McFarland to speak on 1930s plan using streetcars on Midland Terminal railway

McFarland to speak on 1930s plan using streetcars on Midland Terminal railway

Colorado Springs streetcars such as this one on the Colorado Springs & Interurban line were converted by the Midland Terminal railway to haul mail and passengers between Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek in the 1930s.

Courtesy of Mel McFarland

       Local author/historian Mel McFarland will speak to the Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners Monday, Feb. 8 about a little-known 1930s cost-saving brainstorm by the Midland Terminal railway, using converted streetcars to haul mail and passengers overland.
       Headquartered on the Westside (where the restored Roundhouse is now), the railway “was looking for a quicker, easier way to get mail, small freight items and people to and from Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek,” a press release states. “This story presents the solution.”
       The program will be at a Posse dinner meeting, starting at 6 p.m. in the Colorado Springs Masonic Hall, 1130 Panorama Drive. Admission is $17, which includes a casual, buffet-style meal. Reservations are requested in advance at 473-0330 or posse@dewittenterprises.com.
       A retired middle school teacher, McFarland has written a book on the Midland Terminal (“The Cripple Creek Road - A Midland Terminal Guide and Data Book,” 1984) and pens a regular historical column ("Cobweb Corners") for the Westside Pioneer.
       He is also a member of the Posse, which is a nonprofit organization consisting of people who research western history. New members are welcome.

Westside Pioneer/press release
(Posted 1/29/16; Community: (Groups/Clubs)

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