museum Website celebrates its 10th anniversary. Congratulations to
the Friends of the Cable Car Museum
Coming in October, 2009: More about Court Flight and the Catalina inclines
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-September-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-November-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-August-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) August, 2009 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the August, 2009 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: "Coming Down From Echo Mountain In One of the White
Chariots." A photograph from "A Mountain Paradise" by Ronald L Pearse, in Cassel's
Magazine, June, 1901, showing one of the cars on the Mount Lowe incline
2. On the Los Angeles area funiculars page: More about the Mount Lowe incline,
including photos of the control room and the driving mechanism and newspaper articles
about two of the many fires that plagued the line
3. On the Cable Car Video page:
- New Powell Street car 15 outbound at Ellis. Also some videos from December: Cars 9,
13 and 25 decorated for Christmas
- F Line views of Muni 130 and 1010 and New Orleans 952 in June this year. Also two
videos of 952 decorated for Christmas
Ten years ago this month (August, 1999):
1. Picture of the Month: Mount Lowe incline
2. Roll out Los Angeles area funiculars/ Mount Lowe on the Other California Cities
page
3. Roll out articles on movies featuring cable cars and Joe Lacey's remarks on making
movies and commercials with cable cars on the SF detail page
4. Add link to Bruce Kliewe's site about the Great Reconstruction
5. Add news item about the cable car bell ringing contest
6. Add magazine article about Professor Lowe's Civil War service to the bibliography
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
There is an important anniversary this month:
August 12, 1984 - A suicidal driver ran head-on into Powell/Hyde car 12, causing it to
run away backwards downhill. Gripman Ray McCann and his conductor, Charles Gerstbacher, both seriously injured,
were able to stop the car. Read about the late Ray McCann on the Who page.
Coming in September, 2009: More about Angels Flight
See my Park Trains and Tourist Trains for pictures and videos of my July trip to Disneyland and an update
on the status of the Nut Tree Railroad:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-August-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-November-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-July-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) July, 2009 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the July, 2009 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: Henry Casebolt's patent drawing for his
overhead cable car line
2. On the Other California Cities page: More about Henry Casebolt's
experimental overhead cable car line, including his patent and some
contemporary newspaper articles, and the earlier patent issued to
General Beauregard
3. On the Who page: Henry Casebolt's obituary from the Daily Alta
California. Also added a woodcut of Casebolt from his obituary.
4. On the More Muni Photos page: Thanks to Val Lupiz, photos of new
Powell Street car 15 on its first test run. Also photos I took two days
after it went into service
5. On the Roster page: New car 15
6. Added video of grand master Carol Payne giving an exhibition at
the 47th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest. Also added photos
7. On the Cable Car Video page:
- Powell Street car 15 at Powell and Market, two days after it made its debut
- F Line views of Melbourne W-2 tram 496 in February and May this year
8. Added News and Bibliography items about the 47th Annual Cable Car
Bell Ringing Contest. Also about an accident and an explosion.
8. Added information about new Muni fare changes
Ten years ago this month (July, 1999):
1. Picture of the Month: Henry Casebolt's overhead cable line.
2. Roll out Casebolt overhead cable line on the Other California Cities page
3. Added magazine articles about New Orleans trade and St Paul history to bibliography
4. Added thanks for links to Mike Irlam, Tad Lane Creations, the
Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Society, and the Blickpunkt
Straßenbahn.
5. Change url on NMRA directory link
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
There are two important anniversaries this month:
July 5 is the 75th anniversary of Bloody Thursday, when San Francisco
police shot and killed two maritime strikers, Howard Sperry and Nick
Bordoise
July 16 is the 75th anniversary of the three day general strike which led
to the settlement of the maritime strike and the recognition of the
International Longshore Workers' Union
Coming in August, 2009: More about the Mount Lowe incline
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Jul-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-Apr-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) June, 2009 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the June, 2009 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A San Diego Cable Railway combination
car, Las Penasquitas. From Charles B Fairchild's book "Street Railways:
Their Construction, Operation and Maintenance/A Practical Handbook for
Street Railway Men"
2. On the Other California Cities page: More about the San Diego
Cable Railway, including new images and "Light Cable Road Construction,"
a paper written by Frank Van Vleck, who designed and built the line
3. On the More Muni Photos page: Thanks to Val Lupiz, photos of new
Powell Street car 15 with a fresh coat of yellow paint.
4. June, 2009 marks the 25th anniversary of the return of the cable
cars after the 1982-1984 reconstruction. Added a new banner pointing to
San Francisco: Cable Cars Are Here to Stay by Val Lupiz and Walter Rice
5. On the Cable Car Video page:
- Powell Street car 3 signed as a training car
- Powell Street car 5 inbound on Powell from Pine to Bush
- Powell Street car 25, in its bright red paint, passes the Saint Francis Hotel
- An F Line view of 1007 in the livery of Philadelphia's Red Arrow Lines
- An F Line view of 1818, the green Milan car
6. Added News and Bibliography items about the upcoming 47th Annual
Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest
Ten years ago this month (June, 1999):
1. Picture of the Month: Converted San Diego Cable Railway car.
2. Roll out San Diego Cable Railway on the Other California Cities page
3. Add link to new French site about cable cars. The third site on the web
4. Add Scott Ostler column about turntable problems to the bibliography
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I also have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
The 47th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest is scheduled for Tuesday,
09-June-2008 at noon in Union Square. I hope to be there.
There are some interesting anniversaries this month:
June 30 is the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Telegraph Hill Railroad, a
short-lived funicular
June 3 is the 25th anniversary of the return of the California Street line after the
1982-1984 reconstruction
June 4 is the 25th anniversary of the return of the Powell/Hyde line and the
dedication of the car barn
June 21 is the 25th anniversary of the return of the Powell/Mason line
I forgot to mention last month that May 30 was Benny Goodman's 100th birthday
Coming in July, 2009: More about Henry Casebolt's experimental
overhead cable car line, including his patent, and the earlier patent
issued to General Beauregard
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-May-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-Jun-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) May, 2009 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
In light of the current economic situation, I think this month's updates are particularly pertinent. Oakland's
Consolidated Piedmont Cable Company was closely tied to a real estate boom. When the economy and the real estate
industry went bust in the Panic of 1892, so did the Consolidated Piedmont Cable Company.
I just put the May, 2009 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: An engraving showing a Consolidated Piedmont cable car as
it pauses on the gravity loop at the entrance to Blair Park.
2. On the Other California Cities page: More about the Consolidated Piedmont Cable Company, including advertisements and contemporary newspaper articles
The Gravity Loop -- a series of articles about a unique feature of the Consolidated Piedmont.
First Cable Arrives (San Francisco Morning Call, Friday, May 09, 1890). "The two flat-cars that arrived with the wire cable for the Piedmont cable road are ... low set heavy structures, weighing nineteen tons each, supported by two double trucks, a total of eight pairs of wheels on each, which is twice the number on an ordinary flat..."
Consolidated Piedmont Nearly Ready for Testing (San Francisco Morning Call, Sunday, May 25, 1890). "The experimental car for trial on the Consolidated Oakland and Piedmont Cable Company's line ... will shortly be tried on the section between Piedmont and the cable-house before the contract for the rolling stock is let."
Consolidated Piedmont Real Estate News (San Francisco Morning Call, Monday, January 05, 1891). "The cable system has greatly increased the value of suburban property, bringing land on the outskirts nearer to the center of the city, and opening up tracts which formerly seemed inaccessible."
Consolidated Piedmont Real Estate News/2 (San Francisco Morning Call, Thursday, January 29, 1891). "E. A. Heron is offering many inducements in the way of pretty home sites in Linda Vista, on the Piedmont cable road."
New Transit Lines in Oakland (San Francisco Morning Call, Sunday, March 29, 1891). "It will do as much for its section as the Piedmont cable has done for Piedmont."
Consolidated Piedmont Receivership (San Francisco Morning Call, Thursday, November 02, 1893). "Oaklanders were treated to a genuine surprise yesterday when the rumor was spread about the streets that the big concern known as the Piedmont Cable Company was in the hands of a receiver."
Consolidated Piedmont Hard Feelings (San Francisco Morning Call, Tuesday, December 11, 1894). "Mr. Bishop scowled at Mr. Garthwaite and Mr. Garthwaite scowled at Mr. Bishop, and the matter was ended."
Consolidated Piedmont Hard Feelings/2 (San Francisco Morning Call, Saturday, January 05, 1895). "... Ira Bishop will be compelled to appease the wrath of Mrs. Phoebe Blair, who is after him with a sharp stick."
Baseball Field Unprofitable (San Francisco Morning Call, Saturday, January 05, 1895). "Yesterday the Piedmont Railway Company began demolishing this fence and taking down the grand stand ... the grounds do not pay."
Consolidated Piedmont Foreclosed (San Francisco Morning Call, Sunday, January 13, 1895). "... a considerable barrier of prior liens is piling up between the bondholders and their security ..."
Consolidated Piedmont Sold at Auction (San Francisco Morning Call, Wednesday, March 20, 1895). "Ever since the road began going down hill..." (lol - JT)
Consolidated Piedmont Assessment (San Francisco Morning Call, Thursday, May 16, 1895). "Mr. Dalton says he will not accept these figures and will place a valuation of his own on the road."
Consolidated Piedmont Sale Contested (San Francisco Morning Call, Wednesday, July 10, 1895). "... holders of ten bonds of the Consolidated Piedmont Cable Company, have sued the stockholders of that company ... They allege that when the sale of the road was made on the 19th day of March, 1895, all of the proceeds went for the payment of the receiver's indebtedness, leaving no part for the payment of the bonds."
Consolidated Piedmont -- Bitter Feelings (San Francisco Morning Call, Wednesday, August 14, 1895). "Mr. Garthwaite accused Mr. Bishop of peculiar tricks with reference to a franchise which had been obtained from the Council for a few blocks down Washington street."
Consolidated Piedmont -- Revenge of Mrs Blair (San Francisco Morning Call, Sunday, May 17, 1903). "It is said C. R. Bishop and J. R. Spring have made good their proportion of the amount, which aggregated $2268 20."
Consolidated Piedmont -- Attempted Suicide of Receiver Bishop (New-York Tribune, Sunday, November 06, 1904). "..while suffering from depression, due to ill health."
Consolidated Piedmont -- Death of Receiver Bishop (San Francisco Morning Call, Thursday, February 23, 1905). "He was at one time proprietor of the Piedmont Baths in Oakland, and was manager of the Oakland street railway system at the time of its sale to the Oakland Transit Company."
I have some more articles that I will add in future months.
3. Also on the Other California Cities page: Two more contemporary newspaper articles about the Oakland Cable Railway:
Cable Car Nearly Struck by Steam Train -- The 1894 collision was not the first time a train came too close to a cable car.
New Cable (San Francisco Morning Call, Sunday, April 12, 1891). "The putting in of the new cable of tbe Oakland Cable Company was not completed until about noon yesterday."
4. Added News and Bibliography items about a dispute between the city and the Friends of the Cable Car Museum
Ten years ago this month (May, 1999):
1. The picture of the month was a California Street cable car in Muni colors.
2. Roll out Consolidated Piedmont Cable Railway on the Other California Cities page
3. Add More California Street Pictures page
4. Add thanks/links to cable car email list and Railway Preservation News. Add links
to The American Heritage Time Machine and The Engines of Our Ingenuity
5. Add item about California Street reopening to the news
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
There are some interesting anniversaries this month:
May 29 is the 125th anniversary of the opening of London's Highgate Hill Cable Tramway,
the first Hallidie-type cable car line in Europe. Read about it on the Cable Trams in the
UK page.
May 9 is the 75th anniversary of the start of the San Francisco Maritime Strike, which led to Bloody
Thursday, the maritime strike, and the recognition of the ILWU
May 14 is the 50th anniversary of the passing of Sidney Bechet, important early jazz
musician, in Paris
I forgot to mention last month that April 26 was the 25th anniversary of the passing
of Count Basie
Coming in June, 2009: More about the San Diego Cable Railway, including "Light Cable Road
Construction," an article by Frank Van Vleck, the engineer who built it
Also coming in June, 2009: The 25th anniversary of the return of the cable cars after the
1982-1984 great reconstruction
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-May-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-Apr-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) April, 2009 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the April, 2009 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: Former O'Farrel/Jones/Hyde cable car 59 at Knott's Berry
Farm. Fitted with electric motors on its trucks, it served as a parking lot tram from
about 1955 to about 1979.
2. On the Other California Cities page: More about former San Francisco cable cars at
Knott's Berry Farm, including a map of the two routes
3. Also on the Other California Cities page: More about the Oakland Cable Railway,
including contemporary newspaper articles:
- The Lorings to Resign (San Francisco Morning Call, Tuesday, May 29, 1894). "They have been connected with the roads (cable and electric - JT) since the cable was built and are perfectly conversant with every detail of the business. It is rumored that their resignations were requested."
- Martin Succeeds Lorings (San Francisco Morning Call, Friday, June 1, 1894). "Mr. Martin of San Francisco, an experienced railroad man, will succeed the Lorings..."
- Cable Car Struck by Steam Train -- a series of articles about a fatal accident in December, 1894.
- Battle Over Assessments (San Francisco Morning Call, Thursday, July 15, 1897). Southern Pacific's attorney battled to get assessments reduced: "2.35 miles of cable on San Pablo avenue, from $83,225 to $47,000; franchise on the same, from $71,000 to $10,000; .35 of a mile of cable-road near Park avenue, from 11,750 to $3500..."
- Only Broad Tracks Now/The Unpopular Narrow Gauge Torn Up (San Francisco Morning Call, Sunday, September 4, 1898). An article about the beginning of the process to convert the former South Pacific Coast line to standard gauge mentions that "The railroad company has also contracted for the material for changing the San Pablo cable road into an electric system, the contract being contingent on the permission of the City Council to make the change."
4. On the Kitsch page: A matchbook from Cable Car Steaks; a centennial coin issued by
the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society; a Knott's Berry Farm paper plate; a Cable
Car Clothiers button; a Hard Rock Cafe 2008 pin; plastic toy cable car 504; a Christmas
ornament
5. On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany, I
added Starlift
6. Added News and Bibliography items about problems with the Powell Street cable
7. Changed toy cable car picture on the main page to a front-end view of Number 512
Ten years ago this month (April, 1999):
1. The picture of the month was an Oakland Cable Railway car.
2. Roll out Oakland Cable Railway on the Other California Cities page
3. Add Knott's Berry Farm cable car article to Los Angeles miscellany on the Other
California Cities page
4. Add thanks/links to cable car email list and Railway Preservation News. Add links
to The American Heritage Time Machine and The Engines of Our Ingenuity
5. Add Powell and California Street pictures to the roster page
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in May, 2009: More collectible junk on the Kitsch page
Also coming in May, 2009: More about cable cars at Knott's Berry Farm
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Apr-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-Mar-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) March, 2009 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the March, 2009 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A Boyle Heights train of the Los Angeles Cable Railway/Pacific Cable Railway in Los Angeles near First Street and Cemetery around 1890.
2. On the Other California Cities page: "A Year's Progress of Cable Motive Power", a paper about cable traction
developments by James Clifton Robinson, the General Manager of the Los Angeles Cable Railway/Pacific Cable Railway.
Robinson visited almost every cable traction line in the US and Europe. This paper was written at a time when electric
traction was not considered a viable alternative, so cable was the latest big thing.
3. On the Who page: A new article about James Clifton Robinson, a famous traction engineer who was the General Manager
of the Los Angeles Cable Railway/Pacific Cable Railway
Ten years ago this month (March, 1999):
1. The picture of the month was a Los Angeles Cable Railway Cape Horn viaduct.
2. Roll out Los Angeles Cable Railway/Pacific Railway on the Other California Cities page
3. Add Burgess picture to "Hyde Street Grip" page, add SSR and Norris pictures to McTeague page, and Madison Street Hill to Seattle page
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in April, 2009: More collectible junk on the Kitsch page
Also coming in April, 2009: More about cable cars at Knott's Berry Farm
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Mar-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-Oct-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) February, 2009 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the February, 2009 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A photo of a Melbourne cable winding house and tram shed, taken by Bob Murphy
2. On the Australia/New Zealand page: Thanks to Bob Murphy, photographs of the North Carlton winding house and tram shed in Melbourne
3. On the Other California Cities page: A contemporary newspaper article about the Temple Street Cable Railway in Los Angeles:
- AT LAST/The Temple Street Cable Road Completed (Los Angeles Times, Wednesday, July 14, 1886)
4. On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany, I added "Mr Billion"
5. Added News and Chronology items about a collision between a California Street car and a Powell Street car
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Ten years ago this month (February, 1999):
1. The picture of the month was a Los Angeles Temple Street Cable Railway cable train.
2. Rolled out Los Angeles Temple Street Cable Railway on the Other California Cities page
3. Added car 512 toy picture to main page, Hallidie picture to Who page, and Collins Street
picture to Melbourne page
4. Added news item about California Street conduit replacement
5. Added train spotting page
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in March, 2009: A paper about cable traction developments by the chief engineer of the Los Angeles Cable Railway
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Feb-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-Oct-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) January, 2009 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
Happy new year, everyone.
