British Horse Tram Enthusiasts

HISTORY

Opening Day in Hamilton Square Birkenhead. Birkenhead was the first town in Europe to have the American idea of Streetcars in 1860. The American coach builder George Starbuck set up a factory in Birkenhead just to build tramcars. He exported trams to many cities including Lisboa, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen and Brussels.

opening day of Birkenhead Tramways

George Starbuck, although American, died in Birkenhead in 1917. His grave was discovered by members of British Horse Tram Enthusiasts, after a search for the "missing George", went to Boston USA where a family tree was revealed, showing he did actually die in Birkenhead.

grave of John Stephenson

ANOTHER GRAVE OF A TRAMCAR PIONEER (left)
John Stevens, BHTE Consultant, in New Rochelle, USA. at the grave of John Stephenson - the most prolific horse tram manufacturer ever! Somewhat more lavish than George Starbuck's grave.

EARLIEST TRAM EVER?
This New York and Harlem (note the spelling!) car was probably made by Eaton and Gilbert and dates from the 1850's.The connection in railway carriage design can be seen.

Baltimore 25 THIS IS THE OLDEST SURVIVING TRAMCAR IN THE WORLD!

John Steven & Balt 25 The unrestored tram is in the Baltimore Trolley Museum. It was found in Horsecar Bay Chesapeake! It was made in 1859.

John Steven standing in the doorway of the Gay St Horse Car taking measurements for architectural drawings that he later made. Note the glorious oval window.(right)

Note the fenestration so familiar of this time.

The legend on the card shown on the photo above-left reads:

Car #25

Type: Horse Car
Builder/Year: Poole & Hunt (?)/c1859
Purchaser: Baltimore City Passenger Railway Co.
Length: 21' '7"
Seating: 20
Operated/Routes: Horse Cars Operated From 1859 to c1900 on All Lines.

For more information Email: Rsjtrams@aol.com

or write to: The Honorary Secretary
British Horse Tram Enthusiasts
103 Grove Road, Wallasey CH45 3HG
United Kingdom