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New Orleans: The Canal Streetcar Line

Grand Opening Ceremonies -- 29-May-2004

Von Dullen Car 2004 at the Grand Opening Ceremony

It was 40 years ago this weekend that the Canal Street line was discontinued and converted into bus operation. To mark the return of the streetcars to Canal, RTA held a formal “Grand Opening” parade down Canal. 

Dedication sign on car 2004

Led by car 2004, which was officially designated the “Patrick F. Taylor Car,” three Von Dullen Cars pulled up lakebound at Canal and Baronne at 10am. Serenaded by the St. Augustine Brass Band and welcomed by the Southern University and University of New Orleans cheerleading squads, dignitaries disembarked from the streetcars to hear a short program of speeches.  Representatives from RTA, the FTA, and Mayor C. Ray Nagin spoke.  Mayor Nagin took a bit of a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about “Community Bargain Days” and going to Canal Street to see Mr. Bingle. The Mr. Bingle memory was no doubt triggered by being in front of the old Maison Blanche building, now the RitzCarlton Hotel.

Mayor Nagin addresses the gathering.

At the conclusion of the program, the streetcars continued their parade up Canal Street, passing a craft fair at Malta Park (a seniors’ residence at S. Lopez St.), a welcoming party at the Whitney Bank at S. Broad, a concert with Anders Osborne in the Robert Fresh Market parking lot at N. Carrollton, and a block party at N. Olympia Street.

2002 switching back at Liberty Street.

Because Canal was blocked at Baronne for the opening ceremonies, the streetcars had to terminate at Liberty Street and switch back to the lakebound track.  Buses ferried riders past Baronne to the foot of Canal during the speeches.