I just put the January, 2009 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A train of the Second Street Cable Railway in Los Angeles passes through the line's deep cut in Bunker Hill
2. On the Other California Cities page: Newspaper articles about the Second Street Cable Railway in Los Angeles:
- Second Street Cable Railway Seeks Subscriptions/1 (Los Angeles Times, Tuesday, February 3, 1885)
- Seeks Subscriptions/2 (Los Angeles Times, Saturday, February 7, 1885)
- Tested (Los Angeles Times, Friday, October 9, 1885)
- Unpaid Cable Bill (Los Angeles Times, Saturday, October 26, 1889)
- Conduit Blocked (Los Angeles Times, Thursday, December 5, 1889)
3. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: Cable cars decorated for Christmas, 2008. Photos by Val Lupiz and others.
4. Added News item about the annual senior luncheon. Also News and Bibliography items about an SUV running into a Powell Street car
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Ten years ago this month (January, 1999):
1. The picture of the month was a Los Angeles Second Street Cable Railway cable train.
2. Rolled out Other California Cities page with the Los Angeles Second Street Cable Railway
3. Added link about the Katoomba Scenic Railway to the Australia page.
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in February, 2009: Thanks to Bob Murphy: Photos of cable tramway sites in Melbourne
Also coming in February, 2009: Newspaper articles about the Temple Street Cable Railway in Los Angeles
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Jan-2009)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-Oct-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) December, 2008 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the December, 2008 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A Val Lupiz night view of car 60, which he had decorated for the holidays, at California and Drumm on 04-December-2007
2. On the San Francisco page: Articles about the 1886-1887 strike against the Sutter and Geary Street lines, which include reports about the Sutter Street superintendant's plug uglies shooting at people in the street and at least two grip cars, one from each company, getting blown up with dynamite.
The workers lost the strike but gained a 12 hour workday. We don't always appreciate what we have.
3. With Christmas coming, it's a good time to visit Joe Lacey's article Christmas on the Cables (10th anniversary this year), and the Decorated Cable Cars page
4. On the Cable Cars in the Pacific Northwest page, Peter Ehrlich took a photo of a sign telling the history of the Yesler Way line. Thanks to Peter for the photo
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Ten years ago this month (December, 1998):
1. The picture of the month was "A Sunday Load", an engraving from an 1891 magazine article
2. Added "Christmas on the Cables" by Joe Lacey to the SF page
3. Added excerpts from 1891 magazine article "The Parks of San Francisco"
4. Added California & Powell accident to news & bibliography
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in January, 2009: Newspaper articles about the Second Street Cable Railway in Los Angeles
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Dec-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-Oct-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) November, 2008 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the November, 2008 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: A postcard shows two Fillmore Hill counterbalance cars during the White Front era
2. On the San Francisco page: Updates to the article about the Fillmore Hill Counterbalance, including two newspaper articles about accidents:
- Car Crashes Down Fillmore Hill/Fastenings Give Way and Passengers Narrowly Escape Serious Harm (San Francisco Call, Wednesday, August 8, 1906)
- Cars Crash Together On The Fillmore Hill/Rod Gives Away, but Cable Holds and Serious Mishap Is Averted (San Francisco Call, Monday, July 8, 1907)
3. On the Cable Car Models page: Photos of a large wooden model of Powell Street car 16 recently unveiled at the Cable Car Museum
5. Also on the Cable Car Models page: More information about Norm Pythian's cable car simulation
6. Added a Chronology item about a plaque placed at the powerhouse of the Consolidated Piedmont Cable Company by the The Friends of the Cable Car Museum
7. Added News and Bibliography items about a loose strand stopping Powell Street service
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Ten years ago this month (November, 1998):
1. The picture of the month was a wood engraving of a Broadway, NY accident
2. Added information about bells & brakes to the How page, with thanks to Joe Lacey for information about bell signals
3. Added article about Fillmore Hill counterbalance to the SF Miscellany section
4. Added information about turntable helpers to news & bibliography
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in December, 2008: 1886-1887 newspaper articles about a strike against the Sutter and Geary Street companies, which included the use of pistols and dynamite
Also coming in December, 2008: The tenth anniversary of Joe Lacey's article "Christmas on the Cables"
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Nov-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Sep-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-Oct-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) October, 2008 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the October, 2008 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month: After spending 30 years in San Quentin, Agglestein (Agustín) Castro sees cable cars for the first time and asks "Are those the automobiles?"
2. A new installment of Val Lupiz's column Tales From the Grip: "Rookie Bites"
3. On the San Francisco page: "Lost To The World For Thirty Years", a 1901 newspaper article about Agglestein (Agustín) Castro, who returned to San Francisco after spending 30 years in San Quentin
3. Also on the San Francisco page: Added a description of the Telegraph Hill Railroad from a travel book
5. Added a News item about a newly developed cable car simulator
6. Added News and Bibliography items about a fatal accident on Powell Street
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Ten years ago this month (October, 1998):
1. The picture of the month was a URR Valencia Street Car
2. Added article about the Telegraph Hill Railroad to the SF Miscellany section
3. Added powered turntable suggestion to news & bibliography
4. Added new links to Melbourne page
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in November, 2008: 1886-1887 newspaper articles about a strike against the Sutter and Geary Street companies, which included the use of pistols and dynamite
New on my Park Trains and Tourist Trains site: A visit to Disneyland, including the newly refurbished monorail with big ventilation problems. Videos including horse car and monorail rides
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Oct-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Sep-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-Sep-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) September, 2008 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
Happy Labor Day, everyone.
I just put the September, 2008 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a woodcut showing a Clay Street Hill Railroad train climbing the hill
2. New item: "The Cable Railway Company's System of Traction Railways for Cities and Towns": A promotional booklet
published by the cable railway trust
3. On the Omnibus Railroad page: An 1890 advertisement for the company that made the elevator in the Tenth and
Howard powerhouse
4. Added News and Bibliography items about a California Street collision
5. On the Miscellany page: Cable-Driven Transit in Alaska, photos from a cruise we took in July. A funicular in Ketchikan
and an aerial tramway in Juneau
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Ten years ago this month:
1. The picture of the month was Sacramento & Grant, in honor of the 125th anniversary of the start of Clay Street Hill regular service
2. Moved Omnibus Railroad to separate page. Added more information about the company. Added inline Union Hall picture
3. Added 125th anniversary to news & bibliography
4. Added guest book
5. Created news archive. Moved GSPO powerhouse & Mrs Klussman stories
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in October, 2008: A 1901 report about a man who saw cable cars,
and many other things, for the first time after 30 years in San Quentin
New on my Park Trains and Tourist Trains site: A ride on Alaska's White Pass and Yukon narrow gauge
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Sep-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 30-Apr-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-Aug-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) August, 2008 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the August, 2008 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is "Ninth Street, Kansas City, Looking
West from Walnut Street -- Drawn by Charles Graham." From the
07-Jun-1890 issue of Harpers Weekly. It shows cable trains of the Kansas
City Cable Railway on Ninth crossing the Metropolitan Street Railway's
18th-19th Streets cable line on Walnut
2. On the Kansas City page: An 1889 magazine article by cable railway engineer
Robert Gillham, who designed and built many of Kansas City's cable car lines,
along with a brief biographical sketch
3. Added News and Bibliography items about a runaway Powell Street car
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in September, 2008: "The Cable Railway Company's System of Traction Railways
for Cities and Towns": A promotional booklet published by the cable railway trust
Also coming in September, 2008: Photos I took of a funicular and and an
aerial tramway in Alaska
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Aug-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 30-Apr-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-May-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) July, 2008 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the July, 2008 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a diagram showing the screw-operated double-jawed
grip used on Rhode Island's Providence Cable Tramway. From "Street Railways: Their
Construction, Operation and Maintenance" by CB Fairchild, 1892.
2. On the Other Cities page: Rhode Island's Providence Cable Tramway, a short-lived
line which was replaced by a counterbalance. I was able to find several reports by the
state railroad commissioner which include financial information, accident information,
and notes on the company's progress each year
3. Added a new Chronology page: 2008-Today
4. Thanks to Harry Marnell and Ray Long: On the Los Angles Area Funiculars page,
information about the ultimate fate of the cars from the Court Flight, which had been
rumored to still exist
5. Added a photo of the 46th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest
6. Added News and Bibliography items about an explosion at California and Drumm
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in August, 2008: An 1889 magazine article by cable railway engineer
Robert Gillham, along with a brief biographical sketch
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Jul-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 30-Apr-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-May-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) June, 2008 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the June, 2008 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Val Lupiz photo of recently rebuilt Powell Street
Car 25
2. On the More Muni Photos page: Thanks to Val Lupiz, more photos of the rebuilt
car 25 and the brand new Powell Street car 15. Reports about car 25 going into revenue
service
3. Added News and Bibliography items about an car 25's return to service
4. On the Who page: A new article about Henry Root, the engineer who designed
and built the California Street Cable Railroad, along with a new page of excerpts from
his memoirs, "Henry Root, Personal History and Reminiscences with Personal Opinions on
Contemporary Events 1845-1921"
5. On the Miscellany page: More excerpts from Poor's Directory of Railway Officials,
1887.
6. 08-June is the 100th anniversary of the return to service of the Sacramento/Clay
line. I found 1908 article from the San Francisco Call: SACRAMENTO AND CLAY CABLE SERVICE
RENEWED
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
On my park trains site: A report about a battery tram runaway at the
Los Angeles Farmers Market.
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
The 46th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest will be held on Tuesday, 03-June-2008
at Noon in Union Square. I don't know why it will be on a Tuesday in June instead of a
Thursday in July. I'll be there wearing a beat-up Panama hat and a cable car necktie.
Say hello if you see me.
Coming in July, 2008: Rhode Island's Providence Cable Tramway
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Jun-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 30-Apr-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-May-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) May, 2008 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the May, 2008 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Val Lupiz photo of new Powell
Street Car 15, taken from a unique angle
2. On the More California Street Pictures page: Thanks to gripman
Gordon Miller, photos of O'Farrell/Jones/Hyde Car 38 being moved in
Lakeport, California
3. On the More Muni Photos page: Thanks to Val Lupiz, more photos of
the rebuilt car 25 and the brand new Powell Street car 15
4. Added a News item about the date of the bell ringing contest
5. Added an article about Howard C Holmes, who designed and built
the Ferries & Cliff House Railway, to the Who Was Important in the
History of the Cable Car page
6. Added a banner and a review plugging Nick Tomizawa's excellent
video "The Feel of the Rope"
7. Added a favicon.ico to the site. On some browsers, you will see
a little red cable car in the address area and next to bookmarks
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
On my ferryboat site: Thanks to John Schmale, some photos of classic ferries.
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
01-May-2008 marks the 125th anniversary of the new New York
baseball club (not yet called the Giants) playing its first National
League game, defeating the new Phillies club 7-5 at the original Polo
Grounds on 110th Street in Manhattan. General and former President
Ulysses S Grant attended the game.
Coming in June, 2008: Excerpts from "Henry Root, Surveyor, Engineer and Inventor",
a memoir by the man who designed and built the California Street and Market Street cable
railroads
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-May-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 30-Apr-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-Nov-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) April, 2008 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the April, 2008 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month shows a paper model that Val Lupiz made for Walter Rice.
It represents Sacramento/Jackson cable car 455, which was destroyed by the
falling chimney of the Washington/Mason powerhouse on the morning of 18-April-1906
2. On the Miscellany page: A new page about Cable Car Models. Walter Rice's collection,
models by Val Lupiz, the Hawk model, Lego Models, and Lefton Models
3. On the Kitsch page: A menu from the Buena Vista Cafe. Another Italian charm and a
zipper pull charm. A Planet Hollywood pin. An ashtray made in occupied Japan. A
cable car-shaped telephone.
4. On the More Muni Photos page: Thanks to Val Lupiz, more photos of the rebuilt car
25 and the brand new Powell Street car. 25 has been painted an interesting shade of red
5. Added a News item about a cable car appearing in a currently-shooting movie
6. On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany, I
added "Walk a Crooked Mile"
7. Added new item on the Why page about this site moving from AOL to GeoCities
8. Added new Ten Years Ago This Month section
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
15-April-2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the first game played by the San Francisco
Giants. They defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers at Seals Stadium. 20-April-2008 marks the
50th anniversary of the last Key System trains on the Bay Bridge.
Coming in May, 2008: Selections from the 1887 edition of "Poor's Directory of Railway Officials"
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Apr-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 31-Dec-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-Nov-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) March, 2008 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the March, 2008 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month shows a Chicago gentleman, taken in wine, who has gone to
sleep on the safety fender of a Madison Street cable car
2. On the Chicago page: Two 1901 newspaper stories about Chicago cable cars. One is
about love and the other is about drunkenness and safety fenders
3. On the More Muni Photos page: Thanks to Val Lupiz, a new section on the homecoming
of Powell Street Car 25 and the delivery a brand new car
4. On the new Cable Car Video page:
- California Street car 58 decorated for Christmas. Also on the Decorated Cable Cars page
- Powell Street car 12 takes the pull curve inbound from Washington to Powell
- Blue and Gold Powell Street cable car 16 runs inbound past the Saint Francis Hotel
- California Street car 49, stuck on an upgrade, getting a push from an inspector
- F Line views of San Francisco B-Type streetcar 130 and Melbourne W-2 class tram 496
- A shot of the only jitney bus left in San Francisco
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in April, 2008: A new page about cable car models and several new items on the Kitsch page
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Mar-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 31-Dec-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-Nov-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) February, 2008 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the February, 2008 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Val Lupiz photo of car 9, decorated for the holidays by the
Buena Vista Cafe, at the car barn
2. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: Photos of cable cars decorated for the 2007 holidays
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in March, 2008: Two newspaper stories about Chicago cable cars. One is about
love and the other is about drunkenness and safety fenders
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Feb-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 31-Dec-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-Nov-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) January, 2008 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the January, 2008 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is an image from the 31-May-1903 "San Francisco Call"
that reconstructs the a collision between a Fillmore Street electric car and a Haight
Street cable car
2. On the Market Street Railway page: "SCORES OF LIVES ARE ENDANGERED AND DEATH
AVERTED BY A MIRACLE IN ACCIDENT ON TRACTION LINES", a 1903 "San Francisco Call" article
about a collision between a Fillmore Street electric car and a Haight Street cable car
3. Added an article about the 2007 Cable Car Division Senior Luncheon to the San
Francisco Miscellany page. I got to meet Barbara Davies Walsh, Miss Cable Car 1973
4. Added an article about Walter Rice to the Who Was Important in the History of the
Cable Car page
5. Added a News and Bibliography item about an effort to rebuild the Mornington cable
tram line, which had been abandoned in 1957, in Dunedin, New Zealand
6. Added Bibliography items about security guards looking for fare collection
problems, a stoppage on the California Street line, and new the people who build new
cable cars
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
On my Ferryboats page, I have a news item about Washington State Ferries' retirement
of the former San Francisco boats known as the Steel Electrics:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in Febuary, 2008: Cable cars decorated for Christmas, 2007
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Jan-2008)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 31-Dec-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-Nov-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated spasmodically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) December, 2007 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the December, 2007 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a A 1946 Charles L Reed Christmas cartoon from the December 1946
issue of "Trolley Topics", Muni's employees' newlsetter. Provided by Walter Rice, from the Tom Matoff
collection.
2. With Christmas coming, it's a good time to visit Joe Lacey's article
"Christmas on the Cables", and the Decorated Cable Cars page. Both are on the
San Francisco page.
