On August 4, 1929, the Queen City’s street car era went up in literal flames. More than 5,000 attendees witnessed the spectacle of an unforgettable farewell party that made headlines worldwide. Burlington’s public transportation story began much more sedately with a horse-drawn street railway in 1885, followed by a state-of-the-art electrified system just eight years later.
For the next 36 years, as many as three million annual trolley patrons rode its 16 miles to Winooski, Fort Ethan Allen and Essex Junction, as well as Burlington’s Queen City Park, downtown, schools, sporting events, family gatherings, and work commutes. Ridership declined after World War I and rubber-tired buses drove away with most passengers. Burlington native, author, filmmaker and veteran broadcast personality James R. “Jim” Jones shares entertaining, fascinating rail tales on this memorable journey, complete with “then and now” treasure hunts for relics of the past. No tokens required!
Mileage
Projector with computer.
First, contact the speaker by clicking on their biography below to confirm their availability and discuss any special arrangements.
Then, click this “Book this Talk!” button to send a request form to Vermont Humanities. We’ll respond within one week.
Contact Jacob Pelletier at jpelletier@vermonthumanities.org.
James R. “Jim” Jones, a Burlington, Vermont native, has maintained a lifelong interest in railroading. His love for “underdog trains”—and communities they served—stems from childhood locomotive rides with his father, noted railroad author Robert C. Jones.
On August 4, 1929, the Queen City’s street car era went up in literal flames. More than 5,000 attendees witnessed the spectacle of an unforgettable farewell party that made headlines worldwide. Author and filmmaker Jim Jones shares Burlington’s public transportation story, beginning with a horse-drawn street railway in 1885, followed by a state-of-the-art electrified system just eight years later.
Experience with author and filmmaker Jim Jones the colorful ups and downs of Vermont’s famous “Island Line” railroad featuring four drawbridges, three causeways, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating anecdotes.
Our seasonal “Words in the Woods” program allows Vermonters and visitors to enjoy our state’s natural beauty while listening to and reading literature in the outdoors.
Humanities Camps are filled with reading and writing projects, field trips, and outdoor activities.
We won a 2020 Schwartz Prize for best public humanities programming in the U.S. for Vermont Reads 2019: “March: Book One.”
We supported the Chandler Center for the Arts’ Global Connections Youth Outreach program, which highlights artists from around the world.
Our free public events help bring the power of the humanities to communities across Vermont.
