Feature Photo: May 2004 Archives

Ed Branley, webmaster of CanalStreetCar.com and author of New Orleans: The Canal Streetcar Line, along with his son, Kevin, stand in front of Von Dullen Car 2004, at the Grand Opening ceremonies for the Canal line, May 29th, 2004. Car 2004 was officially dedicated “The Patrick F. Taylor Streetcar,” in recognition of oilman Pat Taylor’s enormous contributions to the construction of the Canal line. Taylor Energy donated the pipe used to make the poles that run the length of Canal outside the CBD to support the electrical wiring. Thanks to Earl Hampton for taking this shot!

There have been accidents between streetcars and automobile for as long as streetcars and automobiles have shared the roads. In an accident quite similar to the one at Canal and LaSalle last Tuesday, an automobile made an illegal left turn , cutting off a streetcar, in July of 1914. The photo above shows the aftermath of that accident: a totaled automobile. Given the date, the streetcar involved here was most likely a “Palace” car. This accident occurred at the intersection of Canal and Gayoso streets, right where the modern, 2000-series Von Dullen cars enter and exit their new car barn Warren Easton High School is visible in the background. This photo, courtesy of the New Orleans Public Library was featured in Chapter 2 of the book, New Orleans: The Canal Streetcar Line.

This is a shot of the new French Market Terminal. Originally stop #1 (Esplanade) on the Riverfront line, the downriver terminal for Riverfront has been expanded into a three-track station. The "A" and "C" outside tracks will service the Canal line, while the Riverfront cars will use center "B" track and continue to pull all the way to the original stop's shelter. To avoid confusion with the Esplanade bus line, as well as to promote tourism, the stop has been re-named to "French Market."

The first revenue run on a streetcar on the Canal Street line in almost 40 years took place at 3:10am on Sunday, April 18, 2004. Over 150 people were on hand for the inaugural run, some of them having waited since 1am to ride the first car.

Read Ed’s description of the first run event.