3. On the Market Street Railway page: "MARKET STREET VIEWS STIR ORPHEUM PATRONS", a 1907
"San Francisco Call" article about what may have been the world premiere of
the movie "A Trip Down Market Street"
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
On my Park Trains and Tourist Trains page, I have a new article about a visit to the
Nut Tree, with photos and videos:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in January, 2008: A 1903 newspaper article about a collision between a Fillmore
Street electric car and a Haight Street cable car
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Dec-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 30-Sep-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-Nov-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated erratically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) November, 2007 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the November, 2007 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. page: 26-November-2007 marks the 175th birthday of the Horse Car
2. The picture of the month is an 1886 advertisement for the John Stephenson Company,
which shows their first horse car, the John Mason of 1832, and their latest model
3. On the Miscellany page: A new article on horse car history. Other items with the
article:
- An 11-March-1906 newspaper article about Michael Houlihan, who drove the URR's
franchise-protecting horse car line on California Street
- A 29-July-1917 New York Times article about New York's last horse car
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
My ferryboat page has moved to a new location:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in December, 2007: A 1906 newspaper article about what may have been the world
premiere of the movie "A Trip Down Market Street"
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Nov-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 30-Sep-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-Sep-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated erratically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) October, 2007 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the October, 2007 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month shows California Street Cable Railroad carmen in 1902, in their
club room in the powerhouse at California and Hyde
2. On the Cal Cable page: "How The 'Grip' Arm is Trained", a 1902
"San Francisco Call" article about physical training and recreation for California Street Cable Railroad carmen
3. On the More Muni Photos page: A new section on Wreckers and Service Trucks, with photos of a California Street
car having its grip changed and photos and videos two Powell Street cars being towed
4. Added News items about a cable unstranding on California Street and a new children's book
5. On the new Cable Car Video page:
- A new section on Wreckers and Service Trucks, with photos of a California Street
car having its grip changed and photos and videos two Powell Street cars being towed. Also on the More Muni Photos page
- F Line views of New Orleans 952 and the Blackpool Boat
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
On Labor Day Weekend, we visited Ardenwood Historic Farm Regional Park in Fremont for
the Seventh Annual Washington Township Railroad Fair. See photos and videos of the
steam train and horse-drawn car on my Park Trains and Tourist Trains site:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
My ferryboat page has moved to a new location. I have some news items about problems with Alameda ferries:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog. I recently participated
in a slapstick blog-a-thon:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in November, 2007: 26-November-2007 is the 175th birthday of the horse car. I'm adding
a new page about horse cars and a March, 1906 newspaper article about Michael Houlihan, who drove
the franchise-protecting horse car on California Street
Also coming in November, 2007: On the Market Street Railway page --
A 1903 newspaper article about a collision at Haight and Fillmore
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Oct-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 30-Sep-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-Sep-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated erratically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) September, 2007 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the September, 2007 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is Powell Street car 2, with its front dash removed because of dry rot
2. On the More Muni Photos page: A new section on a visit I paid to the car barn with Val Lupiz. I
took lots of photos and videos
3. On the UK page: London's Tower Subway, a cable-driven line which ran for a few months in 1870
4. On the new Cable Car Video page:
- Cars pulling out from the car barn and other images from a visit I made. Also on the More Muni Photos page
- Two more Powell/Market turntable shots
- Melbourne W-2 tram 496 on the F Line
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
This Labor Day Weekend, visit Ardenwood Historic Farm Regional Park in Fremont for
the Seventh Annual Washington Township Railroad Fair. It will feature steam train rides,
horse-drawn train rides, a garden railroad layout, and lots of farm animals. See photos
from previous fairs at my Park Trains and Tourist Trains site:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
My ferryboat page has moved to a new location:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in October, 2007: On the Cal Cable page: A 1903 newspaper article about
physical training for gripmen and conductors
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Sep-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 30-Jun-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-July-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated erratically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) August, 2007 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the August, 2007 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a view up the 9th Street incline in Kansas City
2. On the new Kansas City page: An 1885 magazine article about the Kansas City Cable Railway,
with an interesting description of the duplicate cable system
3. On the Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest page: The 2007 results, reported by Val Lupiz
4. On the new Cable Car Video page:
- Powell Street car 28 crossing California. (also on the How page)
- "A Trip Down Powell Street": taken from the back platform of Powell Street car 21
- PCC 1052 and 1053 make the turn at Market and Steuart
- PCC 1077, a recent arrival from Newark, runs along Market Street
5. On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany,
I added "Foul Play"
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
My Park Trains and Tourist Trains page has reports on my visits this summer to Disneyland
(I finally got to see Locomotive #5, the Ward Kimball), Travel Town (photos of Cal Cable #21), and
Descanso Gardens:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
My ferryboat page has moved to a new location:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in September, 2007: On the UK page: London's Tower Subway
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Aug-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 30-Jun-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 31-July-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated erratically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) July, 2007 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the July, 2007 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is Jennifer De Grassi, Miss Cable Car, 1968
2. On the Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest page: Jennifer Williams, Miss Cable Car 1968,
shares memories and clippings from her exciting summer
3. On the new Kansas City page: The Union Cable Railway, which used an experimental grip and
operated for one day
4. On the new Cable Car Video page with four new cable car videos and some others:
- Cal cable car 56 going through the crossover at California and Drumm. (also on the How page)
- Cal cable car 52 leaving California and Drumm
- Cal cable car 50 arriving at California and Van Ness (also on the How page)
- Cal cable car 50 leaving California and Van Ness (also on the How page)
- Two videos of a Breda car crossing the Fourth Street Bridge on the T-Third Street line
- F-Line car 1075, a recent arrival from Newark, passes in front of the Ferry Building
- Breda 1523 pops out of the portal at Folsom and the Embarcadero on the J-Line
5. Added a News and Bibliography item about an elderly lady struck by a Powell/Mason car
6. Split the site map into four pages to follow Google recommendations
7. Added "Picture of the Month -- Ten Years" to the Why page -- some interesting
statistics and stories about the Picture of the Month, which started in July, 1997
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Don't forget: The 45th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest is scheduled for Thursday, 12-Jul-2007
at noon in Union Square.
My ferryboat page has moved to a new location:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
As if I didn't have enough websites to keep track of, I now have a blog:
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Coming in August, 2007: On the Kansas City page: An 1885 magazine article about the Kansas City Cable Railway
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Jul-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (new url) (updated 30-Jun-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ferry/
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (updated 30-September-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/
The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion (updated erratically)
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com
Subject: (tan) June, 2007 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the June, 2007 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is the patent drawing for the design of the California-type car
2. On the California Street page: John Hammond's 1891 patent D21,042, for the design of the California-type car
3. Added a News and Bibliography item about a surprise encounter with relics of the
Melbourne cable tram system. Thanks to Bill Bolton for pointing it out, and Mal Rowe
for the use of two of his photos. Also added photos and information to the Melbourne
cable tramways article.
4. On the new Kansas City page: The Peoples' Cable Railway, including an interesting
selection from the 1900 book "American Street Railway Investments" about the Brooklyn
Avenue Railway, successor to the Peoples' Cable Railway
5. Rolled out a new Cable Car Video page with two new cable car videos: Car 28 at the
switch on Powell between Washington and Jackson (also on the More Muni Pictures page, with
a still photo of old car 28 at the same location in 2001. Car 18 inbound on Powell Street
from California to Post. A long video with lots of interesting traffic, and a glimpse of
Mister Smiley. Also two videos of new F Line cars from Newark.
6. On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany,
I added "Daydreams", a Buster Keaton short, and three features, "In Love and War",
"No Escape", and "Man's Favorite Sport"
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
On my ferryboat page, I have a review of "Ferries on San Francisco Bay" by Paul Trimble and William Knorp:
http://home.comcast.net/~cable_car_guy/ferry.html
Coming in July, 2007: On the San Francisco page: Miss Cable Car, 1968
Also coming in July, 2007: On the Kansas City page: The Union Cable Railway, which operated for one day
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Jun-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2007)
http://home.comcast.net/~cable_car_guy/ferry.html
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (new url) (updated 30-Sep-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Subject: (tan) May, 2007 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the May, 2007 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is an image looking across the West Bottoms at the
Kansas City Cable Railway's 9th Street trestle and the Inter-State Consolidated Rapid
Transit Company's 8th Street trestle and tunnel portal
2. On the new Kansas City page: The Inter-State Consolidated Rapid Transit Company
(one of my favorite company names).
Also added an interesting selection from the 1900 book "American Street Railway Investments"
about the Metropolitan Street Railway, which includes information about the many companies
which it consumed
3. Two videos: On the Ferries and Cliff House page: Car 17 passing the Saint Francis
Hotel. On the California Street page: Car 58 climbing towards Montgomery Street.
4. On the Motorized Cable Cars page: Photos of imitation cable cars, mostly used for
sightseeing.
5. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: A nighttime photo of car 28 decorated for
Christmas, 2006.
6. Added News and Bibliography items about a fare audit in San Francisco and a
surprise encounter with relics of the Edinburgh cable tram system
7. Thanks to Walter Rice and Val Lupiz: A new Chronology item about an additional
Powell Street run
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
On my ferryboat page, I have a review of Walter Rice and Emiliano Echeverria's
new book, "The Key System: San Francisco and the Eastshore Empire":
http://home.comcast.net/~cable_car_guy/ferry.html
Coming in June, 2007: On the Kansas City page: The Peoples' Cable Railway
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-May-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Apr-2007)
http://home.comcast.net/~cable_car_guy/ferry.html
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (new url) (updated 30-Sep-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Subject: (tan) April, 2007 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the April, 2007 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is an image created by Val Lupiz to commemorate the 50th anniversary
of the Powell/Hyde line. It shows 507, which was the first car to run on the new line on 07-Apr-1957.
2. On the Kitsch page: A video of my Bachman ho cable car under the Christmas tree.
Magazine ads for Old Crow, San Francisco tourism, and the Saint Francis Hotel. A 1972 top
30 survey from KFRC. Three images of a Department 57 model of a Powell Street car. A
1984 All Star Game program. A 2007 SF Giants promotional poster with pitcher Matt Cain
3. On the Muni page: The 50th anniversary of the Powell/Hyde Line
4. On the How page: A video clip of car 21 on the turntable at Powell and Market
5. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: Two photos of car 17. More Christmas 2006 photos coming next month.
6. On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany, I
added "After the Thin Man", with a photo, "Moran of the Lady Letty" and the number of the Powell Street
car that Humphrey Bogart rode in "Dark Passage"
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
07-April-2007 marks the 50th anniversary of the Powell/Hyde line.
Thanks to Val Lupiz for pointing out that 10-April-2007 marks the 17th birthday of
Powell car 16.
Coming in May, 2007: Kansas City's Inter-State Consolidated Rapid Transit Company (one of my favorite company names)
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Apr-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2006)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (new url) (updated 30-Sep-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Subject: (tan) March, 2007 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the March, 2007 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
This is another fairly sparse month because of work and home commitments.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month shows a combination car of Kansas City's Grand Avenue Railway.
2. On the new Kansas City page: On the new Kansas City page: The Grand Avenue Railway
3. On the Sutter Street Railway page: "The Sutter Street Railway - San Francisco's
Second Cable Car Line" by Walter Rice and Emiliano Echeverria, a greatly revised and
expanded illustrated article
4. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: A photo of car 13. More Christmas 2006 photos coming next month.
5. On the San Francisco page: Moved Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars to a
separate page. Thanks to Jack Tillmany, I added "A Gathering of Eagles". Thanks to Steve
Hill, I added screen captures of the titles of many of the movies.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in April, 2007: Many new items on the Kitsch page (more Kansas City in May)
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Mar-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2006)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (new url) (updated 30-Sep-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Subject: (tan) February, 2007 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the February, 2007 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
This is another fairly sparse month because of work and home commitments.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month shows two trains passing at the top of the bridge used
by Kansas City's Metropolitan Street Railway to reach Union Depot in the West Bottoms.
2. The results of the Contest, conceived by Walter Rice, who has also generously provided
the prizes: "San Francisco With a $5 Cable Car Fare".
3. On the new Kansas City page: Kansas City's Metropolitan Street Railway. This company's lines
served both Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. The company wound up controlling almost
every cable car line in Kansas City, Missouri
4. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: A photo of car 3. More Christmas 2006 photos coming next month.
5. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany, information about the 1959 movie "Crime of Passion."
6. On the Kitsch and Interview with Mrs. Barbara Kahn Gardner pages: Walter Rice has
written about Kitty Margolis, a jazz singer who is Samuel Kahn's granddaughter.
7. Added News and Bibliography items about reconstruction work on Angel's Flight in
Los Angeles. It may reopen this summer
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in March, 2007: Kansas City's Grand Avenue Railway
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Feb-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2006)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (new url) (updated 30-Sep-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Subject: (tan) January, 2007 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
Happy New Year, everyone. I wish you a happy and peaceful 2007.
I just put the January, 2007 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
This is a fairly sparse month because of work and home commitments.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month shows the Kansas City Cable Railway's 9th Street
trestle.
2. On the new Kansas City page: The Kansas City Cable Railway
3. Entries to the Contest, conceived by Walter Rice, who has also generously provided
the prizes: "San Francisco With a $5 Cable Car Fare". The results will be announced soon.
4. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: A list of the cable cars decorated for Christmas,
2006. Photos coming next month.
5. Added an article about cable traction engineer Robert Gillham to the Who page
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
28-January-2007 marks the 125th anniversary of the beginning of the first US cable
car line outside of San Francisco, the Chicago City Railway's State Street line.
30-January-2007 marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of cable service on
Powell Street after the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. Cars ran from Market to the powerhouse
at Washington and Mason.
Coming in February, 2007: Kansas City Missouri's Metropolitan Street Railway
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Jan-2007)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2006)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (new url) (updated 30-Sep-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Subject: (tan) December, 2006 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the December, 2006 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month, thanks to Wayne Miller, shows Market Street cable car
133 as it sits on Castro Street on 08-May-1941, waiting to be towed to the scrapper.
2. Try the new Contest, conceived by Walter Rice, who has also generously provided
the prizes: "San Francisco With a $5 Cable Car Fare"
3. Added photos from Wayne Miller's collection:
- Market Street cable car 133, on its way to the scrapper
- Market Street Railway sand car 0603, converted from an Omnibus cable car
4. On the Old-Time Radio Shows Which Feature Cable Cars, added an 03-May-1953
episode of The Jack Benny Show. Frankie Remley mistakes the Powell/Market turntable
for a record player
5. With Christmas coming, it's a good time to visit Joe Lacey's article Christmas
on the Cables, and the Decorated Cable Cars page.
6. Added News and Bibliography items about a hit piece of "investigative" journalism
from KGO Channel 7
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in January, 2007: The Kansas City Cable Railway
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Dec-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2006)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (new url) (updated 30-Sep-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Subject: (tan) November, 2006 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the November, 2006 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
November, 2006 marks the tenth anniversary of my Cable Car Home Page.
Thanks to all the people who have visited and all those who have helped me
with information and suggestions.
It includes some new items:
1. The pictures of the month are a photo of Car 10 (naturally) and a special tenth anniversary dash sign by Val Lupiz
2. Tenth Anniversary - November, 1996 - November, 2006
3. On the Who page: Ten Years After -- what has changed since I started this site
4. On the San Francisco page: A new page on Old-Time Radio Shows Which Feature Cable Cars,
with episodes of "Candy Matson" and "Jack Benny"
5. Added News and Bibliography items about a repeated shutdowns, and an obituary for mechanic Rick Fong
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in December, 2006: Some cool photographs of historic cable cars
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Nov-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2006)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (new url) (updated 30-Sep-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Subject: (tan) October, 2006 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the October, 2006 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a photo of Joe Lacey posing with Cal Cable Car 50 at California and Drumm, about 1971
2. Joe Lacey has been scanning items from his collection. Thanks to Joe for sharing them.
- On the More Muni Photos page: A new Muni People section, with a photo of Joe Lacey and one of him and a group of other Cable Car Division men in 1971, modelling new uniforms designed by Bill Blass.
