Streetcar named Romance!
A A fare welcome
Enjoy this ride
All aboard!
Here's looking at you!
The end of a special day.
Romance of the Trolley That first ride on the streetcar years ago left an indelible auditory memory on my five-year-old mind. The sweet soprano of the trolley wire, the rumble of iron wheels on steel tracks, the motor man's voice calling out all the stops, and the clang, clang of the bell overwhelmed me with excitement and joy. I was in love! As a photographic artist and military veteran, I've embarked on a photographic project to share this love with the world, offering an insider's view of the Fort Collins Municipal Electric Trolley System's elegant history. Through my lens, I aim to capture the emotion, style, fidelity, and allure that can still be experienced today as it was back then.
My images explore the seductive beauty of the trolleys- their curves, the play of light on their bodies and more while creating a visual narrative that spans two eras. As an adventuring time traveler, my soul is drawn to the intersection of present-day exploration and the historical richness of pre-automotive urban mass transit in Northern Colorado.
The trolley's journey from its 1907 inception to its 1951 closure mirrors the rise of the automobile. Yet, the romance refused to die. In 1977, the community's love of the trolley led to the system's restoration, bringing the trolleys back to life in 1985.
As I delved deeper into the trolley's rich history, my photographs took on a new meaning. They showcase not just the physical beauty of the cars, but the ongoing relationships between motormen, conductors, maintenance workers, passengers, and especially the children who continue to be captivated by the trolley's charm.
My work captures the enduring allure of the Fort Collins trolley system - a testament to the power of community, the beauty of preservation, and the timeless romance of rail travel. Through these images, I invite viewers to experience the same overwhelming excitement and joy that first captured my heart as a child.
All aboard for a visual journey through time and heartfelt emotion!
