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Electric Trolleys of Washtenaw County (Images of Rail)
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About Electric Trolleys Of Washtenaw County
Product Description Electric streetcars and interurbans appeared in Washtenaw County in the 1890s. Evolved from horse-drawn streetcars, electric cars were ideal for public transportation. They were cheap, fast, and went to plenty of places. The system developed around Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, branching out to Detroit to the east and Jackson to the west. Bigger and better equipment was added, and larger companies took over the small ones. In western Washtenaw County, two interurban railways engaged in a struggle for survival. Occasionally the interurbans crashed into buildings or one another, with disastrous results. Electric Trolleys of Washtenaw County explains how electric mass transportation flourished starting in the 1890s, why it bloomed, and why it suddenly became extinct after only a few decades. Review Title: Local authors pen book on trolleys Author: Krystle Dunham Publisher: The Milan News-Leader Date: 7/9/09 With mass transit on the minds of today's commuters, H. Mark Hildebrandt finds himself more passionate than ever about electric trolleys. Hildebrandt, an Ann Arbor resident, along with Martha Churchill of Milan recently put their love for electrical trolleys into a book called "Electric Trolleys of Washtenaw County," which came out June 29. The book, published by Arcadia Publishing, is part of the company's "Images of America" series and includes more than 200 vintage images, along with a supportive narrative. Churchill, a historian and attorney in Milan, has written several articles and columns for publication. She said the idea of writing a book with Hildebrandt came up when she was working on a four-part series on concrete abutments for an interurban system. While working on the series and speaking with her sources, Hildebrandt's name came up as a possible source for Churchill's series. The two met and Churchill realized that both were very passionate about history. She said she was amazed at the knowledge Hildebrandt had regarding trains, trolleys, and the electric railway and traction lines. "All of a sudden, I told Mark, 'We should write a book,'" About the Author H. Mark Hildebrandt of Ann Arbor offers a wealth of experience and knowledge about electric railway, or traction, lines. Over his lifetime, he has collected countless photographs and memorabilia concerning both steam and electric rail systems. Martha A. Churchill is an attorney in Milan. She has written numerous articles and columns for publication and has traveled on subways all around the world.