3. On the San Francisco page: A new page about Cable Car Businesses. I welcome suggestions about and pictures of other businesses
4. On the Market Street Cable Railway page, thanks to Emiliano Echevarria, a 1905 United Railroads floor plan of the McAllister Powerhouse
5. On the Chicago page: 21-October-2006 marks the 100th anniversary of the end of cable traction in Chicago, when the former Chicago City Railway's Wabash Avenue line and the North Chicago Clark and Lincoln lines converted to electric traction. Added a photo of a North Chicago cable train.
6. Rolled out a new Advanced Search page
7. On the New York/New Jersey page: A newspaper article about the second cable car line in Brooklyn, New York, the Brooklyn Heights Railroad.
"IN THE CONDUIT/Final Preperations for the Montague Street Line", which describes the line's first cable being threaded. I would like to know the name of the poor kid who had to crawl both ways through the blind conduit
8. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice for a review of "Woman on the Run", a
movie which includes some nice scenes of San Francisco cable cars, electric streetcars, and
trolley buses
9. Thanks to Walter Rice and Val Lupiz. A new Chronology item and roster updates on Of Cables and Grips: The Cable Cars of San Francisco
10. Added News and Bibliography items about a complete shutdown, an accident on California Street, and a drop in ridership because of the five dollar fare
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in November, 2006: The tenth anniversary of The Cable Car Home Page
My Park Trains website now covers Park Trains and Tourist Trains. I added an article about the 2006
Labor Day Railfair at Ardenwood Farm, which featured a former Oakland horsecar, and one about a
visit to Santa Cruz. The new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Oct-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2006)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (new url) (updated 30-Sep-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Subject: (tan) September, 2006 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the September, 2006 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is the neon sign of Tony's Cable Car, a tiny hamburger stand at Geary and Lyon in San Francisco
2. On the San Francisco page: A new page about Cable Car Businesses. I welcome suggestions about and pictures of other businesses
3. Joe Lacey has been scanning items from his collection. Thanks to Joe for sharing them.
- On Walter Rice's "A Photo Album of 1970s Cable Car Supporters": A certificate issued to those who attended the 100th anniversary celebration at Portsmouth Square in 1973. Another certificate issued to those who walked the Clay Street Hill route with Margot Patterson Doss on the following Sunday. A picnic invitation issued to the people of the Cable Car Division by Mayor Joe Alioto and the San Francisco Cable Car Centennial Committee.
- On Walter Rice and Val Lupiz's "The Cable Car Lady & the Mayor": A certificate from the 1947 Citizen's Committee to Save the Cable Cars, signed by Mrs Friedel Klussmann. Also a new section on 1971's Proposition Q, with signs and a letter from the Cable Car Committee, which included Mrs Klussmann.
- On the Muni page: A 1967 want ad for cable car crew members.
- On the Cable Car Transfers, Tickets, Tokens and Signage, a new section with several of Joe's items
4. On the New York/New Jersey page: An 1891 newspaper article about the plans for building the second cable car line in Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Heights Railroad. It mentions a snow sweeper "operated by the cable". I'd like to see how that worked
5. Added Bibliography item: obituary of gripman Elwood F Nestler
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in October, 2006: A new advanced search page
My Park Trains website now covers Park Trains and Tourist Trains. I added an article about recent
visits to Disneyland and the battery tram at the Los Angeles Farmers' Market. The new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
An important anniversariy in September:
September 2 is the 50th anniversary of car 524 making the last trip on the Washington/Jackson line
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Sep-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2006)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (new url) (updated 31-Aug-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Subject: (tan) August, 2006 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the August, 2006 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month shows car 24, the only piece of California Street
rolling stock to survive the earthquake and fire. 17-Aug-2006 marks the 100th
anniversary of the return to service of the California Street Cable Railroad
2. On the San Francisco in 1906 page: Three 1906 newspaper articles describing the
return of the California Street cable cars
3. On the New York/New Jersey page: One newspaper articles about a runaway accident
on the second cable car line in Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Heights Railroad.
4. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: Cable cars in the 2006 San Francisco Carnaval Parade
5. Added Bibliography items about the 2006 Bell Ringing contest. The stories have links to a podcast of the event.
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in September, 2006: A fund-raising pamphlet from the 1982-1984 Great Rebuilding
Ken Lunardi won the 44th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest on Thursday, 13-Jul-2006 at Noon
in Union Square.
My Park Trains website now covers Park Trains and Tourist Trains. I added an article about a recent
steam-hauled trip on the California Western, and moved to a new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Some important anniversaries in August:
August 7 is the 75th anniversary of the death of Bix Beiderbecke. He died too young.
August 18 is the 150th anniversary of the disbanding of the 1856 Vigilance Committee
This month's San Mateo County Fair celebrates the 150th anniversary of the founding of San Mateo
County:
http://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Aug-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2006)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains and Tourist Trains (new url) (updated 31-Aug-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/index.html
Subject: (tan) July, 2006 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the July, 2006 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month shows Powell Street car "715", created by Walter Rice, to celebrate
Barry Bonds moving past Babe Ruth into second place on the all-time home run list, behind only
Hank Aaron.
2. On the Muni page: A 1974 Powell/Mason schedule
3. On the new Inexplicable Cable Car Items section on the Kitsch page: Walter Rice
found a souvenir magnet showing Sóller, Mallorca's famous Hyde Street cable car.
4. On the New York/New Jersey page: Three newspaper articles about the second cable car line in
Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Heights Railroad. Also one more 1886 newspaper article about the
first cable car line in Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Cable Company
5. Added a News and Bibliography items about cable strand trouble
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in August, 2006: August 17, 2006 marks the 100th anniversary of the return of the
California Street Cable Railroad
The 44th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest is scheduled for Thursday, 13-Jul-2006 at Noon
in Union Square.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Jul-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2006)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) June, 2006 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the June, 2006 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month shows Geary Street cable cars running among the ruins in 1906
2. Results of the 2006 Contest, conceived by Walter Rice, who has also generously provided the prizes
3. On the San Francisco in 1906 page: Five 1906 newspaper articles describing the return of
the Geary Street cable cars, work on the California Street lines, and the replacement of
United Railroads lines with electric traction
4. On the New York/New Jersey page: Five 1872-1899 newspaper articles about the West
Side and Yonkers Patent Railway, a cable-operated elevated railroad
5. Added a Bibliography item about a California Street shutdown
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in July, 2006: Newspaper articles about the Brooklyn Heights Railroad, the most
successful street-running cable car line in the East
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - (updated 01-Jun-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2006)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) May, 2006 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the May, 2006 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is Powell-Mason car 509 on the turntable at Powell and Market,
scanned by Walter Rice from a magazine ad.
2. Try the new Contest, conceived by Walter Rice, who has also generously provided the prizes:
"San Francisco Without Cable Cars"
3. On the San Francisco page: A new page of Cable Car Advertising Images, scanned by Walter Rice
4. Also on the San Francisco page: Added a 1951 Collier's Magazine image to The Cable
Car Lady & the Mayor by Walter Rice and Val Lupiz, showing Mrs Friedel Klussmann and
other cable car supporters.
5. Walter Rice scanned Samuel Kahn's signature from a stock certificate as
part of his article "An Interview With Mrs. Barbara Kahn Gardner, Daughter of Market
Street Railway Executive Samuel Kahn"
6. On the New York/New Jersey page: Five 1870 newspaper articles about the West Side
and Yonkers Patent Railway, a cable-operated elevated railroad and the Beach Pneumatic
Subway
7. Added a News item about the 18-April-2006 celebrations
8. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in June, 2006: A contest, with cool prizes. Also, cable car images from magazine ads
Two big 100 year anniversaries in May:
May 22 - A generous bribe from the URR, arranged by Abraham "Boss" Ruef, persuaded the Board of Supervisors and
Mayor Eugene E Schmitz to allow trolley wires on Market Street
May 23 - The San Francisco Seals played the first Pacific Coast League game in the Bay Area after the Fire and
Earthquake, defeating Fresno 5-4
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-May-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Dec-2005)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) April, 2006 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the April, 2006 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is the headline of the 19-April-1906
Call=Chronicle=Examiner, printed on the presses of the
Oakland Tribune by a combination of three of San Francisco's major
newspapers.
2. On the San Francisco page:
A new page about San Francisco in 1906, describing
the effect of the earthquake and fire on the city's cable car lines.
3. Also on the San Francisco page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany, a detailed
review about the movie "I Love a Soldier", which featured Barry Fitzgerald
as a gripman
4. On the kitsch page: A Bachman ho cable
car under the Christmas tree. 1954 and 1960 Bank of America magazine ads
5. On the New York/New Jersey page: Three 1869 newspaper articles about the
West Side and Yonkers Patent Railway, a cable-operated elevated railroad
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in May, 2006: A contest, with cool prizes. Also, cable car images from magazine ads
April 18th is the 100th anniversary of the Earthquake and Fire. I hope to
make it to the celebration at Lotta's Fountain.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Apr-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Dec-2005)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) March, 2006 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the March, 2006 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is Denver Tramway Company Car 40, preserved
at the Forney Transportation Museum
2. On the Other Cities page:
A little bit about the Denver Tramway
3. On the Australia/New Zealand page: Thanks to Stuart James, a
photograph of his great-grandfather in a Melbourne engine house,
and some family stories
4. On the San Francisco page: An update to the second edition of Of
Cables and Grips: The Cable Cars of San Francisco, by Robert Callwell & Walter E. Rice. New information about the powerhouse
5. Added News and Bibliography items about a new book about the
history of public transit in Penang, Malaysia
6. On the New York/New Jersey page: Four 1868 newspaper articles about the
West Side and Yonkers Patent Railway, a cable-operated elevated railroad
7. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in April, 2006: The 100th anniversary of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire
I also wanted to take the opportunity to mention again that there is a new
website for the group in Pacifica that is restoring a coach from the
Ocean Shore Railroad. There are some nice photos:
http://www.oceanshorerailroad.com/
After a heavy burst of work the last few weekends, the car is now under a roof.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Mar-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Dec-2005)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) February, 2006 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the February, 2006 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Roslyn cable tram in Dunedin, New
Zealand
2. On the Australia/New Zealand page: 24-February-2004 marks the 125th
anniversary of Dunedin, New Zealand's Roslyn Tramway, the first
Hallidie-type cable tram line outside of San Francisco. I also updated
the small article on Wellington's Kelburn Cable Car to mention that the
museum has just received grip car 3 restored to its 1905 appearance
3. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice, "San Franciscans
Fight to Keep Historic Cable Cars", a 1947 Life Magazine article about the
beginning of the rebellion against Mayor Roger Lapham's plan to get
rid of the Powell Street cable cars. Also "City I Love", a 1946 Time
Magazine profile about Mayor Roger Lapham
4. On the Cable Car Transfers, Tickets, Tokens and Signage page:
Thanks to Val Lupiz, a sign warning riders about the California Street line
turnback on New Year's Eve, 2005
5. Added News and Bibliography items about the mayor accusing crewmen
of skimming fares and a fatality on Mason Street
6. On the New York/New Jersey page: Ten 1867-1868 newspaper articles about the
West Side and Yonkers Patent Railway, a cable-operated elevated railroad
7. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in March, 2006: A preserved cable car from the Denver Tramway
I also wanted to take the opportunity to mention that there is a new
website for the group in Pacifica that is restoring a coach from the
Ocean Shore Railroad. There are some nice photos:
http://www.oceanshorerailroad.com/
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Feb-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Dec-2005)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) January, 2006 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the January, 2006 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is Car 507 at Washington/Mason in the 1920's
2. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice, "The Song of the Powell
Street Grip", with a recorded reading by Craig Hulsebos of KEAR
radio.
3. On the Muni page: Links to live map's of Muni's cable car lines from NextBus
4. Added News items about Cal Cable rope unstranding, a new cable car dvd by Nick Tomizawa, and a new cd from Val Golding with historic streetcar photos
5. On the New York/New Jersey page: An 1887 newspaper article about the first cable car
line in Brooklyn, New York. "WON’T BE RASH" which talks about how William Richardson got rooked by the cable people. It proves
that the cable system was abandoned before 20-July-1887.
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in March, 2006: The 125th anniversary of the first cable tramway outside
of San Francisco, the Roslyn Tramway in Dunedin, New Zealand
January 3rd is the 100th anniversary of the Mount Lowe incline reopening after a fire.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Feb-2006)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Dec-2005)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) December, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the December, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is an invitation which Val Lupiz designed for the
Cable Car Division's 2005 luncheon for Senior Citizens
2. On the San Francisco page: A new page about
Motorized Cable Cars. Notes from Walter Rice and Val Lupiz on Cal Cable
61/62. I hope to expand this page over time
3. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany, item about the movies
Fools, part of which was shot in the cable car barn, and
Fog Over Frisco, a 1934 movie with glimpses of cable cars.
4. On the Muni page: Thanks to Ray Long, a photo of 524 running on Broadway in Los Angeles for
a 1949 Shriners parade
5. On the More MSR Photos page: Val Lupiz found a postcard of an MSR cable RPO car
6. On the Cable Car Transfers, Tickets,
Tokens and Signage page: Thanks to Walter Rice, a TWA poster
7. On the New York/New Jersey page: Two 1886 newspaper articles about the first cable car
line in Brooklyn, New York. "WANTS TO USE THE CABLE", about a request for permission to use
cable traction and "CABLE ROAD/The Aldermen Inspect the New York Variety", about a junket to
inspect a Manhattan line. Also an 1893 article, "The Passing of Richardson", about the death of
Brooklyn Cable Company promoter William Richardson
8. News items about a major meltdown on Hyde Street, a book signing,
and a photo of Cal Cable 59 in New Orleans, thanks to Nick Kibre
9. On the Bibliography page: Obituaries for Grimes Poznikov, Chester
Smith, and Guillermo P Mendoza, Sr. Also a report of a 1980 publicity stunt
10. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in January, 2006: More newspaper items about New York cable cars
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Dec-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) November, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the November, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a photo of a Valencia Street cable car in 1903
2. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice: "San Francisco Cable Car Service,
1903" -- based on the "San Francisco Official Street Railway Directory, 1903".
Also "A Photo Album of 1970s Cable Car Supporters" by Walter Rice
3. On the More MSR Photos page: Valencia Street 1903 photo
4. On the New York/New Jersey page: 1886 newspaper articles about the first cable car line
in Brooklyn, New York. "MR. RICHARDSON'S CABLE ROAD", about the initial request for
permission and "TO ADOPT JOHNSON'S SYSTEM", about the choice of the ladder cable system
5. News item about new Powell Street cable car book
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in December, 2005: Motorized cable cars
17-November-2005 is the 150th anniversary of gambler Charles Cora, fatally shooting
Marshall William Richardson. This led to the formation of the 1856 Committee of
Vigilance
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Nov-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) October, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the October, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a photo of Powell and Market at 7am
2. On the San Francisco page: Traffic code items about cable cars
3. On the More Muni Photos page: Powell Street photos
4. On the New York/New Jersey page: 1886 newspaper articles about the first cable car line
in Brooklyn, New York. "BUILDING THE CABLE ROAD", about early work on the road, "The Cable
System Authorized on Park Avenue", about the legal groundwork for the road, and THE CABLE
ROAD/Names of its Seven Directors and its Stockholders", about the organization of the company
5. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in November, 2005: Thanks to Walter Rice:
San Francisco Cable Car Service, 1903 -- based on the San Francisco
Official Street Railway Directory, 1903.
29-October-2005 is the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Maryhill Tramway in Dunedin, NZ
Don't forget, the Market Street Railway's annual open house is
Sunday, 02-October-2005 at Market and Duboce
Visit my Park Trains page for photos of the Labor Day Railfair at Ardenwood Farm,
featuring steam and horsedrawn trains.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Oct-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) September, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the September, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Peter Ehrlich photo of Dunedin, NZ cable tram 95
2. On the Australia/New Zealand page: Peter Ehrlich's photos of a Dunedin cable tram
3. On the San Francisco page: Part Four of Walter Rice and Emiliano Echevarria's "When Steam Ran on the Streets of San Francisco: The Ocean Shore Railroad"
4. Added News and Bibliography items about accidents at Powell and California and California and Drumm. Also news items about the abusive $5 fare and the presentation of a cable car bell to the outgoing Archbishop
5. On the New York/New Jersey page: More 1887 newspaper articles about the first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York. The Rope Broke, about a rope break, and DISSATISFACTION ON THE CABLE ROAD, about labor unrest and a possible shutdown
6. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: Cable cars in the 2005 San Francisco Carnaval Parade.
7. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in October, 2005: Sections of San Francisco's vehicle code covering cable cars.
Visit my Park Trains page for photos of Disneyland's 50th anniversay, including
the golden horsecar.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Sep-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Aug-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) September, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the September, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Peter Ehrlich photo of Dunedin, NZ cable tram 95
2. On the Australia/New Zealand page: Peter Ehrlich's photos of a Dunedin cable tram
3. On the San Francisco page: Part Four of Walter Rice and Emiliano Echevarria's "When Steam Ran on the Streets of San Francisco: The Ocean Shore Railroad"
4. Added News and Bibliography items about accidents at Powell and California and California and Drumm. Also news items about the abusive $5 fare and the presentation of a cable car bell to the outgoing Archbishop
5. On the New York/New Jersey page: More 1887 newspaper articles about the first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York. The Rope Broke, about a rope break, and DISSATISFACTION ON THE CABLE ROAD, about labor unrest and a possible shutdown
6. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: Cable cars in the 2005 San Francisco Carnaval Parade.
7. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in October, 2005: Thanks to Walter Rice:
San Francisco Cable Car Service, 1903 -- based on the San Francisco
Official Street Railway Directory, 1903.
Visit my Park Trains page for photos of Disneyland's 50th anniversay, including
the golden horsecar.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Oct-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) August, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the August, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Walter Rice photo of Powell Street car 25 with the round dash signs it
sported until 1982
2. On Cable Car Transfers, Tickets, Tokens and Signage page: Thanks to Walter Rice and Val Lupiz, a collection of Powell Street dash signs. Also an
1898 Cal Cable dividend check
3. On the San Francisco page: Walter Rice has two more stories about
Samuel Kahn, Market Street Railway's principal owner: "Samuel Kahn Paints a
Streetcar White," about private party car San Francisco, and "Samuel Kahn,
Inventor," about the creation of the White Front Car, with a copy of the
patent
4. Also on the San Francisco page: Thanks to Phil Hoffman, an item
about the movie "I Love a Soldier", which featured Barry Fitzgerald as a
gripman. Also thanks to Phil Hoffman, an update to the item about the movie
"In Harm's Way".
5. On the New York/New Jersey page: More 1887 newspaper articles about the
first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York, including a
pedestrian injury and plans to extend the technology
6. Thanks to Phil Hoffman, a chronology item about Adlai Stevenson
campaigning from the back platform of 504 in 1956, and a photo of the
event in the article about the car in its new residence at Pac Bell Park
7. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in September, 2005: More about cable trams in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Visit my Park Trains page for a new photo of Little Puffer at the SF Zoo.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Aug-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Jul-2005)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) July, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the July, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Jim Walker photo of Cal Cable O'Farrell/Jones/Hyde
car 42, at a feed lot in Betteravia, California
2. On Cable Car Transfers, Tickets, Tokens and Signage page: Thanks to Walter Rice,
a Muni employee pass, a transit union card, and a menu from a restaurant near the Bay and Taylor turntable.
3. On the San Francisco page: Walter Rice has more stories about
Market Street Railway's principal owner, Samuel Kahn
4. On the New York/New Jersey page: More 1887 newspaper articles about the
first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York, including a
fatality, complaints from horse owners, and a cable break
5. Added News items about the return of car 42 and the upcoming
bell ringing contest
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in August, 2005: More 1887 newspaper articles
about the first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Jun-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) June, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the June, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Val Lupiz photo of Cal Cable O'Farrell/Jones/Hyde
car 42, ready to return to the rails in San Francisco
2. On the San Francisco page: The Cable Car Transfers, Tickets, Tokens page is now the
Cable Car Transfers, Tickets, Tokens and Signage page. Thanks to Walter Rice and Val Lupiz,
added signs and posters from the 1982 rebuilding, the New Year's Eve 2004 shutdown, and
a sign directing patrons to the F Line from the Hyde and Beach turntable
3. On the Australia/New Zealand page: More information about and photos of the
Penang Hills Railway, a funicular
4. On the New York/New Jersey page: More 1887 newspaper articles about the
first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York, including intial testing, complaints, and a
fatality
5. Added News and Bibliography items about the return of car 42 and Cal Cable cars 62 and
46 at the San Franicso Carnaval parade
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in July, 2005: More 1887 newspaper articles
about the first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Jun-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) May, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the May, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Walter Rice photo of Powell Street cable car 9,
displaying its Market Street Railway-style white front colors
2. On the San Francisco page: Walter Rice's interview with Mrs. Barbara Kahn Gardner,
daughter of Market Street Railway's principal owner, Samuel Kahn
3. On the San Francisco page: The the May installment of Val Lupiz's quarterly column,
Tales From the Grip: "California, Here I Come"
4. On the New York/New Jersey page: 1887 newspaper articles about the
first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York, and 1854 articles about the
first horsecars in Brooklyn.
5. Added News and Bibliography items about a shutdown of the California
Street cable car line. Added bibliography items and updated news items
about the wildcat strike on 02-Mar-2005.
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in June, 2005: More 1887 newspaper articles
about the first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York.
Also coming in June, 2005: On the Australia/New Zealand page: More
information about and photos of the Penang Railway.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-May-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) April, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the April, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is the cover of the s10-Nov-1960 edition of Downbeat,
featuring a collection of jazz musicians, including Earl Hines, Teddy Wilson, and Vince
Guaraldi, posing on a cable car.
2. On the Kitsch page: More collectible junk, including the Downbeat magazine cover,
more Hard Rock Cafe pins, and an engraved matchbox commemorating the end of cable trams in
Melbourne.
3. On the New York/New Jersey page: A contemporary newspaper article
about the experimental non-grip line on the grounds of a lunatic asylum in Binghamton, New York
4. On the roster page: Thanks to Walter Rice, photos with early
examples of Blue and Gold and Green and Cream cars
5. On the Transfers, Tickets, and Tokens page: Thanks to Walter Rice,
another Sutro Railroad ticket and two current $3 collectors’ series tickets.
Thanks to Val Lupiz, a rare ticket from the pioneering Clay Street Hill
Railroad
6. News and Bibliography
items about the wildcat strike by Cable Car Division crews and the proposal to
drastically increase cable car fares
7. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in May, 2005: Walter Rice's interview with
Mrs. Barbara Kahn Gardner, daughter of Market Street Railway
executive Samuel Kahn. Also, contemporary newspaper articles
about the first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Apr-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) March, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the March, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is The cover of the second edition of "Of
Cables and Grips: The Cable Cars of San Francisco."
2. On the San Francisco page: The not-yet-published second edition of
"Of Cables and Grips: The Cable Cars of San Francisco," by Robert Callwell
& Walter E. Rice. Thanks to Bob and Walter for allowing me to carry this on
the site.
3. On the New York/New Jersey page: Contemporary newspaper articles
about cable cars in Manhattan, including the beginning of the Broadway
line in 1893 and the end in 1901. The company spent all that money on
infrastructure and operated it for less than ten years
4. On the Decorated Cable Cars page: Thanks to Walter Rice, two photos
of car 504 decorated for a 1954 festival
5. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in April, 2005: More stuff on the Kitsch page.
Also, on the New York/New Jersey page: a contemporary newspaper article
about the experimental line on the grounds of a lunatic asylum in
Binghamton, New York.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Mar-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) February, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the February, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Geary Street Park and Ocean steam
train at Central and Geary, in honor of February 16, the 125th anniversary of the
start of service on the GSPO
2. On the San Francisco page: Added "When Steam Ran on The Streets of
San Francisco," an article by Walter Rice and Emiliano Echeverria
about steam traction in San Francisco.
3. Added News and Bibliography items about the destruction by fire of a Baltimore cable car powerhouse and barn
4. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in March, 2005: Contemporary newspaper accounts of cable car operations in Manhattan.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Feb-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) January, 2005 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
Happy new year, everyone.
I just put the January, 2005 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is Clay Street grip car 8 and trailer 1 at the 1893
Columbian Exposition in Chicago. On the Chicago page: Some information from
Walter Rice about the equipment and its subsequent journey
2. On the San Francisco page: Added "When Stationary Steam Engines
Powered the Cable," an article by Walter Rice and Emiliano Echeverria
about the Washington/Mason powerhouse.
3. Also on the San Francisco page: Updated the Decorated Cable Cars
article with photos of the 2004 batch from Val Lupiz and photos from the
1973 centennial from Walter Rice. Help us identify the photos of famous
San Franciscans on the Roos Atkins car
4. Also on the San Francisco page: Added newspaper articles from 1873
about the first test of the Clay Street Hill cable car line, and a series
of political attacks on Andrew S Hallidie, who was running for state senate
at the time
5. 15-January-2005 marks the 100th anniversary of the last cable tram to run
in Sydney, on the King Street line
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in February, 2005: "When Steam Ran on The Streets of San Francisco," an
article by Walter Rice and Emiliano Echeverria. Also the 125th birthday of the Geary Street,
Park and Ocean cable car line.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Jan-2005)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) December, 2004 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the December, 2004 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is Castro Street cable car 3 in the mid-1930s
2. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice, former Chair of
the Friends of the Cable Car Museum, I added two items.
"Market Street Railway's Efforts to Curtail Its Cable Car
System", two contemporary newspaper articles with an introduction by Walter Rice.
"Cable Car Concerto", Glen Hurlburt's 1947 composition that represents a ride on the Mason
Street line, with an introductory essay by Walter Rice
3. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in January, 2005: "When Stationary Steam Engines Powered the Cable", an
article about the steam engines at Washington/Mason by Walter Rice and Emiliano Echeverria
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Dec-2004)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) November, 2004 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the November, 2004 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Pacific Avenue cable train, in honor of the 75th anniversary of the abandonment of the line on 17-November-1929
2. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice's kind offer and hard work,
I have started to migrate some articles from the Cable Car
Museum site: This month, I added "The Sutter Street Railroad - History and Technology", an article by Walter Rice
3. Also on the San Francisco page: A new article by Walter Rice about the 1950 Broadway Tunnel Construction Project and how it caused the O'Farrell/Jones/Hyde line to be temporarily replaced by Ford buses. Photos from Robert Townley and Walter Vielbaum.
4. On the Who page, a photo of Henry Casebolt's balloon car.
5. Added News and Bibliography items about shutdowns and an accident, including an eyewitness account
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in December, 2004: Contemporary newspaper articles about Market Street Railway's efforts to convert the Castro Street and Sacramento/Clay lines
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Nov-2004)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Oct-2004)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) October, 2004 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the October, 2004 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is the header of a Rider Alert card issued during the 2002 Powell/Market Turntable Replacement
2. On the San Francisco page: "When Push Comes To Shove", the October edition of "Tales From the Grip", by Val Lupiz
3. Also on the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice's kind offer and hard work,
I have started to migrate some articles from the Cable Car
Museum site: This month, I added "The Wire Rope Street Railways of San Francisco, California", an 1881 Scientific American article collected by Val Lupiz, with an introduction by Walter Rice
4. On the New York page: More about the Park Hill Elevator, a funiclar in Yonkers
5. Added News and Bibliography items about cable car shutdowns and the Bay/Taylor turntable replacement
6. New items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in October, 2004: In honor of the 75th anniversary of the abandonment of the Pacific Avenue cable line, "The Sutter Street Railroad", an article by Walter Rice
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Oct-2004)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Mar-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Aug-2004)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) September, 2004 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the September, 2004 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a photo from Grant Dew, showing the East Cliff Lift in Hastings,
East Sussex, UK
2. On the UK page: Cliff lifts in the UK, featuring several Grant Dew photos of the East
and West cliff lifts in Hastings
3. On the More Muni Photos page: Photos of Car 44 (retired Powell Street
car 4) at Pac Bell Park, including a photo taken in August by Walter Rice,
and a photo I took in February of the car wrapped in tarps for the winter
4. Also on the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice's kind offer and hard work,
I have started to migrate some articles from the Cable Car
Museum site: This month, I added "Market Street Railway Company Past,
Present and Future", a 1925 article from the San Francisco News Letter,
with an introduction by Walter Rice.
5. Added News and Chronology items about Val Lupiz being named Muni's
Systemwide Operator of the Month for July, 2004. Congratulations, Val.
6. Other new items on the Chronology
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in October, 2004: "The Wire Rope Street Railways of San Francisco, California", an
1881 Scientific American article collected by Val Lupiz.
I updated my Park Trains page with photos from a recent visit to Disneyland. I got to
see the monorail wrecker at work.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Sep-2004)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Mar-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Aug-2004)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) August, 2004 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the August, 2004 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a stamp showing former cable car 72/73 in Douglas, Isle of Man,
in honor of the 75th anniversary of the abandonment of the Upper
Douglas Cable Tramway, on 19-Aug-1929
2. On the UK page: Some new items:
Articles by Walter Rice about the steam-powered Isle of Man Railway and
the Manx Electric Railway
3. On the San Francisco page: Photos from the 2004 Bell Ringing
contest, including photos of all the finalists. Also added more information
about the contests from 1985 through 1994, and an article by Muni historian
Bob Callwell about the history of the contest: "The Annual Cable Car Bell-Ringing Contest -
A San Francisco Tradition". I added photos of Cal Cable's Alexander Nielsen,
who won the first contest in 1949, and Francesca Cresci, Miss Cable Car 1972
4. Also on the San Francisco page: Two 1892 magazine articles about the
end of the original Clay Street Hill Railroad, with and introduction by
Walter Rice
5. Also on the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice's kind offer and hard work,
I have started to migrate some articles from the Cable Car
Museum site: This month, I added "Proper Techniques and Body Positions for
Cable Car Gripmen", a 1972 ergonomic memo preserved by RT Murphy to the
page with the 1976 "Instructions for Cable Car Operations", also preserved
by Bob
6. On the Transfers and Tickets page, Walter Rice provided another
Sutro Railroad ticket
7. Several new items on the Chronology
8. New "Search This Site" function
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in September, 2004: Back to the UK: Cliff lifts in Hastings
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Aug-2004)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Mar-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Mar-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) July, 2004 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the July, 2004 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Metropolitan Street Railway cable car, which ran on
Broadway in New York City
2. On the New York/New Jersey page: An 1893 newspaper article, "Cable Car Run Amuck",
about a Broadway cable car that ran away
3. Also on the New York/New Jersey page: A new article about the Park Hill Incline,
a funicular in Yonkers
4. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice's kind offer and hard work,
I have started to migrate some articles from the Cable Car
Museum site: This month,
"The Cable Car Lady & the Mayor" by Walter Rice and Val Lupiz, an article about the epic
battle between Mrs Friedel Klussmann and Mayor Roger Lapham. Also, on the UK page,
an article by Walter Rice about the Great Orme Tramway, the only street-running funicular in the UK
5. On the news and bibliography sections, articles about a party to celebrate the 20th
anniversary of the return of the cable cars after the Great Reconstruction
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in August, 2004: The 75th anniversary of the end of the Upper Douglas Cable Tramway,
on the Isle of Man
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Jul-2004)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Mar-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Mar-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) June, 2004 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
Happy Memorial Day to all. This is the time to pause and remember the
men and women who gave their lives so we could live in freedom.
I just put the June, 2004 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a program from a Union Square cermemoy marking the return of the cables in 1984
2. On the San Francisco page: A new essay by Val Lupiz and Walter Rice, "20-Years of Being Back and Building for the Future", about the
return of the cable cars after the Great Rebuilding in 1982-1984
3. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice's kind offer and hard work,
I have started to migrate some articles from the Cable Car
Museum site: This month,
"Cable Car Transfers, Tickets and Tokens" by Walter Rice, with a new 1970's child's ticket
and "Towed by Rail", an 1878 Saint Nicholas Magazine article about cable cars, from Tom
Ehrenreich's much-missed Railroad Extra site
4. On the San Francisco page: A new edition of Val Lupiz column "Tales From the Grip",
"Central, We Have a Problem..."
