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Historic Milan Trolley rolls into Mt. Pleasant
The addition of a new trolley and getting an old trolley back to operational mark a near end to the multiyear campground and transportation expansion at Midwest Old Threshers
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MT. PLEASANT — Some individuals around Mt. Pleasant were surprised as Tuesday, Jan. 14 as they saw a historic trolley, slowly making its way down the streets on a semitruck, destined for its new home at the Midwest Old Threshers grounds. The trolley, officially labeled Streetcar 1811, is part of an exciting new chapter for the Old Threshers, as they continue their commitment to growth and preservation through an ambitious $1.6 million project that will enhance their grounds and services.
“Working together with our local leaders, state partners and donors, this is a great example of the success Old Threshers has in turning ideas into results. We are excited to have this car added to our fleet of heritage electric railway cars at Old Threshers,” Chief Executive Director of Midwest Old Threshers Terry McWilliams said.
The 1927 Milan trolley, which was fully restored by the Gomaco Trolley Company in Ida Grove, is a key addition to the Midwest Electric Railway collection. the trolley originally served Milan, Italy, and represents a significant piece of both European and American transit history.
According to Midwest Old Threshers Vice President Phil McMeins, the trolley was built in the 1930s based on a design from Peter Witt, a Cleveland Street Railway Commissioner.
“The streetcar remains essentially unchanged from its original design,” McMeins said. “Unlike other electric streetcars operating during the 1920s, Mr. Witt understood the efficiency of designing a streetcar with a third door in the center of the car, allowing for quicker loading and unloading, increasing the efficiency and time between passenger stops. His design was used in the manufacturing of many streetcars in several cities including Toronto, Philadelphia, and of course Milan, who operated over 500 of this style of streetcar.”
The trolley measures 46 feet long, weighs approximately 33,000 pounds, and travels with an average speed of 30 mph. The car is designed to seat 30 passengers with room for nearly 70 standing.
“The design fits well into the passenger service offered around the campground and to the Log Village, a staple of the Old Threshers Reunion,” McMeins said.
After traveling from Milan to St. Louis for a previous project, it was restored back to its original specifications, including the original numbering and classic yellow paint scheme. Now, as part of a major campground and transportation initiative at the Reunion, this trolley will shuttle visitors around the newly expanded campground and out to the Log Village.
The addition of the Milan trolley is part of one of the final phases for this Destination Iowa Project. The campground, completed late last year, has already welcomed visitors, and the expanded transportation options will allow Old Threshers to accommodate more people. The trolleys are crucial for moving attendees from the campground to different parts of the event grounds, such as the Log Village, without long wait times or congestion. A round-trip ride on the trolley at the Reunion still costs just $3 per person, maintaining the accessible pricing that keep the event family friendly.
"The campground expansion was really driven by the need to house more visitors, especially during the reunion, but it’s also about improving the overall experience," McWilliams said. "Adding more trolleys allows us to move people more efficiently, making sure they get where they need to go quickly so they can enjoy the attractions without long waits."
The expansion project itself received crucial financial support from several sources. Major donors to this $1.6 million project to expand the campground and trolley transportation, according to McMeins, include Destination Iowa, Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism Grant, the Old Threshers Foundation, Washington County Riverboat Foundation, and various private donors.
“This new addition to our electric railway not only shows our commitment to continue that tradition, but also our focus to grow the association so future generations can continue to sit back and experience history come alive at our events,” McMeins said. “I appreciate the support from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, local foundations, and individual donors who stood with us and supported this capital improvement project.”
With these new additions, the Midwest Old Threshers grounds will continue to serve not only as a place for the annual Reunion, but also as a year-round destination for families, history buffs, and tourists eager to experience the rich history of rural Iowa. The improved campground facilities will draw visitors seeking both comfort and a connection to the past, while the expanded trolley system will make it easier to explore the historic grounds.
The completion of these phases marks the near conclusion of the three-year Destination Iowa project.
"All of it was supposed to happen prior to last year, but with the scale of these projects, sometimes things take a little longer than expected," McWilliams acknowledged. "We had some hiccups with the restoration of our other trolley, but with the help of Gomaco Trolley Company and our local partners, we’re almost there."
The last bits of this plan to come together also include fixing an open-air trolley that was out of commission and turning it around so it can drive forward instead of in reverse like McWilliams revealed it has traveled for many years.
For those planning to attend the 2025 Old Threshers Reunion, the additions of the new trolley and return of the repaired open-air trolley promise a smoother, more enjoyable experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the event’s historical offerings without the hassle of long waits.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
