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Local & Family History in Jacksonville, Florida

 

 

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  GOING, GOING, GONE: STREETCARS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This trolley car served South Jacksonville in 1926.  South Jacksonville didn't incorporated into Jacksonville until 1932.  Until then, it boasted a separate municipal government that owned its own streetcar service.

 

 

TAKING A CHANCE -- South Jax citizens had voted for a city-owned trolley car system in 1923.  They chose streetcars over buses.  The principle reason was that trolleys gave a greater sense of permanence.  If a bus line didn't prove too successful, it could simply terminated its service.  A trolley system, on the other hand, required a large expenditure for tracks and other equipment.  It might keep running due to the immense investment. 

 

 

On May 15, 1924, South Jacksonville started its streetcar service, linking itself by trolley to downtown Jacksonville.  Just as Skyway cars now run over the newer Acosta Bridge, streetcars rolled over the original Acosta span.  On opening day for the South Jax system, the trolleys stopped at the top of the bridge. The mayors of Jacksonville and South Jacksonville met there and clasped hands for a full minute, while "Big Jim" and other whistles blared in the background.  Residents also celebrated the occasion with a mile-long parade.

 

 

 

 

 

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