Friday, June 5, 2009

June 5, 1909 - Trolleys and Cars

100 Years Ago: From The Rensselaer Eagle [NY 41 Rensselaer 93-32173].

MANY WERE DISAPPOINTED
Car Service to Electric Park Was Inadequate on Memorial Day

Crowds went to Electric Park on Memorial day and many Rensselaerites were in the number. The service was not the best it would seem for during the afternoon it was necessary for a number of Rensselaerites to stand at the transfer station while car after car loaded down to the very doors went by.

There were those in the station who would have paid their extra fare to Albany and then rode back to Rensselaer but although the cars went to Albany empty Rensselaerites were not permitted to go over.

Of course it was a rush day and many things must be considered. However, it would seem that some better arrangement could be made, such as perhaps starting a car out of Rensselaer or providing some other accommodations for local traffic. Rensselaer is one of the most important stations on the Albany and Hudson road and no community gives the company any better patronage or more loyal support than Rensselaer.

Doubtless this matter which may have escaped the eagle eyes of General Passenger Agent Deeds will not occur again.

Wikimapia: Kinderhook Lake
"Electric Park" opened in 1900 or 1901 by the Albany and Hudson Railway and Power Company. ... The park had a carousel, a merry-go-round, a roller coaster, a "Chute-The Chute," an aquarium containing fish from the lake, a dancing pavilion, and two rustic theaters offering vaudeville shows, comic operas, and bands. Fishing, boating and other watersports were available, as well as a beach and bathing suit rentals.
=========================================
HILL CLIMBING . . . . CAR OF CLASS

Herreshoff Car

Arrange for Demonstration
No better Car made at any price
Delivery ten days

BERNARD AUTO CO. 1918 Sixth Ave.
TROY, N. Y.

AGENTS WANTED RENSSELAER . . . $1500.00
=========================================

Wikipedia: Herreshoff (automobile) "The Herreshoff was an automobile built in both Detroit, Michigan and Troy, New York, by the Herreshoff Motor Company from 1909-14."

The New York Times
[December 6, 1908]: Houpt to Handle Herreshoff; New 4-Cylinder Car a Light Machine for Town or Country.

New York Public Library Digital Gallery: Herreshoff Advertising Images ("The smart, light cob of motor-cars.")

1 comment:

forgingahead said...

I was out near Kinderhook Lake last year and someone told me of this place. I can't remember if any of the Electric Park remains.