Winnipeg Streetcar 356 Restoration

Last Day of Service,1955

Originally uploaded by buflyer200

Finally a colour photograph of the Streetcar decorations for the last day of service in Winnipeg, Sept 19, 1955

the picture says it all…

Replica Streetcar 596

Originally uploaded by buflyer200

Danny Schur’s replica streetcar has been moved to a new location on Broadway, across from the Hotel Fort Garry.

Streetcars of any sort haven’t been on Broadway since 1955. They rail lines went down the middle of Broadway, and the trees where used to help cover the overhead wires.

Look for the Streetcar to be open during the day, for information on the 1919 Strike, some Streetcar 356 history, and for Danny Schur’s Strike! musical.

Winnipeg Streetcar 680

Originally uploaded by buflyer200

Found an old postcard photo of Streetcar 680. Looks like this must be a “loop” on Portage Ave, I’m wondering if its by whats now Polo Park.

Note the “breezer” streetcar in the background. These were used in the summer months and were a very popular way to cool off from the heat.

You didn’t take your jacket off back then.

Streetcar 384

Originally uploaded by buflyer200

Another 2 Streetcars found, this one way south of Winnipeg in the Pembina hills. Seems there are always 2 of them as well, so I guess they were sold off in pairs back in 1955.

This Streetcar is 384, not sure what the other number is. 384 was built in 1909 here in Winnipeg, at the Fort Rouge Shops, currently the home of Winnipeg Transit garage, more or less.

Streetcar Row

Originally uploaded by buflyer200

Three Streetcars in a row, awaiting for passengers… or grain. The first one is a steel streetcar 726, at the far end. Then 2 older wooden streetcars built in 1910 at the Fort Rouge shops, 394 and 404 (closest to the camera).

They were bought in the late 1950′s from a businessman in Winkler who purchased several of them to sell to local area farmers, for either grain, livestock, cash! Evidently to took a while to sell them.

There in pretty good structural condition, with lots of original parts inside. They are located on a farm ‘south’ of Winnipeg.

Streetcar 740

Originally uploaded by buflyer200

A new streetcar was found, this one a steel body car from the Ottawa Car Company, part of a 20 car order in 1919. These cars served well until retirement in 1955. This farm originally had 2 Streetcars, the other one was removed a long time ago.

This car was originally number 700, but due to some accidents and superstition, was renamed to 740 in the 1930′s.

More Winnipeg history taken over by the trees.