WESTFORD — Westford Museum and Historical Society Museum Director Linda Greene has shared the press release for an event: The History of the Lowell-Fitchburg Street Railway. The event will be held on May 22 at 7 p.m. at the Westford Museum.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In December of 1905, work was reportedly underway on a new electric trolley line in Graniteville, according to the Westford Wardsman. Workers began laying tracks with iron rails near Charles Cumming’s house on Main Street, continuing towards Greig’s Corner. The construction crew aimed to complete the track along the highway before the onset of winter weather. The main section of the track was successfully laid, overseen by Mr. Downing, and track laying was managed by Michael O’Loughlin from Philadelphia. Timothy Galvin was the foreman, and Mr. Carey from the L.N. Farnum Company contributed to the project.
When the trolley’s branch line made its initial test run to Westford Center on Thursday, May 23, 1907, and students at Tadmuck School, located at 20 Boston Road, did not return from recess, teachers found them swarming inside and out of the new trolley.
The Westford branch line operated until its closure in 1919, while the main Lowell and Fitchburg trolley system continued to operate in the area until it was sold at auction in 1929 for scrap. Marilyn Day, who enjoys researching Westford history, will present an in-depth program on the Westford Trolley system. The presentation will feature historical documents, newspaper articles, photographs, and personal stories highlighting the trolley system’s history in Westford.
The Westford Museum and Historical Society enhances community appreciation for Westford’s history through programs that highlight residents’ lives and achievements. Our mission is to collect, preserve, and exhibit historical documents, photographs, and artifacts while supporting similar initiatives by other organizations.
For more information, contact Museum Director Linda Greene:
Telephone: 978-692-5550
Email: director@museum.westford.org
