Roosevelt in Fresno in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Fresno Traction Company
1903 - 1939
Photographed by Lester J Letson, circa Sept 2008
1. Fresno Traction Company Marker
Early Fresno Public Transportation System.
Providing a reliable, entertaining, even elegant method of transportation, trolley cars became an overnight sensation and continued for 36 years under the operation of the Fresno Traction Company. Honoring the men and the streetcars that shaped the growth of our community, we dedicate this monument.
Erected 1983 by Jim Savage Chapter 1852, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 27.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 36° 44.363′ N, 119° 46.299′ W. Marker is in Fresno, California, in Fresno County. It is in Roosevelt. It is on Huntington Boulevard near First Street, on the left when traveling east. About 200 yards east of First Street in the center median of Huntington Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3133 East Huntington Boulevard, Fresno CA 93703, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, and in the Sierra Nevada. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Billy Vukovich Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Young Corbett III
this page online
More about this marker. The historic marker sits on what was once the right-of-way for the tracks of the trolley car line that ran down the median center of what was the exclusive Huntington Boulevard area of Fresno. Some of the largest and most stately homes of the 1920's and 1930's were built along this stretch of Huntington and the residents had the convenience of walking out their front doors to take the local public transportation.
Regarding Fresno Traction Company. The trolleys ran from 1903 to 1939, and the old tracks were still visible set into some streets up into the 1960's. A few of the old trolley cars were turned into diners in Fresno.
Also see . . .
Photographed by Mandy Kirby, January 20, 2019
2. Fresno Traction Company Marker
Photographed by Lester J Letson, August 20
3. Fresno Traction Company Marker
The trolley car right-of-way ran right down the center of Huntington and can be seen beyond the monument.
Photographed by Ron Liles, July 23, 1983
4. Fresno Traction Company Marker
Dedication day, 1983
circa about 1930
5. Fresno City Railway Co.
Picture is of the downtown terminus for the Fresno Traction Company.
circa 1930's
6. Fresno Trolley Car - Same Model as on Marker
This is the same model of trolley car as depicted on the historical marker. There were several different cars used over the 36 year history of the lines.
Photographed by Lester J Letson, circa 1994
7. Fresno Traction Company Car Used as a Diner
Picture was taken several years ago, but the car is still sitting in an industrial area of Fresno and was used as a diner for workers in the area for several years.
1915
8. Group Picture of Fresno Traction Company Employees From 1915
Picture provided by Cheryl Hicks, who's ancestor Silva Henderson is one of the FTC employees.
July 18, 2014
9. Fresno Birney Safety Car 68 as it looked in 1970
Fresno 68 was rescued from a field in Fresno in 1970 and was restored at the San Jose History Park as SJRR 143.
Photographed by Lester J Letson, July 18, 2014
10. Storyboard on Fresno 68 showing restoriation as SJRR 143
Storyboard is located in the Trolley Car Barn at History Park in San Jose. It tells the story of the restoration of the trolley after it was rescued from a field in Fresno in 1970.
Photographed by Lester J Letson, July 18, 2014
11. Fresno 68 Birney safety car fullly restored as SJRR 143
Originally used in Fresno in the 1920's, Fresno 68 now travels the half mile track in History Park in San Jose. Normal speed is 11 miles per hour, top speed is 13 MPH. Front and rear interchange, so upon reaching the end of the line, the conductor moves from what was the front, to the rear of the car, reverses the cable connect on top, and off you go......
Frank Vallejos (used with his permission), July 18, 2014
12. Fully Restored SJRR 143, formerly Fresno 68
A group of historians complete their half mile trip on SJRR 143 and depart the trolley.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 5,481 times since then and 148 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 22, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 2. submitted on January 20, 2019, by Mandy Kirby of Clovis, California. 3. submitted on February 22, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 4. submitted on March 9, 2017, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 22, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 8. submitted on July 28, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 9, 10, 11, 12. submitted on July 29, 2014, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Submission of a related Fresno Trolley marker located at Roeding Park, Fresno. • Can you help?
