Trolleyology: Electric Cars in the Electric City

Trolleyology: Electric Cars in the Electric City
Presented by George Gula
November 20, 2024

Scranton’s first horsecar operation was chartered in 1865, and the nation’s first successful electric streetcar operation began on November 29, 1886. By 1900, Scranton Railway Company served Pennsylvania’s 3rd largest city with almost 100 miles of track. This program from PTM volunteer George Gula covers the development of the system from the earliest horsecar days to the end of service on December 18, 1954.

George Gula grew up in both Philadelphia and Scranton, developing his trolley interests at a young age in Philadelphia. After graduating from Penn State with a degree in Business Logistics, he spent his entire career working in the transit business, first in Scranton and then in Pittsburgh, where he worked from 1975 until his retirement in 2008.

He joined the museum in 1975 – and currently serves as an operator and a conductor. He also volunteers in the archives and gives outreach programs. He’s been writing for Trolley Fare, the member newsletter, since 1977.


DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this recording do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Museum.

00:00 Intro
06:55 Presentation
02:21:07 Wrap-up and Q&A