History of the manufacture of Ohio's street railway cars
At the beginning of the 20th century, the street railway industry was one of the largest in the nation. Once ubiquitously visible on the city streets, by mid-century the streetcar was nothing more than a distant memory. Ohio was home to several large streetcar systems, especially in Cleveland and Cincinnati, and had more interurban tracks than any other state in the union. Thus, Ohio served as one of the street railway industry's greatest centers of manufacturing.
Built to Move Millions examines the manufacture of streetcars and interurbans within the state of Ohio between 1900 and 1940. In addition to discussing the five major car builders that were active in Ohio during this period, the book addresses Ohio companies that manufactured the various components that went into these vehicles.
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Engagingly written, thoroughly researched, and well illustrated.November 1, 2008
" - Trains
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A hobbyist's enthusiasm, curiosity, and attention to detail exude from this technological history of Ohio's streetcar industry. . . . Summing Up: Highly recommended. All general, academic, and professional libraries.February 2009
" - Choice
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One might expect only coverage of streetcar and interurban manufacturers in Ohio. Instead, author Craig Semsel has accomplished much more. . . . Built to Move Millions is a remarkable book. Semsel has filled a void in the history of traction car builders.Spring 2010
" - Northwest Ohio History