5. On the news and bibliography sections, articles about the passing
of Arnold Gridley, the motorized cable car man, and about a shutdown of the
California Street cable car line
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in July, 2004: An 1893 newspaper article about a runaway cable car on Broadway in New York City
Last month, on May 21, I forgot to wish Fats Waller a happy 100th birthday.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Jun-2004)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Mar-2004)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Mar-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) May, 2004 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the May, 2004 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. 15-May-2004 marks the 50th anniversary of the abandonment of the O'Farrell/Jones/Hyde line and the cutback to Van Ness Avenue of the California Street main line
2. The picture of the month is a car full of protestors at Hyde and Beach
3. On the San Francisco page: Newspaper articles about the decision to abandon most of the former Cal Cable system, the last days of the O'Farrell/Jones/Hyde line, the cutback of the California Street mainline, and Proposition E
4. On the San Francisco page: A new essay by Walter Rice about Gellett Burgesss' poem "The Ballad of the Hyde Street Grip", with a recorded reading by Craig Hulsebos of KEAR radio
5. On the San Francisco page: A new essay by Walter Rice, Is It "Mahoney" or "Mahony?", about the builder's plate from car 524
6. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice's kind offer and hard work,
I have started to migrate some articles from the Cable Car
Museum site: This month Walter Rice's San Francisco Cable Car Chronology and Val Golding's essay "SAN FRANCISCO: that was THE CITY that was"
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in June, 2004: A new essay by Walter Rice and Val Lupiz about the 20th anniversary of the return of the cables after the 1982-1984 reconstruction
I'm disappointed that the Cable Car Museum website has chosen to remove the link to my site, and to remove all references to me. I will not reciprocate, hoping that they will someday have a change of heart.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-May-2004)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Mar-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Mar-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) April, 2004 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the April, 2004 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a nice image of Powell and Market from an old ad
2. On the San Francisco page: A new edition of Val Lupiz' "Tales From the Grip"
3. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice's kind offer and hard work,
I have started to migrate some articles from the Cable Car
Museum site: This month Bob Murphy's copy of Muni's "Instructions for Cable Car Operations "
4. On the Kitsch page: Several new pictures, including some items from the
1984 return after the Great Rebuilding. I also changed the toy cable car picture on the main
page.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in May, 2004: The 50th anniversary of the end of the O'Farrell/Jones/Hyde line.
I also updated my ferryboat and park train sites with photos of Delta ferries and the Redwood
Valley Railway in Tilden Park.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Apr-2004)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Mar-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Mar-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) March, 2004 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the March, 2004 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a photograph of grips at Washington/Mason
2. On the San Francisco page: Thanks to Walter Rice's kind offer and hard work,
I have started to migrate some articles from the Cable Car
Museum site, including the Cal/Hyde carbarn and powerhouse, a 1962 Road and Track road test
of a cable car, and the Historic American Engineering Record study of Washington/Mason
3. On the San Francisco/Municipal Railway page: More Muni pictures, including ones
taken during a December, 2003 tour of the barn.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in April, 2004: Updates to the Kitsch page
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Mar-2004)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) February, 2004 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the February, 2004 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a photograph of the crowd on the last day of the Jones Street Shuttle
2. On the San Francisco page: 1954 Newspaper articles about the last day of the Jones Street Shuttle and more information on the Cal Cable page
3. On the San Francisco page/Roster: Retirement of old car 28 and rollout of new 28
4. On the Other California Cities page: A turntable discovered at Mountian View Cemetery and a photo of the former Consolidated Piedmont powerhouse
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in March, 2004: On the San Francisco page: Photos from Washington/Mason
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Jan-2004)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) January, 2004 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
Happy New Year, everyone.
I just put the January, 2004 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a postcard showing a car on the turntable at Geary and Kearney
2. On the San Francisco page: 1912 Newspaper articles about the last days of the Geary Street, Park and Ocean Railroad
3. On the San Francisco page: New illustrated page about Decorated Cable Cars
4. On the Who page: New article about Ray McCann
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in February, 2004: On the San Francisco page: In honor of the 50th anniversary of the abandonment of the Jones Street Shuttle on 07-Feb-1952, newspaper articles about the last day
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Jan-2004)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) December, 2003 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving
I just put the December, 2003 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Christmas tree decorated with cable cars
2. The December installment of gripman Val Lupiz's quarterly column, Tales From the Grip: "Rain, Rain Go Away"
3. On the San Francisco page: Take a look at Joe Lacey's classic article Christmas on the Cables.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
One big non-cable related anniversary coming on 18-Dec-2003, the 100th anniversary of Wilbur and Orville Wright making the first powered, controlled flight
Coming in January, 2004: On the San Francisco page: Newspaper articles about the last day of the Geary Street, Park and Ocean cable line
There are several big anniversaries coming in 2004.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Dec-2003)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) November, 2003 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the November, 2003 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Paris grip car
2. On the Other Cities page, I added the Tramway Funiculaire de Belleville, the only Hallidie-type cable line in France
3. On the Miscellany page, I added my attempt at translating an 1890 magazine article about the Tramway Funiculaire de Belleville
4. On the bell ringing contest page, I added photos from this year's contest
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in December, 2003: On the San Francisco page: More Christmas-related items
Every December for about ten years, the men and women of the Cable Car Division have put on a holiday luncheon and entertainment for a large group of senior citizens from San Francisco retirement homes. They do this on their own, without financial support from Muni or the City.
In order to raise funds this year, they are having an auction. Prizes are expected to include three conductor's bells signed by champion bell ringers (Carl Payne, Ken Lunardi, Byron Cobb, Frank Ware, and current champ Ronald East), autographed Giants memorabilia, a charter ride on a decorated cable car, and a limousine ride chauferred by Carl Payne, with dinner for two.
If you want to buy tickets to support this worthy cause, please contact list member Val Lupiz.
I have a photo of one of the prizes with a news item on the raffle.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Nov-2003)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) October, 2003 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the October, 2003 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Belding Brothers silk thread ad, showing a Chicago cable train being pulled by its product
2. On the Chicago page, added poem by Franklin Pierce Adams about his youth in Chicago (including cable cars) and more photos of Chicago cable cars
3. On the Pacific Northwest page, added information and photos, kindly supplied by Ron Gates, about the booths from Steve's Cable Car room in Tacoma, now in an Italian restaurant in Sumner, WA
4. On the Cal Cable page, added information about car 45, which was offerred for sale on EBay
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in November, 2003: On the Other Cities page: Le Tramway Funiculaire de Belleville, the only Hallidie-type cable tram in France. Also my attempt at translating a contemporary article from the original French
The 40th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest is scheduled for Thursday, 16-Oct-2003, Noon at Union Square.
Go Giants.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Oct-2003)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Sep-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (tan) September, 2003 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the September, 2003 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is an atmospheric shot of a rainy day at Hayes and Van Ness in 1890
2. On the Market Street Cable Railway, More Market Street Photos, and "South of the Slot" pages, I thumbnailed the old photos and added some new ones, including a postcard of the Chutes amusement park on Fulton
4. Added new page about the Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest
5. Added information about new fares, effective 01-Sep-2003 to the San Francisco page
6. Added 1903 phone numbers for several San Francisco companies
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in October, 2003: On the Chicago page: A poem by FPA
The 40th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest is scheduled for Thursday, 16-Oct-2003.
01-Sep-2003 marks the 100th anniversary of Kansas City's former Grand Avenue Railroad cable lines (15th Street, Holmes Street, Walnut Street) ceasing cable operation.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Sep-2003)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Jun-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Jul-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (ot) August, 2003 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the August, 2003 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a postcard showing Second and Madison in Seattle
2. The August installment of gripman Val Lupiz's quarterly column, Tales From the Grip
3. On the Pacific Northwest page I added more about Seattle's cable cars and counterbalances. Thanks to Val Golding for lending me an excellent book on the subject
4. Added more photos of dash signs to the SF Muni page. Thanks to Val Lupiz for sharing photos of his collection
5. Added Disney pin and Italian Charm to the Kitsch page
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in September, 2003: On the Market Street Railway page, more photos
On my Park Trains page, I added an illustrated article about my July visit to the LA Farmers Market,
where I rode the battery tram. I know it's not a park, but I had to put the article somewhere.
I also updated my Disneyland page with more text and photos.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Aug-2003)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Jun-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Jul-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (ot) July, 2003 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date:
I just put the July, 2003 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a postcard of the Skagit Incline
2. On the Pacific Northwest page I added Seattle City Light's Skagit Incline, which still operates
3. I added more photos to my SF Muni page, and some highlights from
the draft 2003 Short Range Transit Plan. Thanks to Matt Lee for pointing out the plan
4. I added News items about an accident on Powell and a brief Cal Cable shutdown,
and about the retirement of Head Instructor Saddati Ahmad
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in August, 2003: On the Pacific Northwest page: More about Seattle cable cars, and three inclines which I recently learned about
The 40th Annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest will be held in Union Square on Thursday, 17-Jul-2003 at Noon. Look for a guy with a cable car tie and a rumpled Panama hat. I will try to post the results when I get home
08-Jul-2003 will be the 100th anniversary of the opening of the upper section of the Great Orme Tramway in Wales. See both my UK page the the Cable Car Museum site for articles about Great Orme
17-Jul-2003 will be the 125th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of Old Saint Mary's
23-Jul-2003 will be the 50th anniversay of the truce which ended the Korean War, at least until now
26-Jul-2003 will be the 100th anniversay of Layman's Castle at the top of Telegraph Hill burning to the ground. See my SF page for a photo of the Castle, with a car of the Telegraph Hill Railroad, a street-running funicular
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Jul-2003)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Jun-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 01-May-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: (ot) June, 2003 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date: Sat, 31 May 2003 19:01:19 +0000
I just put the June, 2003 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server at my new url (a birthday present from my wife):
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
The old url will still work for a while, but if you have the site bookmarked or linked, please change it.
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a cable car in Butte, Montana. Most people, even in Butte, don't know that Butte had cable cars
2. On the Pacific Northwest page I added the Butte City Street Railroad, the pilot installation of a revolutionary shallow-conduit technology
3. I added more photos to my article about the California Street Cable Railroad's 125th anniversary party
4. I added a News item about San Francisco's Carnaval Parade, where gripman Val Lupiz
drove motorized Cal Cable car 62. Thanks to Val for the photo
5. I added a News item about a recent accident on California Street
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in July, 2003: On the Pacific Northwest page: The Skagit Incline
02-Jun-2003 will be the 100th anniversary of the "Peace Agreement" between the Kansas City, Missouri city government and the Metropolitan Street Railway, which allowed the company to convert its remaining cable lines to electricity.
16-Jun-2003 will be the 100th birthday of the Ford Motor Company. This was Henry Ford's third attempt at starting a company to manufacture autos.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page - new url - (updated 01-Jun-2003)
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 01-May-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: May, 2003 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 19:28:23 +0000
I just put the May, 2003 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. I am proud to host gripman Val Lupiz's new quarterly column, "Tales
from the Grip". Look for the banner on the main page.
2. The picture of the month is a car from the south line of the Spokane Cable Railway
3. On the Pacific Northwest page I added the short-lived Spokane Cable Railway. Thanks to Don Galt for providing much information. This company was unique in using direct-drive hydro power
4. I moved my article about the California Street Cable Railroad's 125th anniversary party to a separate page and added some photos. More to come next month
5. I added Added News and Bibliography items about Walter Rice and Emiliano Echeverria's new book "San Francisco's California Street Cable Car/Celebrating a Century and a Quarter of Service"
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in June, 2003: On the Pacific Northwest page: Butte, Montana's Butte City Street Railroad, the pilot installation of a revolutionary shallow conduit grip.
29-May-2003 will be Bob Hope's 100th birthday.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-May-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Apr-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 01-May-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: April, 2003 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2003 19:28:23 +0000
I just put the April, 2003 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a first day cover issued to commemorate
the California Street Cable Railroad's 100th anniversary in 1978
2. To honor the California Street Cable Railroad's 125th anniversary, on 10-Apr-2003, I added some more photos to the More California Street pictures page
3. I added many new items to the Kitsch page, including a series of souvenir tickets isssued by Muni, Lefton models of cable cars, and other items. My favorites are a Citizens Federal Savings piggy bank and a poster for last year's Strictly Bluegrass 2 Festival.
4. On the San Francisco page, I added an excerpt from an 1880 book, "Travels with Jottings" by Edward D Holton, which describes an early ride on the California Street Cable Railroad.
5. I added news and bibliography items about the anti-war protests.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in May, 2003: On the Pacific Northwest page: Spokane, Washington's unique and short-lived system.
Don't miss Walter Rice and Emiliano Echeverria's new article "Cal Cable’s Hyde & California Street Car Barn & Powerhouse" on the San Francisco Cable Car Museum site:
http://www.cablecarmuseum.com/
04-Apr-2003 will mark the 150th birthday of the California Academy of Sciences.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Apr-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Mar-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (new url)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: March, 2003 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date: Sat, 01 Mar 2003 16:31:23 +0000
I just put the March, 2003 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Tacoma, Washington cable car
2. On the Pacific Northwest page I added the Tacoma Railway and Motor Company.
Only two US cities had Hallidie-type cable cars after Tacoma
3. Also on the Pacific Northwest page: An article and photos about
Steve's Gay 90's, a restaurant which featured the Cable Car Room and a
motorized San Francisco cable car. I'd like to know what happened to the car.
4. I added news and bibliography items about the Chinese New Year's
parade and the next days' anti-war protest.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in April, 2003: The 125th birthday of the California Street Cable
Railroad and new additions to the Kitsch page. I'll be back to the Pacific
Northwest in May, with Spokane, Washington's unique system.
It's not cable-related, but 10-Mar-2003 will mark Bix Beiderbecke's
100th birthday.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Mar-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 28-Feb-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (new url)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: February, 2003 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date: Sat, 01 Feb 2003 16:03:41 +0000
I just put the February, 2003 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a Portland, Oregon cable car
2. On the Pacific Northwest page I added the Portland Cable Railway,
which was famous for a huge trestle that climbed Portland Heights. I have a
nice postcard which shows the trestle.
3. San Francisco page: Thumbnailed photos of the California Street Cable
Railroad. April will be the line's 125th birthday. Watch for new stuff
over the next few months.
4. I added news and bibliography items about the proposed fare hike from $2
to $3.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in March, 2003: Pacific Northwest page: Tacoma, Washington cable
cars.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Feb-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Jan-2003)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (new url)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
January, 2003 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the January, 2003 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a postcard showing Second and Madison in
Seattle
2. I am converting the Seattle page into a Pacific Northwest page. I added
some more information about Seattle cable cars and some more images. I'm
always happy to get more information from my learned visitors. I'll do the
rest of the Pacific Northwest over the next several months.
3. San Francisco page: More photos from the conclusion of the Powell/Market
turntable replacement project
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in February, 2003: New Pacific Northwest page: Portland, Oregon cable
cars.
Happy New Year,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Jan-2003)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Dec-2002)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (new url)
http://www.geocities.com/rollomcgurk/html/ptrain.html
Subject: December, 2002 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the December, 2002 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a photo of the new turntable at Powell and
Market the day it was installed
2. San Francisco Miscellany page: An illustrated article about the recent
project to replace the turntable at Powell and Market
3. New York/New Jersey page: The Beach Pneumatic Subway. It's not a cable
car line, but I have always found it interesting
4. San Francisco page: Thumbnails and new photos on the Clay Street Hill
Railroad page.
5. Who page: More information and photos in the Andrew S Hallidie article.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in January, 2003: New Pacific Northwest page: More about Seattle
cable cars.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Dec-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Nov-2002)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
Subject: November, 2002 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the November, 2002 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is a cartoon showing the carnage around Dead
Man's Curve (Broadway and 14th Street). There is another cartoon in the
body of the article
2. New York/New Jersey page: The Metropolitan Street Railway. The article
includes the terrible political chicanery which surrounded the granting of
the franchise. There is also a beautiful print of the Broadway and Houston
powerhouse from Randall, who used to live there
3. New York/New Jersey page: Photo of Brooklyn Heights cable cars on
Montague Street
4. News items about the bell ringing contest and turntable replacement on
Powell Street
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in December, 2002: New York/New Jersey page: The Beach Pneumatic
Subway and more Clay Street Hill photos.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Nov-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Sep-2002)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
Subject: October, 2002 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the October, 2002 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. The picture of the month is an open parlor car that ran in Harlem
2. New York/New Jersey page: The Third Avenue Railroad
3. Items about a gripman who was attacked and the restoration of Seattle's
Iron Pergola
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in November, 2002: New York/New Jersey page: The Metropolitan Street
Railway.
