Trolleys to the Beach...and to Work and School

While we now look back on trolleys with nostalgia, they were not fancy, not particularly comfortable, and not very fast. In this presentation, Dave Saums will explore how the trolley system in Exeter and Hampton around the turn of the 20th century was both a solid foray into public transportation, and an uncomfortable ride. Early cars in many cases were open cars, with a solid roof but only heavy canvas curtains or folding side pieces that the motorman could lower or raise for wind, rain, or snowy conditions. There were some exceptions regarding relative comfort, with what often were termed as parlor cars that had greater creature comforts. Trolley systems, just like railroads, were built to connect, one line to the next. This was critical for building business, especially where town were relatively close, such as Exeter and Hampton and Salisbury. The passenger automobile and improved roads brought an end to the trolley systems in New England. The historical society’s annual meeting will follow.