Pictures: Last Trolley Over Queensboro Bridge & The Last in New York State

Courtesy of the photo collection of Railfan FRANK PFUHLER you can link to a picture set that includes photos of car 601 taken on the last day, April 7, 1957, of the running of the local trolley across the Queensboro Bridge.

The sad part is that today that same trolley car is below as it rests at the Trolley Museum of New York at Kingston.

A Sign to Remember the Last Trolley Kiosk ?

The last of 5 Trolley Kiosks still sits at the Manhattan foot of the Queensboro Bridge isolated and without a single sign as to what the structure's original purpose was. During this year the Bridge will celebrate its 100th Anniversary. It is time that a sign is erected to recognize the contribution of the trolleys and the last kiosk sitting at its original location.

As I have written in the past there were once 5 of these kiosks, each an entrance to the actual trolley lines which would traverse the Queensboro Bridge. One now serves as the Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) Visitors Center but the last one sits, restored, but unused and for the most part unappreciated as so few people know its original purpose and why it sits where it does.

I have asked Judy Berdy, RIHS President, if such a sign is possible and she believes she heard that a sign was discussed and she is investigating this recollection. If no plan exists I believe one should be suggested to the NYC DOT, and the Transit Museum among others. The City by its restoration of the last kiosk has deemed it worth saving. I would think that recognition should be evidenced by a sign so residents and visitors alike can share in its history.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Direct Bus Access from [Roosevelt] Island to Manhattan ?

It was proposed that [Roosevelt] Island residents and employees be afforded direct bus service to and from Manhattan. Of course the proposal was made in 1957 by the entity that operated the last trolley line across the Queensboro Bridge with the goal of such service replacing their trolley operation with buses to then Welfare Island. This last trolley operated solely between 59th Street and Second Avenue to Queens Plaza in Long Island City

The above and below images accompanied a March 20, 1957 NY Times article discussing the proposal. According to the article 80 to 85 percent of the trolley’s riders were City employees either getting off or on the trolley at the mod point of the Queensboro Bridge to take the then elevator down to Welfare Island where they were employed at either Coler or Goldwater Hospitals. Under the proposal to switch to direct service, the trolley-goers were to be afforded door to door bus service to and from each hospital.

I am unsure if this is how the last trolley came to its end but I am guessing the full story can be found in the Queensboro Bridge Images of America book now being sold by the RI and Astoria Historical Societies.

Update: 5:32pm

On April 7, 1957, the last trolley, Car 602, rattled across the Queensboro Bridge, making one last stop mid point across the bridge at Welfare Island and proceeded across to Queens Plaza. According to the NY Times article of that day, riders were not afforded direct bus access prospectively to Welfare Island but were able to take the Q101 from Second Avenue in Manhattan to Queens Plaza, as you can still do stoday, and transfer to the Q102 onto Welfare Island.

For pictures of what happened to those last trolley cars (Car 601 etc) link HERE.

The Last Trolley Kiosk in Manhattan Unveiled

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

For the last year since the Tram came back on line I have looked each day upon the gated kiosk at the foot of the Queensborough Bridge wondering what this structure was and even after I knew its history I felt it was a shame that it sat not only behind bars but that the bars were blocked not allowing anyone to see it unless you looked at it from above.

So when I came over the Tram today and saw that the bars were now uncovered I knew I had to photograph it and videotape it. I have been commuting into Manhattan with my son since school began this year so this was the first opportunity I took notice of it being unveiled.

I don’t know why the City chose to uncover it and I intend to find out. Knowing Judy Berdy of the Historical Society I am guessing she already knows. Once I learn why I will report it here. So for those of you smart enough to not try running across traffic to see this last kiosk in Manhattan up close enjoy the video.

Welfare Island Car 601 Where Are You?

One of the very last working trolley cars in New York City was Car 601 which serviced Roosevelt Island, then Welfare Island, as part of Local service across the Queensborough Bridge. The above photo is of Car 601 when it was in service. The trolley cars ran along what is now the pedestrian walkway across the bridge.

Photos of Car 601 and other cars that serviced Welfare Island can be found on Dave’s Railway Pics. The above photo is from the Ed Havens Collection.

Today the car sits at the Trolley Museum in Kingston, New York. The picture of Car 603 in its glory is by Bill Brandt. Today Car 601 is definitely showing years of neglect from sitting outside with no maintenance.

This photo was by Frank and posted on Railroad.net. It will forever be tied to the history of this island. Now we know where you are. Thanks 601.