Transportation History Videos

Transportation History Videos

Wisconsin rural and small urban transportation providers, please call 1-888-560-3382 to borrow these publications or videos from the WTRC lending collection.

Milwaukee Transit: 1890-1920

Don Neuman, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Copyright: 1984 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System

Neuman discusses how transportation changed from horse drawn carriages to electric streetcars in Milwaukee. The video also shows different models of streetcars as well as the most popular entertainment spots that streetcar lines incorporated into their routes. (Running time: 18 min.)

Milwaukee Transit: 1920-50

Don Neuman, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Neuman focuses on the now defunct streetcar and interurban system that connected Milwaukee and adjoining suburbs. (Running time: 23 min.)

Milwaukee Transit: 1950-Present

Don Neuman, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

This video marks the demise of the streetcar system. Trackless trolleys replaced the train, which the city of Milwaukee eventually replaced with diesel buses. Neuman also looks into the future of public transportation in Milwaukee. (Running time: 17 min.)

Milwaukee Transit: Over the Years

Don Neuman, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The video starts at 1840, which according to historians was the beginning of public transportation in Milwaukee. Interestingly, streetcars often preceded paved roads and sewer systems in Milwaukee, and over the years bloomed into an extensive system that linked the city with outlying suburbs. In 1943, riders of public transportation in the city had the option of selecting between different modes. This early state of multi-modal choices for commuters ended in the 1950s. (Running time: 29 minutes)

Where the Trolleys Have Gone: East Troy Trolley Museum

Don Neuman, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

This video shows two young guests at the museum receiving a personal tour of different trolley cars. Don Leistikow, President of the Wisconsin Electric Railway Historic Society, gives a history of the museum and personally leads a tour of an interurban railcar and locomotive. (Running time: 18 min.)

Where the Trolleys Have Gone: Illinois Railway Museum

Don Neuman, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

This is a nostalgic look at the various types of trolley cars used in the Milwaukee and Chicago. The video focuses primarily on the Illinois Railway Museum, founded in 1954 by a group of men interested in preserving and restoring historic railway equipment. Highlights include the Electroliner, which was the “Rolls Royce” of inner city transportation. It operated at speeds of more than 80 miles per hour and was in service between Milwaukee and Chicago until the early 1960s. Another familiar railcar, the trackless trolley was very familiar in Milwaukee because their quiet operation also made them very popular. (Running time: 20 minutes)