Historic Pelham: Pelham Manor Citizens Voted to Reject Bus Service and Keep Their Toonerville Trolley in 1936

Early last century, a trolley line in Pelham inspired the creative genius of a man named Fontaine Talbot Fox (1884-1964). He created what became one of the most popular comics in the United States – “Toonerville Folks”.

The cartoon centered around the quirky inhabitants of a town called “Toonerville” and its rickety and unpredictable trolley. The operator of the trolley was “The Skipper.” Fontaine Fox, as he stated a number of times in a letter to the editor of The Pelham Sun and in published interviews, based the comic on his experience during a trolley ride on a visit to Pelham on August 8, 1909. “Toonerville Folks” ran in hundreds of newspapers from about 1913 to 1955 and brought national attention to Pelham.

Pelhamites grew to love the quirky little trolley line that inspired Fontaine Fox. It ran along Wolfs Lane beginning at the train track overpass and bounced along tracks to Colonial Avenue where it turned toward New Rochelle and passed Pelham Memorial High School. At Pelhamdale Avenue it turned toward Four Corners and bounced along Pelhamdale Avenue through Four Corners with a stop next to Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church and onward to a stop near the train track overpass above Pelhamdale Avenue. It then would continue to the end of Pelhamdale Avenue where it dropped passengers visiting the New York Athletic Club facilities on Travers Island. At Shore Road, the "skipper" of the trolley would turn the car around, adjusting the connection to the overhead electrical line, and return along the same route. During the 1930s, the fare to travel the two-mile length of the tiny little line was five cents.

By the 1930s, the Third Avenue Railway Company operated the Pelham Manor Line as its "H" Line through Pelham. The line was internationally famous as the inspiration for the "Toonerville Trolley" featured in the comic strip "Toonerville Folks." Though Pelham Manor loved the little trolley line, there were some who wanted to get rid of it.

For years the Third Avenue Railway Company had whined that the line was unprofitable. However, the franchise agreement with the Village of Pelham Manor did not allow a shutdown of the line unless the more profitable "A" line trolley that ran through other sections of Pelham and connected Mount Vernon, Pelham, and New Rochelle was also shut down. Some Pelhamites disliked the traffic congestion that could build behind a slow-moving trolley car bouncing along nearly in the center of the roadways. Still others felt that the trolley tracks made snow removal difficult during the winter. Opponents of the trolley wanted to replace it with a modern bus.

The matter came to a head in 1936. Various roadways along the line were in need of repaving. Many Pelham residents were agitating to replace the trolley with a bus. The trolley tracks on the "H" Line were seriously in need of repair. The Third Avenue Railway Company was unwilling to repair the trolley tracks at an estimated expense of $23,000.00 unless it received some form of binding assurance that it would be permitted to continue to run the line for another twenty-five years. Some believed that the move was a ploy to enable the company to repair the trolley tracks and then obtain regulatory approvals for a large fare increase for the extended length of the franchise.

The Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor felt as though it was between a rock and a hard place. If it were to authorize bus service to replace the "H" Line trolley, the fare would increase to ten cents. If it were to reject bus service and require continuation of the "H" Line trolley franchise, both the Village and the Third Avenue Railway Company likely would have to expend large sums of money in connection with repairing the tracks and, in the case of the village, repairing and repaving the roadways. Then there was always the risk that in addition to expending taxpayer funds on such an endeavor, the trolley company nevertheless would succeed in convincing regulators to let it raise the fare for the "H" Line trolley service.

The Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor decided that there was only one course of action. They decided to submit the question to Pelham Manor voters in the form of a non-binding referendum. They decided to keep the referendum simple. They asked Pelham Manor voters to decide whether they wished to retain the "H" Line trolley with a five-cent fare.

On Tuesday, March 17, 1936, Pelham Manor voters went to the polls. When their votes were counted, they overwhelmingly supported keeping the Toonerville Trolley with its five-cent fare by a vote of 549 for the trolley-car and 156 for a bus at a ten-cent fare. Newspapers throughout the region heralded the decision and portrayed it as a victory for sentimentality and a desire to keep a little of the "good ol' days" in Pelham.

The editor of The Pelham Sun knew better. As it subsequently reported, the decision had nothing to do with sentimentality nor the "good ol' days." Rather, Pelham Manor citizens were downright frugal and did NOT want to pay a ten-cent fare. . . . . . . . .

"Toonerville Folks" Stamp Showing the Toonerville

Trolley and its Skipper; Issued by the United States

Postal Service in 1995. NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

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Below is the transcribed text of a number of articles regarding the "Toonerville Trolley" referendum that occurred in 1936. Each is followed by a citation and link to its source. Following the text of the various articles I have included a list, with links, to some of the many, many articles I previously have written about Pelham and the Toonerville Trolley.

