Customer Reviews

King Trolley and the Suburban Queens - St. Louis County Streetcar Service from 1890-1950

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I have just finished reading the above subject item and found it to be interesting, but singularly one dimensional. It contained quite a lot of information on the Manchester line, (54), as it made its way through the different communities. One may think that the term singularly one dimensional is harsh. It is however, my opinion on the subject. The book ignores the North County area and the part it plays. There were minor references to the North County. The details were set out from Maplewood, to Webster Groves, and finally on to Kirkwood. Adjacent sections of the County were mentioned to some degree, but the main character was the Manchester.

This book on the streetcar lines serving the suburbs of Webster Groves, Kirkwood and adjacent areas including Meramec Highlands (it is not a book on the suburan streetcars of St. Louis) offers a strong narrative, excellent photos (many little seen) and also the answers to many mysteries, such as where the head-on crash that nearly put the original line out of business occurred. It also clarifies the streetcar routes and indicates portions which, after the tracks were removed, became streets. The book also captures the life and times of the streetcar era and growing up and living in suburbs which also were, in themselves, small towns. This book was produced with loving care and its shows. Totally enjoyable for anyone from the area, anyone familiar with St. Louis, and anyone in lovely with trolley lines.