The Age of the Streetcar

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Puritas Streetcar loop, circa 1947 By 1893, plans were in the works to extend the Cleveland Southwestern interurban out Lorain Street and down Rocky River Drive through Berea to Bucyrus, where a transfer could be made to Columbus. This service started in 1894 along with a branch extending from Linndale to Puritas Springs. When West Park became part of Cleveland in 1923 the local "cars" also started coming out to Kamm's Corners and down Rocky River Drive.

The service between Linndale and the mineral springs was discontinued in 1928. By 1938 it was impossible for the streetcars to travel Rocky River Drive because of a major sewer project. When the service started up again the streetcars only came as far as Puritas Avenue, no longer going to the airport. They turned around in the Puritas Loop in what is now the parish parking lot in front of Thorpe Hall. Bus service also used the Loop.

The trolley service ended in June 1950. While it existed it provided a vital link with downtown. Because of it, people could move out to West Park and maintain jobs in the city. The "cars" made the growth of this residential community possible.