If you were living in Windham back in the early years of the 20th century, you would very likely have traveled around in a trolley car. There was a trolley stop in the Little Falls section of town where the electric railroad line traveled along the area’s Main Street.

The train that ran into South Windham was on the Portland Railroad Trolley line. The trains made it convenient for Windham residents to easily get into Portland, where they would be dropped off at Monument Square to enjoy some time in the city.

On the way into Portland, passengers would travel through Gorham, Westbrook and Deering and could get off at any of these locations to visit family and friends or to shop if they chose. In 1902, the cost to make the trip to the big city was 15 cents one way.

In 1910, Sawyer’s Store opened in South Windham and it became the town’s trolley station. It had a waiting room for trolley passengers, who could also browse around the store while waiting for their train to arrive. They could pick up groceries, produce, even Christmas gifts during the holiday season. Sandwiches were available or an ice cream cone could be enjoyed on warm summer days.

During the cold days of winter, the trains did have sources of heat, though they may have left a bit to be desired. In the earlier cars, heat was provided by a coal stove. Passengers would often bring heating stones for their shoes to help provide a bit more warmth. Later, there were electric resistance heaters mounted under the seats or along the floor to help keep off the chill.

In warm weather, some Windham townsfolk may have taken the trolley into Portland and then hopped on the line that would take them to Riverton Park on Forest Avenue. The park opened in 1896 and was a very popular recreational spot for the city and neighboring communities. Owned by Portland Railroad, it boasted a casino, an outdoor theater, a dining hall, a small zoo, bandstands, croquet and boating and canoeing facilities.

Some people chose to have a party along the way, renting the posh trolley car, the Bramhall, for private functions such as bridal showers and card parties. The cost for the extravagance was $5 roundtrip.

The entertainment at the park was varied. Some acts included the Jubilee Singers, the Alabama Troubadours and Monsieur Roberto, Meteor of the Sky, who took off in a hot air balloon.

The railroad sold the park in 1921, but it remained in operation until the Great Depression and closed in 1933. There is a discussion in Portland right now about resurrecting the park in coming years.

Riding the “electrics,” as they were sometimes called, was a convenient upgrade from making a trip with horse and buggy. The trains traveled at about 17-18 mph, making for a practical way to get to work, to shop or to socialize.

During the holiday season, the cars could get crowded, and, according to the 1912 tune, “The Trolley Car Swing,” there could be an issue with the jammed-in passengers all suddenly sliding around the car on a curve. “Now you slide on the trolley ride, how you slide when the car goes round the curve, you begin to swerve, grab a strap, land in a woman’s lap,” so the lyrics go.

In 1928, the trolley bells on Main Street in South Windham ceased ringing. Automobile ownership had given Windham residents a more independent means of travel. They could go where they wanted, when they wanted and when they chose. The era of the electric trolley in our town had come to its sad and quiet close.

Haley Pal can be contacted at haleypal@aol.com.

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