History Pub: The Trolleys That Built Portland’s Neighborhoods Presented by Richard Thompson, All Ages

McMenamins and Troutdale Historical Society Present:

History Pub:

The Trolleys That Built Portland’s Neighborhoods 

Presented by Richard Thompson

McMenamins Edgefield 
Blackberry Hall
Monday, October 14th, 2024 
Program 7pm, Doors 6pm

Portland neighborhoods owe their location, character, and growth to the streetcar. Once the largest in the country, Portland’s electric railway system spread rapidly across the city in the 1890s. There was even an illuminated trolley parade! Rail historian Richard Thompson uncovers the lost trolley lines that transported Portlanders for over a century and explains how streetcars made a comeback in modern Portland. 

Historian 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 nine 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.