"Five Cent 'Toonerville', or Ten Cent Bus? Question for Voters to Decide
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Pelham Manor Board of Trustees Decides to Leave It To The Residents of Village on Election Day.
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The fate of the 'Toonerville Trolley' will be in the hands of Pelham Manor commuters on March 17th. On Monday night, the Board of Trustees of the village decided to let the residents of the village settle the question of bus transportation at a ten cent fare or a five-cent trolley ride to and from Pelham station. The Pelham Manor trolley line which has been a subject of controversy has at last become an issue for those who use it to decide.

The Village of Pelham, at the northern end of the line, long ago agreed to permit buses to be operated on that section of the line in that village. The Pelham Heights Village Fathers are anxious to get rid of the trolley tracks so that they can repave Wolf's Lane. Few Pelham Heights commuters use the trolley.

In 1909 this line inspired Fontaine Fox to draw the first 'Toonerville Trolley' cartoon, and the series which followed has become nationally famous.

Addison B. Scoville, assistant counsel to the trolley company appeared before the Pelham Manor board of trustees at a meeting three weeks ago. He said that a ten-cent fare is charged on all buses in Westchester County and that if a five-cent fare was charged on buses here, a strenuous objection would arise from the residents of other communities.

Pelham Manor Village Attorney Edgar C. Beecroft was asked by Trustee Kerfoot if the casting of the 'Toonerville' ballots at the village elections would be legal. He replied that it would.

'I don't think the people will vote for the buses at a ten-cent fare,' said Trustee Charles A. Muessel.

'Well, that remains to be seen,' countered Trusted Kerfoot. 'That's why we're going to hold the unofficial referendum.'

Upon the recommendation of Acting-Mayor Edmund C. Gause, Village Attorney Beecroft said he would frame the questions on the ballot so that a 'yes' or 'no' answer would be all the comment needed by the voter."

Source: Five Cent "Toonerville", or Ten Cent Bus? Question for Voters to Decide -- Pelham Manor Board of Trustees Decides to Leave It To The Residents of Village on Election Day, The Pelham Sun, Feb. 28, 1936, Vol. 26, No. 47, p. 1, cols. 1-2.

"BUS ROUTE THRU WOLF'S LANE WAS TROLLEY CO. PLAN
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Proposed New Route as a Convenience to Commuters; Trustee Kerfoot Explains Reason for Referendum.
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In an effort to provide improved service for the residents of Pelham Manor if permission is given to install a bus on the Pelham Manor trolley line, Third Avenue Railway Company officials have suggested a new route through Wolf's Lane, The Pelham Sun learned this week. Arthur Davidson, chief counsel for the trolley company told The Pelham Sun that he had made such a proposal to the Pelham Manor Board of Trustees some time ago.

The proposed new route, according to Mr. Davidson was through Wolf's Lane to the Esplanade, and thence along that thoroughfare to the Pelham Manor railroad station where it would return to Pelhamdale avenue again. Mr. Davidson said that he had proposed to start this route as an experiment, but that the Board of Trustees did not favor it.

When Mr. Davidson was reminded that the pavement along the proposed new route was macadam and would not stand up under heavy traffice, as well as the concrete on Pelhamdale avenue, he said 'I don't think that the buses will do any more damage to the pavement than the traffic now passing over it.'

With a view toward enlightening the residents of Pelham Manor on the 'Toonerville Trolley' problem, Village Trustee Branch P. Kerfoot, has asked The Pelham Sun to publish the following letter:

Editor, Pelham Sun:

Sir--Since the notice appearing in last week's Sun that the Trustees of Pelham Manor are going to ask for an expression of opinion on March 17th by an informal ballot as to whether the present 'H' trolley-car shall be continued or a bus substituted, I have been deluged with questions and comments

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BUS ROUTE THRU WOLF'S LANE WAS TROLLEY CO. PLAN
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(Continued from Page One.)

which confirm our idea that there is a very sharp difference of opinion as well as a lack of understanding of the situation.

If you will be good enough to get the following facts before the readers of The Sun, it will be appreciated.

This question in various forms has been agitated for a long tie. The reason why it must be decided now is that, if the substitution is not to be made, the trolley tracks on Pelhamdale avenue from the Post Road to the Shore Road must be torn up and relaid and the street resurfaced without further delay. This involves a very large expenditure and when done will preclude for many years any further consideration of the substitution of a bus.

Because both the 'A' trolley-car and the 'H' trolley-car are operated under a single franchise, the traction company cannot discontinue the 'H' trolley without our consdent or without forfeiting the right to operate the 'A' trolley-car. On the other hand, we have no right to compel the traction company to do anything mmore than live up to the terms of its existing franchise. Whatever departure is made from the franchise must be made by agreement between the village and the traction company.

