In
1909 the Westmoreland Railroad Company, directed by Bellaire developer William
Wright Baldwin, began construction of a streetcar line between this site and
Houston's Main Street (4 mi. E) to improve transportation between Bellaire and
Houston. Laid out on the esplanade of Bellaire Boulevard, the streetcar line
consisted of one railway track and an overhead electric wire. The line
terminated at this site, where the company constructed a waiting pavilion and a
turnaround loop. At the same time, the Houston Electric Company extended its
south end line from Eagle Avenue down present Fannin Street to connect with the
Bellaire line at Bellaire Boulevard (now part of Holcombe Boulevard). The trip
between Bellaire and downtown Houston required one transfer at Eagle Avenue.
Service began on December 28, 1910. The streetcar line, often called the
"Toonerville Trolley," became an integral link between Bellaire and
Houston and played a vital role in the development of this area. The
availability of motor transport and frequent derailments caused by worn-out
track led to the abandonment of the line on September 26, 1927. Motor bus
service began the following day.
Information provided by the Texas Historical Commission.