Lost Oregon Streetcars

The streetcars of Oregon's small towns were every bit as varied and their history just as fascinating as those in Portland. Forest Grove's own thriving streetcar line originated in 1906. Local rail historian and author Richard Thompson uncovers the lost trolley lines that transported Oregonians back and forth across the state for over a century, including horse-drawn trains and the "drunk express" midnight line that carted university students back to their dormitories in the 1910s.

Richard Thompson has been writing about Oregon's street railways since 1979. His interest in industrial history comes naturally: He is a descendant of Willamette Valley millwrights and holds a master's degree in history from the University of Oregon.

Richard's passion for the subject of trolleys has resulted in a collection of photographs and memorabilia that has served as a resource for seven books on local rail history, including five in Arcadia Publishing's "Images of Rail" series. He has also authored 15 entries for the Oregon Encyclopedia and has appeared in documentaries. Before his career as an author, Thompson worked as an archivist, historical museum director, librarian, and streetcar coordinator.a