History: Local: Transportation:
Interurban Railway
Compiled and transcribed by Michael R. Reilly
updated 03/07/2005
Sussex and town of Lisbon residents may have lost out to a tremendous opportunity, if the interurban railway had become a reality. Why the lack of interest, as mentioned below? Selfish interests, lack of funding, or ? The interurban railway could have been a new and modern way of life for the area, simulating personal transportation and the economy. Why did the venture fail? Current research doesn't reveal the whys.
May 6, 1909 - Waukesha, City of, Common Council meeting:
Alderman Green, by request, presented a proposed franchise by the Milwaukee
Western Electric Ry. Co. granting that company right-of-way on St. Paul Ave.,
North and Barstow Sts. in the city. The provisions are in the usual form. The
project provides for connecting at Sussex with the proposed main line of the
railway company extending from Milwaukee to Beaver Dam. The franchise was
referred to the ordinance committee. Waukesha Freeman
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May 13, 1909 - "interurban railway...and operated between the ...Sussex,
Pewaukee and the ...Waukesha. " Waukesha Freeman
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August 12, 1909
No. 170
An Ordinance...
Second, That said interurban railway shall be run and
operated between Sussex and the city of Waukesha, in said county, via the way of
village of Pewaukee as a division line to connect with the main line of said
Milwaukee Western Electric Railway company, to be built and operated between the
cities of Milwaukee and Beaver Dam.
Third, That the construction of such railway between Sussex
and the city shall be commenced within twelve months after the approval of said
proposed route..., and such construction shall be diligently prosecuted by said
railway between Sussex and said city completed and regular service commenced
thereon within thirty months from such date...
Section 10. Local passenger cars, operated by said interurban
railway company, shall stop when required by passengers wishing to leave or take
the same at any street or highway crossing within the city limits; and shall run
and operate passenger cars between the said city of Waukesha and Sussex for the
first year after the completion of said railway, at least once every two hours
from six (6) o'clock a.m. to eleven-thirty (11:30) o'clock p.m. each day, and
each and every year thereafter at least hourly service.
Section 11. The fares..., shall be for each person over
twelve years of age, for one continuous trip over the whole, or part of the
company's lines, within the city, not to exceed five cents; for each child
between the ages of five and twelve, not to exceed three cents; children under
five years of age, when in charge of a parent or guardian, shall be carried
free. Waukesha Freeman
A 1908 scene of the Interurban at Waukesha Beach in Pewaukee
where the trolly would have left for Sussex.
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March 2, 1911 - ...The Wisconsin Railroad Commission has granted a certificate
of Convenience and Necessity which will permit the Milwaukee Western Railway Co.
to build a division from Sussex to Waukesha in connection with the line running
from Milwaukee to Fox Lake. ...Only a small portion of the work has been done
on the division from Sussex to Waukesha, as the people heretofore have not
manifested any particular interest in developing this division. Waukesha
Freeman
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March 9, 1911 - No. 31 Proposed Ordinance (revised from No. 170 or same?). Waukesha
Freeman
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Nov. 28, 1912 - A report from County Assessor to County Board of Supervisors
regarding the various tax districts within the county of Waukesha. ...takes up
the question of adding certain amounts to assessments of various towns, villages
and cities wherein are located interurban railways. These towns, villages and
cities are receiving considerable amounts of cash because of the railway lines
in their territory, whereas they impose no expense, care or burden upon the
municipalities. It is, therefore held that the assessment should be increased. Waukesha
Freeman.
The Milwaukee Western Electric Railway Co. may have evolved into The Milwaukee Light, Heat and Traction Co. A January 6, 1914 Waukesha Freeman notice discusses rates for the company and it's interurban operation from Milwaukee to Waukesha and points beyond (terminating at Watertown some 50.40 miles from the Milwaukee terminal).