The Last Macungie Trolley
May 31, 2004 marked the 75th Anniversary of the end of an era in our community, for it was on that date in 1929, that the last passenger trolley left the Continental Hotel for its final passage to Allentown. The Macungie Historical Society recently acquired a large collection of documents, artifacts, and memorabilia from the Erdman-Neumeyer family home at 23 East Main Street in Macungie. Among the many documents was the following account of the last trolley run as documented by Mr. Frank E. Neumeyer in 1929:
Macungie, Pa., June 1, 1929
Eventful Passengers
The Last trolley car to leave Macungie on the system which has connected us with Allentown for practically 30-years was the regular car #303, leaving at 12:00 o'clock midnight on May 31st, 1929, operated by motorman #572, Charles Braucher. To Bernard W. Neumeyer, seven year old son of Mr. & Mrs. F. E. Neumeyer, together with his father F. E. Neumeyer, come the unique distinction of being the Last and Only passengers aboard on this the termination of the trolley service. They spent the night with Paul R. Kressly and family in Allentown, returning to Macungie Saturday morning, June 1st. 1929, on the first run of the new Bus service which replaces the former trolley service. Leaving Allentown at 5:10 AM, Saturday morning (June 1 1929), and arriving on schedule in Macungie at 5:40 AM. They were also the First and Only passengers leaving Allentown or arriving in Macungie. To driver George Litzenberger goes the honor of bringing the First Bus #102 into town. Mr. H. H. Eisenacher, an official of the company, accompanied Mr. Litzenberger on the first few trips. It is said that France Roth, who died a few years ago, a veteran employee of the company, brought the first scheduled trolley into town on September 2nd. 1899.
By - F. E. Neumeyer
We were the only ones on the last car from Macungie to Emaus, and the only ones who went to the end of the run at 8th & Hamilton Streets, Allentown. Several passengers boarded in Emaus and again got off enroute. On the first bus, we were the only ones on (except for Mr. Eisenacher of the Transit Company) from Allentown to Emaus, and the only ones who went to the end of the run in Macungie. Two people boarded the bus in Emaus and got off in East Macungie.
- F. E. Neumeyer
Macungie, Pa., June 1, 1929
Eventful Passengers
The Last trolley car to leave Macungie on the system which has connected us with Allentown for practically 30-years was the regular car #303, leaving at 12:00 o'clock midnight on May 31st, 1929, operated by motorman #572, Charles Braucher. To Bernard W. Neumeyer, seven year old son of Mr. & Mrs. F. E. Neumeyer, together with his father F. E. Neumeyer, come the unique distinction of being the Last and Only passengers aboard on this the termination of the trolley service. They spent the night with Paul R. Kressly and family in Allentown, returning to Macungie Saturday morning, June 1st. 1929, on the first run of the new Bus service which replaces the former trolley service. Leaving Allentown at 5:10 AM, Saturday morning (June 1 1929), and arriving on schedule in Macungie at 5:40 AM. They were also the First and Only passengers leaving Allentown or arriving in Macungie. To driver George Litzenberger goes the honor of bringing the First Bus #102 into town. Mr. H. H. Eisenacher, an official of the company, accompanied Mr. Litzenberger on the first few trips. It is said that France Roth, who died a few years ago, a veteran employee of the company, brought the first scheduled trolley into town on September 2nd. 1899.
By - F. E. Neumeyer
We were the only ones on the last car from Macungie to Emaus, and the only ones who went to the end of the run at 8th & Hamilton Streets, Allentown. Several passengers boarded in Emaus and again got off enroute. On the first bus, we were the only ones on (except for Mr. Eisenacher of the Transit Company) from Allentown to Emaus, and the only ones who went to the end of the run in Macungie. Two people boarded the bus in Emaus and got off in East Macungie.
- F. E. Neumeyer
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