Long and continuous negotiations have narrowed the issue to the point that any discussion of modifications or other alternatives is definitely eliminated. The only question which can be considered is a choice between the continuance of the 'H' trolley-car or the substitution of a bus service giving transfers and charging 5¢ for children and 10¢ for adults, with no commutation or other departure from these fares.

There is no prospect of the removal of the 'A' trolley-car, the tracks for which have recently been relaid at an expenditure reported to have been approximately $25,000.

The question, therefore, is as to whether we shall (1) compel the traction company to relay the tracks, resurface the street, and continue the operation of the present 'H' trolley-car or (2) modify the franchise by substituting a bus to operate as above indicated.

Very truly yours,

BRANCH P. KERFOOT."

Source: BUS ROUTE THRU WOLF'S LANE WAS TROLLEY CO. PLAN -- Proposed New Route as a Convenience to Commuters; Trustee Kerfoot Explains Reason for Referendum, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 6, 1936, Vol. 26, No. 48, p. 1, col. 1 & p. 4, col. 6.

"'Toonerville Trolley' Riders In Straw Vote Show Little Favor For Bus Line
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Pelham Manor Voters Will Cast Unofficial Ballots At Village Election on Tuesday; Traction Company Offers To Repair Tracks If Villagers Want Trolley to Continue.
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In a straw vote conducted by The Pelham Sun this week, commuters on the 'Toonerville Trolley' (the Terrible Tempered Mr. Bang) Mickey 'Himself' McGuire and the Powerful Katrinka not voting) expressed themselves overwhelmingly in favor of continuing the trolley instead of a bus. At press time the poll showed a count of 129 to 5 in favor of the trolley, and a five-cent fare.

On Tuesday voters of Pelham Manor will cast their ballots in an unofficial poll for the guidance of the Trustees who have to decide the question of trolley or bus? The Third Avenue Railway Company has proposed to substitute a bus at a ten cent fare on the line which operates between Pelham station and the Shore Road.

The Pelham Sun learned this week that if the commuters decide they want the trolley line, which inspired the amusing cartoon series by Fontaine Fox back in 1909, the traction company will soon begin improvements on rails and roadbed on that section of the line south of the Boston Road.

Alfred Davidson, General Counsel of the traction company estimates that the work will cost approximately $23,000.00.

'We'll do the work if the 'Toonerville Trolley' commuters vote to retain the car,' Mr. Davidson told The Pelham Sun, 'but they will have to understand that they will have their car for at least 25 years more. We cannot be expected to make this improvement and then a few years later when trolleys are antiquated, abandon our tracks and put a bus on this line.'

Two of the five commuters who agreed that they would be glad to pay ten cents for a more comfortable ride on a bus had some additional thoughts on the subject. 'By all means remove the trolle,' one commuter wrote at the bottom. 'It is too antiquated and is a decided detriment, as was proven this past winter. If necessary, compromise and made the bus fare 2 for 15 cents. Pelham traffic has increased to such an extent that trolleys are a hinderance and cause congestion. Another thought would be to charge ten cents from the Shore Road to the station and five cents from the Boston Post Road to the station and the same scale on the return trip.

Another bus advocate suggested that 3 tickets be issued for 25 cents."

Source: Toonerville Trolley' Riders In Straw Vote Show Little Favor For Bus Line -- Pelham Manor Voters Will Cast Unofficial Ballots At Village Election on Tuesday; Traction Company Offers To Repair Tracks If Villagers Want Trolley to Continue, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 13, 1936, Vol. 26, No. 49, p. 1, cols. 5-6.

"Ten Cent Far Bus Plan Rejected by Manor Voters Unofficial Poll 549 to 156
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Advisory Referendum Shows That Pelham Manor Commuters Prefer Five Cent Ride on Bouncing 'Toonerville Trolley' to Ten Cent Ride on Bus.
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'Toonerville Folks' went to the polls on Tuesday in the shape of dignified and thrifty residents of Pelham Manor, who by an almost four-to-one ballot voted to retain the 'Toonerville Trolley' and a five-cent fare. The poll was 549 for the trolley-car and 156 for a bus at a ten-cent fare.

The village board of trustees confronted with the proposal of the Third Avenue Railway Co., to replace the Pelham Manor 'H' trolley car with a bus, had asked for a public expression. After count of the ballots showed that the Pelham Manor commuters objected to paying an additional five-cent fare on a route not over two miles in length, Acting Mayor Edmund C. Gause announced that the bus plan will be formally rejected.

