ELECTRIC TRACTION IN LOS ANGELES 



COUNTY 



H. s. kne:e:dl.e:r 



IN the present stage of electrical development, a trolley system embrac- 

 ing approximately seven hundred and fifty miles, mostly of standard 

 gauge line, must command attention. Yet such is the Huntington 

 system. These lines radiating from Los Angeles and embracing the 



urban system of that city, Pasadena and Long Beach, are in equip- 

 ment and operation probably the highest expression of electrical transpor- 

 tation extant. 



Embracing the Pacific Electric, the Los Angeles Interurban, the Los 

 Angeles City, and the Redondo Railway companies, they fully cover that 

 extended territory lying east, north and south of the larger city, and em- 

 braced by the Sierra Madre range on the one side and the Pacific Ocean 

 on the other. Aside from its populous center of commerce and industry, 

 this is one of the richest sections of the United States. It is rich in more 

 than one way, — in the affluence of the people, the wonders of its natural 

 beauties, the graciousness of its climate, the productiveness of its soil, 

 the value per acre of its products, and its contribution to the longevity of 

 its fortunate dwellers. 



With the appreciation of its present achievements and its unlimited 

 possibilities, Mr. Huntington some five years ago began the construction 

 of an electrical system which to-day is looked on with admiration by rail- 

 way men throughout the world and with the intelligent understanding of 

 the people to whose comfort it daily contributes as well as to the tourist 

 who finds it a convenient vehicle, making possible excursions to every 

 spot of historic, romantic, and scenic interest in the Southland. 



Largest of all the interurban railways centering in Los Angeles, the 

 Pacific Electric Railway would be notable anywhere in the world. Its 

 mileage would construct a line reaching almost from the Angel City to 

 San Francisco. Its immense power plants, vast shops, and great industrial 

 centers contribute largely to the productive population of the city, while in 

 every mechanical feature the aim has been to secure and adopt the most 

 advanced of meritorious appliances. 



As it is recognized as one of the most potent influences which have 

 operated in the great development of Los Angeles and the southern part of 

 California during the past five years, so each community it reaches has 

 found it a beneficent agency, and the greater city has profited only in 

 lesser degree than the thrifty hamlet which has felt the revivifying influence 

 of its touch. Much has been done in the past five years; what will be done 

 in the next five remains to be seen. But of one thing the southern part of 

 California is sure — that the era of electric railway building inaugurated 

 by the Huntington system has vastly added to its wealth, its attractions 

 to tourists, and to the comfort and pleasure of its people. 



With cheap electric power for farm operations, for lighting, telephone, 

 and interurban transit, the California farmer is surrounded with the ad- 

 vantages and facilities of town and country at the same time. 



The production of electric power from California's watercourses now 

 ranks among the great revenue-creating sources of the State. As to the 

 ultimate possibilities of this industry the present development Is but a 

 drop in the bucket. 



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