Clang, Clang, Clang Went the Shoreline Trolley

As the hurricane season approaches, Shore Line Trolley Museum officials remember all too well the devastation wrought by Storm Irene to some 90 historic trolleys, the ones that take passengers across the beautiful marshes that link East Haven and Short Beach in Branford.

The devastation, the flooding of rails and trolleys was horrific, officials said. But recovery is on the way for the museum, described by state Sen. Len Fasano as a ​“true jewel.” The museum is located on River Street, near the East Haven Green. The museum has experienced a longstanding flood problem and Storm Irene knocked 90 trolleys out of service, essentially closing down service between the two towns. 

But now the trolley line is up and running. 

Earlier this month residents and officials of Branford and East Haven gathered to ​“Walk the Rails.” For the first time since Storm Irene the full rail line was reopened for travel. 

Twin proclamations, declaring June 9 as National District Trolley Day, were read by Branford First Selectman Anthony ​“Unk” DaRos and East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. (pictured above.) Also on hand were representatives from the Branford and East Haven Chambers of Commerce, FEMA representatives Jacqueline Heyliger and Tom Perry, representatives from Letis Trucking Excavation and Tilcon, various volunteer trolley operators, and about 50 or so trolley supporters.

The event was part of the ​“Elevating the Collection” campaign to raise $2 million to protect the museum’s collection of some 100 vintage trolley cars, many of which traveled the streets of Branford in a bygone era. At one point, not all that long ago, tracks were still visible along Main Street, near Kirkham Street, and under the Amtrak Bridge, which is now being replaced. 

The seven buildings now in use are located in a very low-lying area..

More than 90 cars were damaged by flooding during Storm Irene. The engine compartments, located underneath the carriages, were flooded with between 6 inches and 3 feet of water. The campaign was initiated just before Storm Irene hit the shoreline in response to a longstanding flood issue.

Two new buildings will be constructed at a significantly higher elevation, described on a map as ​“The Island,” to prevent repeat flooding. Museum general manager Wayne Sandford said they will be sited at 13 feet above the elevation required for a 500-year storm; the goal is to place the buildings at an elevation higher than the flooding caused by the 1938 hurricane.

According to Sandford, groundbreaking for the new buildings will take place the second Saturday in November (Nov. 10). Site work will be done over the winter with completion within a year thereafter. Judy Sittnick of East Haven was the coordinator for the event. Jeff Hakner is president of the museum’s board of trustees

Approximately 2,500 feet of ballast and ties supporting the trolley tracks through the marshlands between Branford and East Haven was washed away. The celebration earlier this month marked the first time the entire 1 – 1/2‑mile section of tracks was open to the public.

Sandford (pictured) emphasized that volunteers changed the damaged ties by hand, adding that all of the work done on the trolleys is labor intensive with a lot of manual labor involved.

As part of fundraising efforts, museum supporters registered and sought sponsors to walk the trails alongside the tracks and within the grounds. Bill Horne of the Branford Land Trust was on hand to guide walkers through the more difficult terrain.

Sandford said they have $400,000 in hand and an application is in the works for $1 million in state legislature bonding. On May 30, a fundraising dinner was held at the Chowder Pot restaurant in Branford, hosted by First Selectman DaRos. DaRos said $7,000 to $8,000 was pledged there.

He said the trolleys in operation since 1900 represented a huge jump in technology. ​“The trolley is the child of the industrial revolution,” DaRos said.

Even the kids are helping out including a youngster named Adam, whose efforts raised $300.

In addition, local businesses donated materials and manpower to repair the damaged section of tracks. Tilcon contributed 400 tons of stone, which was hauled in 25 trips by Letis Trucking Excavating of East Haven at no charge. Conductors were on hand to welcome passengers.

Bartering also came into play. Sandford explained that the Shoreline Trolley Museum, which is operated by the Branford Electric Railway Association, loaned equipment to repair cars from the National Capital Trolley Museum in Washington, D.C., which in turn donated extra track that will allow access to the new building. That track should arrive in late June or early July. Sandford said the deal saved $100,000 to $150,000.

Once the proclamations were read, acknowledgements made known, and the ribbon cut, participants set out to Walk the Rails.

Then again, there were those who preferred the leisurely trolley ride through the scenic salt marshes to Short Beach … to the end of the line.

Click here for more information on the Shore Line Trolley Museum.

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