Officials of the trolley company last week signified their intention of going ahead with a $23,000 track improvement program on the worst part of the line, south of the Boston road, if the villagers voted to retain the trolley. It was also stated that if it were necessary [illegible] Pelham Manor could expect to keep its trolley service for at least 25 years more. The company does not care to undertake the costly improvements without assurance that Pelham Manor will not at some time in the near future demand that the trolley service be discarded.

Because the trolley line in question had been the direct inspiration

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TEN CENT FARE IS REJECTED
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(Continued From Page 1)

for the famous 'Toonerville Trolley' cartoons drawn by Fontaine Fox and syndicated throughout the United States, the referendum caused great amusement. Newspapers and radio stations attracted by the humor of the situation made much of the 'Toonerville Trolley' vote. It had been reported that Pelham Manor was swayed by sentiment in its decision to reject bus service, but it's a safe wager that commuters balked only at the proposal to charge a ten-cent fare. The plan did provide for a five-cent fare for children on their way to and from school.

There was no secrecy about the poll. Voters were outspoken about their balloting, and conversation around the ballot boxes followed the general trend of a 'five-cent fare.'

The 'Toonerville Trolley' referendum gained almost as much publicity for Pelham as did the recent spelling bee between members of the Men's Club and the boys of the high school. 'Looy' Mattes, 'Eddie Glazer,' and 'Charlie' Castiglione, the three 'skippers' of the 'Toonerville Trolley,' were interviewed and photographed by reporters from many New York newspapers and press services. The letter from Fontaine Fox, to the editor of The Pelham Sun, which provided the authenticity of the original 'Toonerville Trolley' was read and reread by reporters who visited Pelham on the assignment. Town Historian William R. Montgomery was interviewed relative to the early history of the car.

Visiting journalists conjured up the presence of such famous cartoon characters as 'The Terrible Tempered Mr. Bang.,' 'Mickey (Himself) McGuire,' 'Aunt Eppie Hogg,' and many others among the dignified citizens who went to the polls and cast their ballots, for the 'Toonerville Trolley,' not out of sentiment, but for a five-cent fare."

Source: Ten Cent Far Bus Plan Rejected by Manor Voters Unofficial Poll 549 to 156 -- Advisory Referendum Shows That Pelham Manor Commuters Prefer Five Cent Ride on Bouncing "Toonerville Trolley" to Ten Cent Ride on Bus, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 20, 1936, Vol. 26, No. 50, p. 1, cols. 2-3 & p. 4, col. 1.

"The Powerful Katrinka, She Bane Cast Her Ballot Against 'Bust' or Bust
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There was consternation in the First District polls when the Powerful Katrinka showed up on Tuesday night to cast her vote. She marched upstairs in the Village Hall and pushed her way into the office of Gervas Kerr, village clerk.

'Ay tank I'm goin' to vote.'

'I'm sorry, madam,' said the courteous Clerk, 'we're only open tonight to issue dog licenses.'

'I tank I like dogs. I take a dog for Mickey,' said Katrinka with a broad grin.

It took some time for Clerk Kerr to make it plain that dogs were not given away and that if Katrinka wanted to vote she should go into the next room.

Katrinka's 300-pounds of muscular femininity moved across the floor her yellow hat plumes shaking vigorously.

The poll clerk recognized her.

'Hey, there, Katrinka. Whassa matter? Wanta vote?'

'I tank I vote for trolley. I choost don't like bust. One good trolley worth two busts. Don't like busts anyway. Anyhow what is it good if it busts.'

'Are you a citizen?'

'No, I ban Svedish.'

Your husband. Is he Swedish?'

'Naw. He ban PWA, shirker.'

'Has he got his papers?'

'Hey, he gets papers, yes. He gets Pelham Sun, Collier's and --'

'No. Is he an American citizen. Has he been naturalized?'

'I ban tank so -- five years ago -- when he had measles.'

Katrinka was beginning to get impatient. She leaned on the poll clerk's desk. It cracked ominously. 'I want ta vote -- now' She stamped her foot, and the ceiling of the firehouse began to bend.

Poll Clerk was in a quandry. If Katrinka was not allowed to vote and she is not a citizen, she might bring in the Terrible Tempered Mr. Bank. Then he had a bright idea.

'We'll give you a special ballot.' He handed her a large sheet of blank paper. 'You're so big. You just write Yes or No on there and it'll be all right.'

Katrinka smiled sweetly. She had her pencil ready. She wrote a big 'Yes' on the paper and then handed it back.

Then she leaned over confidentially.

'Maybe I tank I vote twice, eh? Give me one more. i'm so big.'"

Source: The Powerful Katrinka, She Bane Cast Her Ballot Against 'Bust' or Bust, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 20, 1936, Vol. 26, No. 50, p. 4, cols. 1-2.