The Historical Associated of Lewiston will host Gregory Gerstung, historian of the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, for its January program “By Trolley To Olcott” at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah fellowship hall, 915 Oneida St., Lewiston.
“By Trolley To Olcott” refers to the International Railway Company’s line from Buffalo to Olcott Beach. Trolley lines were built primarily to handle rush hour crowds of workers during the week. Owners began to find ways idle cars could be used evenings or weekends. Destinations were developed and Olcott Beach was a natural for seasonal business. The line opened in 1900 and ran until 1937. Gerstung’s presentation covers the line, station stops and all that Olcott Beach had to offer including the beach, picnic area, amusement park, miniature train, band shell, lake connections to Toronto and other ports and the magnificent hotel with its grand ballroom featuring the big name bands of the era.
Gerstung has been an active member of the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society for 40 years. He has been active in the restoration of the former Erie Railroad station at 111 Oliver St. in North Tonawanda that is currently used as a railroad museum.
The program is open to the public. There’s no admission fee and refreshments will be served.