On my ferryboat page, I haveinformation about two historic ferries, San
Mateo and Fresno, that Arnold Gridley, Cable Car Charters founder, has put
up for sale.
I added a photo of a locomotive from the 1915 fair to my Park Trains page.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Oct-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Sep-2002)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Sep-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
Subject: September, 2002 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the September, 2002 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
It includes some new items:
1. New York/New Jersey page: The New York and Brooklyn Bridge Railway, a unique cable-driven rapid transit line
2. The picture of the month is a cross-section of the Brooklyn Bridge
3. On the Australia/New Zealand page, I added an article about the Penang Hills funicular in Malaysia. I know it is not in Australia or New Zealand, but Ric Francis, who provided the information and photos, is in Perth
4. Add photo of Byron Cobb, cable car bell ringing champion, at the Union Square reopening.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the main page.
Coming in October, 2002: New York/New Jersey page: The Third Avenue Railroad in New York.
On my ferryboat page, I added information about two historic
ferries, San Mateo and Fresno, that Arnold Gridley, Cable Car
Charters founder, has put up for sale.
I forgot to mention last month that I added photos from a recent visit to Disneyland to my Park Trains page.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Sep-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Aug-2002)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Jul-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
Subject: August, 2002 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the August, 2002 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
It includes some new items:
1. 31-Jul-2002 marks the 100th anniversary of the lower section of the Great
Orme Tramway in Llandudno, Wales. I added an article about this
street-running funicular to my UK page.
2. The picture of the month is one of four nice shots of the Great Orme
Tramway by Martin Schönherr. Check his site:
http://www.paschberg.gmxhome.de
3. New item about the Union Square reopening. Byron Cobb, cable car bell
ringing champion, was one of the guests, and he performed.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in September, 2002: New York/New Jersey page: The New York and
Brooklyn Bridge Railroad, a rapid transit line.
August 22 will mark the 100th anniversary of a major accident in Kansas
City, MO. A train descending the Ninth Street trestle of the former Kansas
City Cable Railway lost the rope and ran into another train, killing the
gripman of the runaway train and injuring 17 passengers.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Aug-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Jun-2002)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 31-Jul-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
Subject : [cablecars] July, 2002 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date : Sat, 29 Jun 2002 02:14:02 +0000
I just put the July, 2002 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. New York/New Jersey page: We cross the East River to Manhattan, to visit
the West Side and Yonkers Patent Railway, an unsuccessful pre-Hallidie
elevated line in Manhattan. It became the basis of the Ninth Avenue El. The
picture of the month shows Charles T Harvey making a test run
2. On the Who page, a new article about Charles T Harvey, builder of the
West Side and Yonkers and the Soo Ship Canal
3. Miscellaney/Newspaper articles: I added two articles about the 1949 Cal
Cable strike. The platform men were earning $1.48 an hour. They wanted a
raise to $1.50 to achieve parity with Muni employees. The company offerred
to cut their pay to $1.36. Aren’t you happy you live today?
4. Miscellany: Added new Selected articles from Manufacturer and Builder
Magazine (1870-1879) page. This contains several interesting articles on
early elevated and steam street traction development
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in August, 2002: UK page: June 31 will mark the 100th anniversary of
the Lower Great Orme Tramway, a street running funicular that still operates
in Llandudno, Wales, so I am adding an article about it.
July 5 will mark the 125th anniversary of the start of construction of the
California Street Cable Railroad.
July 15 will mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the first Wells
Fargo office on Montgomery Street in San Francisco.
Happy Independence Day,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Jul-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Jun-2001)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 01-Mar-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
"Don't Tread on Me"
Subject: June, 2002 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the June, 2002 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. New York/New Jersey page: Still on the occupied city of Brooklyn,
I have an article about the Brooklyn Heights Railroad, the most
successful street-running line in the East. Cable service lasted until
1909.
2. San Francisco page: Added more photos to the Muni article.
I thumbnailed photos on that page and the roster, and added information
about 524's 1950 trip to LA.
3. Added some photos and a cable car bell sound file to the How
page. Also added the sound to the cover page. Please let me know if
it bothers you.
4. Added new page of old newspaper articles about cable cars with
two subjects: the end of the Pacific Avenue line in 1929 and the
1935 accident that killed the towerman at California and Powell
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in July, 2002: New York/New Jersey page: The West Side and
Yonkers Patent Railway, a pre-Hallidie elevated line in Manhattan.
It became the basis of the Ninth Avenue El
June 9 will be the 100th anniversay of the Mount Auburn Cable Railway
(Cincinnati, Ohio) converting to electricity.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Jun-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-May-2001)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 01-Mar-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
"Don't Tread on Me"
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Sat Apr 27, 2002 2:06 am
Subject: May, 2002 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the May, 2002 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. New York/New Jersey page: I move on to the occupied city of Brooklyn,
with an article about the Brooklyn Cable Railway's Johnson ladder cable
non-grip line. The system used two parallel cables joined by rungs. The
promoter was the same Tom L Johnson who founded the Johnson Farebox Company.
When he was mayor of Cleveland, his city clerk was Peter Witt
2. San Francisco page: Added more photos and Sanborn maps of powerhouse
locations to the Omnibus Railroad article. My picture of the month
is a former Omnibus cable car used as the first passenger car of the
Mill Valley and Mount Tamalpais Railroad. Some day I'll throw in an article
about their gravity cars
3. Added photo of Fanny Barnes to the Who page
4. Made corrections to the Dunedin and Muni articles
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in June, 2002: New York/New Jersey page: The Brooklyn Heights
Railroad, the most successful street-running cable line in the East.
On my ferryboat site, I recently added an article about a visit to the 1894
Northwestern Pacific ferry Sausalito, which still exists in Antioch:
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-May-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Apr-2001)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 01-Mar-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
"Don't Tread on Me"
From :
"Joe Thompson"
To :
Cablecars@yahoogroups.com, cablecarhistorians@yahoogroups.com, sfmunihistory@yahoogroups.com, BigAppleTraction@yahoogroups.com
Subject :
[cablecars] April, 2002 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date :
Wed, 27 Mar 2002 03:10:39
I just put the April, 2002 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. New York/New Jersey page: article about Binghamton, NY’s Fairchild
non-grip cable line on the grounds of an insane asylum
2. Cable Car Kitsch page: Added transfers, tokens, and tickets
3. Added more links and bibliography items
4. Check the new toy cable car photo on the main page
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in May, 2002: New York/New Jersey page: Brooklyn NY’s
experimental non-grip system, on the Atlantic Avenue Railroad
On my ferryboat site, I added an article about a visit to the Northwestern
Pacific ferry Sausalito, which still exists in Antioch:
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Apr-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Mar-2001)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 01-Mar-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
"Don't Tread on Me"
From : "Joe Thompson"
To : Cablecars@yahoogroups.com, cablecarhistorians@yahoogroups.com, SFMuniHistory@yahoogroups.com, TrolleysCA@yahoogroups.com, BigAppleTraction@yahoogroups.com
Subject : [cablecars] March, 2002 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Date : Wed, 27 Feb 2002 16:37:45
I just put the March, 2002 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. New York/New Jersey page: article about Newark’s Rasmussen non-grip cable
line, a joint installation of the Essex Passenger Railway and the Newark and
Irvington Street Railway. Also a magazine article about an 1883
experimental electric line in Newark
2. How do Cable Cars Work? page: Article about turning cable cars, with
photos
3. Other California Cities page: Added Sanborn maps of all Los Angeles
cable car barns
4. Cleaned up dead links and added many new ones
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in April, 2002: New York/New Jersey page: Binghamton NY’s
experimental non-grip system, on the grounds of a lunatic asylum
March 18 will mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of Wells Fargo.
The Friends of the Cable Car Museum site recently posted a copy of Muni’s
"Instructions for Cable Car Operation":
http://www.cablecarmuseum.com/
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Mar-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 28-Feb-2001)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 01-Mar-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
"Don't Tread on Me"
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Fri Feb 1, 2002 5:02 pm
Subject: February, 2002 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the February, 2002 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. Chicago page: Chicago West Division Railway’s short-lived installation of
the Rasmussen non-grip system
2. Chicago page: Article about San Francisco car 524’s trip to the 1949
Chicago Railroad Fair
3. Chicago page: More photos of other Chicago cable lines. Thumbnailed all
pictures
4. Miscellany page: Article about non-grip and shallow conduit technologies
5. Bibliography: Add Raymond McCann’s obituary
6. News: Item about proposal to fill in Hallidie Plaza
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in March, 2002: New York/New Jersey page: Newark’s Rasmussen non-grip
system, a joint installation of the Essex Passenger Railway and the Newark
and Irvington Street Railway
February 22 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Kelburn Cable Car, a
funicular which still operates in Wellington, NZ.
27-Jan-2002 marked the 125th anniversary of cable traction on the Sutter
Street Railway. Find out more about the anniversary in Walter Rice's new
article at the Friends of the Cable Car Museum site:
http://www.cablecarmuseum.com/
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Feb-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Dec-2001)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Nov-2001)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
"Don't Tread on Me"
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Sat Dec 29, 2001 2:38 am
Subject: January, 2002 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
Happy New Year to everyone.
I just put the January, 2002 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. New York/New Jersey page with article about Hoboken’s North Hudson County
Railway, an elevated rapid transit line
2. 27-Jan-2002 marks the 125th anniversary of cable traction on the Sutter
Street Railway. Added new photos and Sanborn Fire Insurance maps on the
Sutter Street page.
3. Add Sutter Street’s Henry Casebolt to the Who page
4. New photos and Sanborn Fire Insurance maps on the Geary Street, Park and
Ocean page
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in February, 2002: Chicago West Division Railway and San
Francisco cable car at the 1949 Chicago Rail Fair. Newark, NJ coming in
March.
January 13 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Cal Cable lines reopening
under Muni operation.
Find out more about the 125th anniversary of Sutter Street cable traction in
Walter Rice's new article at the Friends of the Cable Car Museum site:
http://www.cablecarmuseum.com/
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Jan-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Dec-2001)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Nov-2001)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
"Don't Tread on Me"
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Fri Nov 30, 2001 4:08 pm
Subject: December, 2001 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the December, 2001 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. New Australia/New Zealand page with article about Sydney cable trams.
Photos of Dunedin cable trams and the Kelburn Cable Car (a funicular) in
Wellington, which will celebrate its 100th birthday in February. Thanks to
Ric Francis and Bill Bolton for providing information and pictures on Sydney
2. Added Down Under engineer George Duncan to the Who page
3. New photos and Sanborn Fire Insurance maps on the Presidio and Ferries
page. Maps include their powerhouse and their roundhouse at Jefferson and
Lyon
4. More new photos and Sanborn Fire Insurance maps on the Ferries and Cliff
House and More Ferries and Cliff House pages. Includes maps of California
and Laurel roundhouse and Sacramento Street carhouse.
5. Add photo of Santa arriving at the Emporium to Joe Lacey’s article
"Christmas on the Cables".
6. Revised Mount Lowe article on the LA Funiculars page
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in January, 2002: New New York/New Jersey page with an article about
the cable-driven Hoboken elevated. My goal for 2002 is to do all the cable
car lines in the two states.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Jan-2002)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Dec-2001)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 30-Nov-2001)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
"Don't Tread on Me"
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Fri Oct 26, 2001 4:06 pm
Subject: November, 2001 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
November, 2001 marks the fifth anniversary of my Cable Car Home Page.
Thanks to all the people who have visited and all those who have helped me
with information and suggestions.
I just put the November, 2001 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. New photos and Sanborn Fire Insurance maps on the Ferries and Cliff House
and More Ferries and Cliff House pages.
2. The Picture of the Month for the fifth anniversary is naturally Powell
Street Car 5.
3. New Page: Miscellany: "The Cable Street-Railway" by Phillip Huber, Jr
from "Scribners Magazine", an 1894 account of the cable railway industry
with some neat illustrations.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Coming in December, 2001: New Australia/New Zealand page with an article
about cable tramways in Sydney.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Nov-2001)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 31-Oct-2001)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 05-Sep-2001)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
"Don't Tread on Me"
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Fri Sep 28, 2001 2:38 am
Subject: October, 2001 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the October, 2001 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
I'm going back to monthly updates.
It includes some new items:
1. Cable Trams in the UK: The Glasgow District Subway, the only
Hallidie-type subway in the world. Also a brief article about Liverpool
United's one-day experimental installation.
2. The Picture of the Month is a set of retired Glasgow Subway cars,
originally cable-operated, by Geoff Cryer.
3. New Page: Miscellany: Selected articles from "Manufacturer and Builder
Magazine" (1890-1899) about the early cable railway industry. I especially
enjoyed the one about the Cleveland City Cable Railway, which has a great
picture of its powerhouse.
4. Updated the San Francisco page. Added more photos of the Fillmore Hill
Counterbalance, the Telegraph Hill Railroad, and the California/Powell
signal tower.
5. Updated the Other California Cities and Los Angeles Area Funiculars
pages. Thumbnailed the images and added images of the Second Street Cable
Railway and Knott's Berry Farm cable cars.
6. Bob Murphy provided photographs of the North Melbourne Winding House,
which I added to the Melbourne article.
7. Reorganized the newspaper section of the Bibliography by subject.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Don't forget October 3 is the 50th anniversary of Bobby Thomson's "shot
heard round the world".
I also updated my ferryboat site with several former SF boats that still
sail on Puget Sound and some recent photos I took in Sausalito and at Pac
Bell Park.
Coming in November, 2001: The 5th anniversary of my cable car site.
Also an 1894 article: "The Cable Street-Railway".
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (updated 01-Oct-2001)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats (updated 30-Sep-2001)
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Park Trains (updated 05-Sep-2001)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/html/ptrain.html
"Don't Tread on Me"
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Sun Jun 24, 2001 3:35 am
Subject: Summer (July), 2001 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the Summer (July), 2001 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. New page: Cable Trams in the UK, including a new article on the Upper
Douglas Cable Tramway on the Isle of Man.
2. The Picture of the Quarter is Upper Douglas cable tram 72/73, by Geoff
Cryer.
3. New Page: Miscellany: Selected articles from "Manufacturer and Builder
Magazine" (1885-1889) about the early cable railway industry. I especially
enjoyed the one about L A Thompson’s (no relation) proposed cable and
gravity elevated line. Thompson was a pioneer roller coaster designer and
builder.
4. Updated the San Francisco page. Changed the images to thumbnails and
added two more photos of Carville.
5. Added article about Private Funiculars to the Los Angeles Area Funiculars
page, with information from Paul Ward, Ray Long, and David McCanne.
6. Added Liverpool United and Chicago West Division experimental
installations to the Where page.
7. Added photo of Mrs Klussmann and new article about her nemesis, Mayor
Roger Lapham, to the Who page.
8. Updated Market Street Cable Railway and Omnibus Railroad & Cable Company
with colors of their lines.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Don't forget June 29 is San Francisco's 225th birthday.
July 4 is the 225th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
August 4 will be Louis Armstrong’s 100th birthday.
July 31 will be the 50th anniversary of the day the California Street Cable
Railway had to stop operations when its insurance coverage lapsed. This was
the end of privately owned public transit in San Francisco.
September 5 is the 50th anniversary of the start of the Battle of Heartbreak
Ridge.
September 20 will be the anniversary of the City of San Francisco’s purchase
of the California Street Cable Railroad.
October 3 will be the 50th anniversay of Bobby Thomson’s "shot heard round
the world.
Coming in Fall (October), 2001: New article on the Glasgow District Subway,
the only Hallidie-type cable driven subway. Also more items from
"Manufacturer and Builder Magazine".
November will be the 5th anniversary of my cable car site.
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Thu Mar 29, 2001 9:48 pm
Subject: Spring (April), 2001 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the Spring (April), 2001 version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. New pictures on the cable car kitsch page, including stamps, magazine
covers, and ads.
2. The Picture of the Quarter is a "Giants Magazine" cover featuring Will
Clark on a cable car during his rookie year.
3. New Page: Miscellany: Selected articles from "Manufacturer and Builder
Magazine" (1880-1884) about the early cable railway industry.
4. I added more images on the How Do Cable Cars Work page.
5. Bob Murphy provided a photograph of the Gertrude Street Cable Winding
House, which I added to the Melbourne article. Peter Vawser provided
additional information about Melbourne cable tramways.
6. I added links to several sites.
7. I added information about a truck knocking down Seattle's Iron Pergola.
8. I added information about the Angel's Flight runaway accident.
I have links to the new items directly from the What's New section on the
main page.
Don't forget June 29 is San Francisco's 225th birthday.
July 4 is the 225th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
May 4 is the 150th anniversary of the Fifth Great Fire, which destroyed San
Francisco's entire business district.
June 1 is the 150th anniversary of public tranist in San Francisco, when
horse-drawn omnibuses began running between downtown and Mission Dolores.
June 9 is the 150th anniversary of the First San Francisco Committee of
Vigilance.
June 22 is the 150th anniversary of the Sixth Great Fire, which destroyed 14
blocks.
June 14 is the 125th anniversary of the California Street Cable Railroad
receiving its franchise.
May 11 is the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Street Railway (New
York, New York) converting its Columbus Avenue line to electricity.
May 25 is the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan converting its Broadway
line to electricity.
Jun 19 is the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan converting its Lexington
Avenue line to electricity.
April 11 is the 50th anniversary of President Harry S Truman firing General
Douglas MacArthur.
Coming in Summer (July), 2001: New article on the Upper Douglas Cable
Tramway on the Isle of Man. Also more items from "Manufacturer and Builder
Magazine".
Visit my new site on San Francisco Bay Ferryboats:
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Thu Dec 28, 2000 3:11 am
Subject: Winter (January), 2001 Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the Winter (January), 2001 version of my Cable Car Home Page on
the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. New Page: San Francisco: Market Street Cable Railway: More Market Street
Railway Pictures.
2. The Picture of the Quarter is a nice photo of a Market Street combination
car by IW Taber.
3. Ray Long contributed some cool pictures: Sacramento/Clay car 16 on the
roof of the Emporium, Cal Cable 56 in the barn at night, and two shots of
the Industry Hills funicular.
4. An article from an 1891 Scientific American on the Los Angeles Cable
Railway.
1900 was a bad year for the cable railway industry:
Febuary 14 is the 100th anniversary of the People's Railway (Saint Louis,
Missouri) converting to electricity.
March 14 is the 100th anniversary of the Missouri Railroad (Saint Louis,
Missouri) converting to electricity.
Visit my new site on San Francisco Bay Ferryboats:
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
Keep an eye open for Robert Callwell and Walter Rice's great new book "Of
Cables and Grips: The
Cable Cars of San Francisco". I enjoyed it.
Coming in Spring (April), 2001: New pictures, including postage stamps:
Miscellany: Cable Car Kitsch.
Happy New Year,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
San Francisco Bay Ferryboats
http://home.mindspring.com/~joethompson1/ferry.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Fri Sep 29, 2000 11:01 pm
Subject: October Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I'm switching from monthly to quarterly updates.
I just put the October (Fall) version of my Cable Car Home Page on the
server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. San Francisco Miscellany: Cable Cars in Literature: Excerpts from The
Octopus by Frank Norris.
2. The Picture of the Quarter is a nice postcard of Geary and Market.
October 8 will be the 100th anniversary of the St Louis Railroad's (St
Louis, Missouri) conversion to electricity
October 18 will be the 150th anniversary of the day the steamer Oregon
arrived in San Francisco with the news of California's admission the Union.
October 30 will be the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Street
Railway's (Kansas City, Missouri) conversion of its 18th-19th Street line to
electricity
Keep an eye open for Robert Callwell and Walter Rice's great new book "Of
Cables and Grips: The Cable Cars of San Francisco". I enjoyed it.
Next quarter (January, 2001): New page: More Market Street Railway Pictures.
Go Giants.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (new url alias)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Tue Aug 29, 2000 8:45 am
Subject: September Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the September version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. An article about the Fairfax Incline Railway, a funicular in Marin County
which fed passengers to Northwestern Pacific electric commuter trains.
2. News items about a new cable car book and mishap with car 9.
September 4 will be the 100th anniversary of the conversion of Seattle's
Front Street cable railway from cable to electric. The Queen Anne Hill
section became a counterbalance. I have some information about the line in
my Seattle page.
September 9 will be the 150th anniversary of California's admission the
Union.
Keep an eye open for Robert Callwell and Walter Rice's great new book "Of
Cables and Grips: The Cable Cars of San Francisco". I enjoyed it.
Next month: An excerpt from "The Octopus" by Frank Norris.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Sat Jul 29, 2000 3:12 am
Subject: August Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the August version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. An article about cable cars in Philadelphia. Philadelphia was the third
US city to have cable cars.
2. An article about the annual bell ringing contest.
Next month: The Fairfax Incline Railway. A funicular in Marin County which
fed passengers to Northwestern Pacific electric commuter trains.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (new url alias)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Wed Jun 28, 2000 2:04 am
Subject: July Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the July version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes some new items:
1. San Francisco Miscellany: An illustrated excerpt from "South of the Slot"
by Jack London. I remember old folks using that term when I was a young
folk.
2. Chicago: To celebrate this site being recommended in the upcoming issue
of "First & Fastest", a magazine about electric railways in the Chicago
area, I added a picture of State Street at night.
3. Other new links and photos. See What's New for details.
As I mentioned last month, I'm also happy because Yahoo has added a new
section:
U.S. States > California > Cities > San Francisco >
Travel and Transportation > Mass Transit > San Francisco Municipal
Railway (MUNI) > Cable Cars
Next month: An article about cable cars in Philadelphia. Philadelphia was
the third US city to have cable cars.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (new url alias)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Wed May 24, 2000 2:56 am
Subject: June Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the June version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes several new items:
1. Seattle Miscellany: Motor Ferry Kalakala. I like ferry boats, too.
2. Chicago: To celebrate this site being recommended in the upcoming issue of
"First & Fastest", a magazine about electric railways in the Chicago area, I
added a Chicago picture and a link to a film of a Chicago cable car.
3. Results of the Mystery Picture Contest.
I'm also happy because Yahoo has added a new section:
U.S. States > California > Cities > San Francisco >
Travel and Transportation > Mass Transit > San Francisco Municipal
Railway (MUNI) > Cable Cars
Next month: An illustrated excerpt from "South of the Slot" by Jack London.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (new url alias)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Thu Apr 27, 2000 2:25 am
Subject: May Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the May version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes several new items:
1. Miscellany: Mystery Picture Contest Number One
2. San Francisco Miscellany: An article by Emiliano J Echeverria about the
California and Powell signal tower
May 2 will be the 100th anniversary of the Grand Avenue Railway (Kansas
City, Missouri) converting its Westport line to electricity.
Next month: Seattle Ferry Kalakala.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (new url alias)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Tue Mar 28, 2000 3:53 am
Subject: April Version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the April version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes several new items:
1. Miscellany: Cable Car Kitsch. A new page about the cable car-related junk
that people (including me) collect.
2. A news item about the late March suspension of cable car service on
Powell Street
3. More links on my Thanks/Links page.
April 1 will be the 100th anniversary of the end of cable service on the
former Denver City Cable Company.
April 24 will be the 100th anniversary of the death of Andrew S Hallidie.
The Friends of the Cable Car Museum are planning something. I'll spread the
word when I hear more.
Next month: Mystery Picture Contest Number One.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (new url alias)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Thu Feb 24, 2000 3:21 am
Subject: March version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the March version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes several new items:
1. New on the Chicago cable car lines page: the West Chicago Street
Railroad. The third and last company to build lines in Chicago.
2. In the Chicago Miscellany section, a brief article about the Chicago
Tunnel Company Railroad. It's mostly a plug for Phil O'Keefe's excellent
site about this unusual eletric railway.
3. On the Seattle page, lots more detail about each line and more pictures.
4. On the Who page, a brief biographical article about J M Thompson (no
relation), an engineer who designed and built almost all of the lines in the
Pacific Northwest and the Second Street line in Los Angeles. If anyone
knows what the "J" stood for, I'd be very grateful.
5. More links on my Thanks/Links page.
Next month: Cable Car Kitsch, a new page about the junk that people
(including me) collect.
I wanted to thank the people who have responded favorably to the articles
about cable railways in Chicago. This will be the last note I copy to the
chicagohistory and chicagotransit lists unless I come up with something big
in the future. Thanks to the members of those lists for their patience.
On an unrelated note, I finally had a chance to ride behind Little Puffer,
the 1904 steam locomotive that returned to the SF Zoo after being rudely
removed in 1978. It was a great trip. The Golden Gate Railway Museum
volunteers did a beautiful job restoring the engine and the cars. The new
route is scenic, but very curvy.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (new url alias)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Thu Jan 27, 2000 3:17 am
Subject: February version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the February version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server:
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
It includes several new items:
1. New on the Chicago cable car lines page: the North Chicago Street
Railroad.
2. On the Miscellany page, an article about the effects of the Patent Trust
on the cable railway industry.
3. On the Who page, a brief biographical article on the widely hated C T
Yerkes. Yerkes owned two of Chicago’s cable railway operating companies and
built a good bit of the el system.
4. On the San Francisco/Omnibus Railroad page, a postcard of a former
Omnibus cable car that was the first passenger car of the Milly Valley and
Mount Tamalpais Railway. The postcard also shows the line's first
locomotive, a Shay.
5. On the Other Cities/Melbourne page, a bit about the modern Portland,
Victoria tourist cable tram. It’s not really cable driven.
6. I moved my thanks and links section to a separate page and added many
more links, including San Francisco and Chicago history sections.
Next month:The West Chicago Street Railroad and a brief article on the
Chicago Tunnel Company’s railroad.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (new url alias)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
From: cable_car_guy@xxxxxxx.xxx
Date: Mon Dec 27, 1999 5:29 am
Subject: January version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the January version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server.
It includes several new items:
1. New Chicago cable car lines page: the Chicago City Railway, the
first US cable car line outside of San Francisco.
2. Excerpt from Frank Norris' novel "The Pit", describing Chicago
cable cars.
3. Brief biographical articles on C B Holmes and Asa Hovey
Next month:
The North Chicago Street Railroad and an article on the effects of patent
trusts on cable railway development.
Don't forget January 24 will be the 100th anniversary of Andrew S Hallidie's
death. The Friends of the Cable Car Museum are planning something to
commemorate; I'll pass the word when I get details.
Happy New Year to all,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page (new url alias)
http://www.geocities.com/cable_car_guy/cablecar.html
From: cable_car_guy@xxxxxxx.xxx
Date: Sat Nov 27, 1999 5:13 am
Subject: November version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the December version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server.
It includes several new items:
1. On the Other Cities page, an article about the first cable car line
in the UK, London's Highgate Hill line.
2. On the Other California Cities page, on the Los Angeles area
funiculars page, short articles Industry Hills golf course funicular
and the Getty Center Shuttle, a cable driven automated people mover.
3. On the more California Street Pictures page, a photo of California
& Drumm in 1909 and one of the second Cal Cable barn.
Next month
I'm rolling out a new page about cable cars in Chicago, starting with
the Chicago City Railway, the first Hallidie-type line in the US outside
of San Francisco. I'm also including an excerpt from Frank Norris' novel
"The Pit".
Happy Holidays to all,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/3518/cablecar.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Tue Oct 26, 1999 2:22 am
Subject: November version of the Cable Car Home Page
I just put the November version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server.
It includes several new items:
1. On the Other California Cities page, on the Los Angeles area
funiculars page, an article about the Mount Washington Railway. Next month
I'm doing the Industry Hills funicular and the Getty Center Shuttle.
2. On the news and bibliography, I added items about an accident at
Washington and Taylor. Has anybody heard which car was involved?
3. On the SF page, I added another photo of the Fillmore Hill
counterbalance.
4. Also in December, I am going to add an article about the first cable car
line in the UK, London's Highgate Hill line.
On a non-cable related note. I'm worried about the new Muni paint job. The
latest version has a thin orange stripe just below the roof; the rest is
plain white. I suppose this will look better underneath the ad wrappers.
Someday, I fear the buses will be enirely white. It makes me nostalgic for
the Landor colors.
Regards,
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/3518/cablecar.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 2:41 am
Subject: Cable Car Home Page/October version
I just put the October version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server.
It includes several new items:
1. A brand new More Ferries and Cliff House Pictures page. It includes
some interesting pictures of Powell Street cars and one of Bernstein's Fish
Grotto, which was on lower Powell.
2. On the Other California Cities page, on the Los Angeles area
funiculars page, articles about Court Flight and Santa Catalina. Next month
I'm doing Mount Washington
3. On the news and bibliography, an item about a loose strand that shut
down the Powell Street cable.
October 19 is the 10th anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake.
Take a look at newly restored Lotta's Fountain if you get a chance. It's
pretty.
If you haven't done it yet, check the Friends of the Cable Car Museum page:
http://www.cablecarmuseum.org/
They had a little technical difficulty when they first opened for business
in September, but everything was up & running last I checked.
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/3518/cablecar.html
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Sun Aug 29, 1999 6:37 pm
Subject: September version of the Cable Home Page
I just put the September version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server.
It includes several new items:
1. On the Other California Cities page, on the Los Angeles area funiculars
page, an article about Angel's Flight. Next month I'm doing Court Flight
and Santa Catalina.
2. On the news and bibliography, items about Thursday's accident on
Washington Street. A link pin, probably from another car's coupler, fell
into the slot. A car hit it & came to a sudden stop. No one fell off, but
26 people were hurt. I've heard of obstructions in the slot, but has anyone
ever heard of a link pin?
3. I'm excited about a new page coming from the Friends of the Cable Car.
It will be open to the public some time in September. I had a preview last
week; it's great. I particularly liked the detailed roster. I'll let
everyone know the url when the site is available.
4. Next month I'm also adding a page with more pictures of the Powell
Street cable cars.
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/3518/cablecar.html
From: cable_car_guy@xxxxxxx.xxx
Date: Thu Jul 29, 1999 12:57 am
Subject: August version of the Cable Home Page
I just put the August version of my Cable Car Home Page on the server.
It includes several new items:
1. On the Other California Cities page, a new page about Los Angeles area
funiculars, beginning with Mount Lowe. Next month I'm doing Angel's Flight.
2. On the San Francisco page, a list of movies featuring cable cars and Joe
Lacey's remarks on making movies and commercials with cable cars. I welcome
suggestions of other movies to list.
3. A link to Bruce Kliewe's new site about the Great Reconstruction of
1983-1984.
4. I received more information about the San Francisco cable cars preserved at
the Orange Empire Railway Museum and the Poway Midland Railway. I didn't get
it all out there this month, but I'll add more as I get the chance.
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/3518/cablecar.html
From: cable_car_guy@xxxxxxx.xxx
Date: Mon Jun 28, 1999 2:26 am
Subject: July, 1999 Cable Car Home Page
I just posted the July, 1999 version of my Cable Car Home Page. It includes an
article on an experimental overhead cable car line in Emeryville, CA. This
line was built by Henry Casebolt, the same person who owned the Sutter Street
Railway in San Francisco. It includes a neat picture.
Two anniversaries in July:
Jul 15 - People's Cable Railway Tenth Street line (Kansas City, Missouri)
closed.
Jul 16 - The Brooklyn Elevated Railway (New York, New York) stopped running
its trains across the Brooklyn Bridge
Happy Independence Day.
Joe Thompson
The Cable Car Home Page
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/3518/cablecar.html
From: cable_car_guy@xxxxxxx.xxx
Date: Sat May 29, 1999 10:33 pm
Subject: Cable Car Home Page - June version
The June version of the Cable Car Home Page
is now available at:
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/3518/cablecar.html
The June version includes a new article about
the San Diego Cable Railway, one of the
shortest-lived lines in the industry. It
has a link to the San Diego Historical
Society site, which has a great collection
of traction-related photos.
Joe Thompson
"The lever keeps you busy, on the Hyde Street Grip!"
From: "Joe Thompson" Date: Wed Apr 28, 1999 2:23 am
Subject: Cable Car Home Page - May version
The May version of the Cable Car Home Page is now available at:
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/3518/cablecar.html
The May version includes a new page of California Street pictures and
an article about the Consolidated Piedmont Railway in Oakland. One
of the California Street pictures was taken by and donated by Ron
Westlund.
May 21 will be the 100th anniversary of the conversion of the Oakland
Cable Railway from cable to electric.
In a non cable car-related matter, April 29 will be Duke Ellington's
100th birthday. Happy Birthday, Duke.
Joe Thompson
"The lever keeps you busy, on the Hyde Street Grip!"
