Trolley Hidden In A Hamilton House Is Part Of New Mercer Co. Restoration Project

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Mercer County is looking for volunteers to help bring two century-old trolley cars back to life.

The county is working with Liberty Historic Railway, a nonprofit focused on preserving New Jersey’s transportation history, to restore the two cars. Both date to the early 1900s and once ran on electric rail lines serving Mercer County and the surrounding area.

“These trolley cars tell an incredible story about how people lived, worked and traveled through Mercer County more than a century ago,” County Executive Dan Benson said. “By partnering with Liberty Historic Railway, we have an opportunity not only to preserve these pieces of our history, but to give residents a hands-on role in bringing that history back to life.”

One of the cars is a snow sweeper, built to clear snow and ice from electric railway tracks in winter.

The other has an unusual past. After its service ended, it became part of a private home in Hamilton Township, where it stayed hidden for decades. It was rediscovered when the house was slated for demolition, according to the county.

Liberty Historic Railway is leading the restoration work.

“These cars are tangible reminders of an important period in the development of Mercer County and New Jersey,” said J.R. May, the group’s executive director. “Restoring them is a significant undertaking, and community volunteers can play an important role in helping us preserve them. Whether you have restoration experience or simply an interest in history and a willingness to learn, we would love to hear from you.”

The group is looking for people with experience in woodworking, carpentry, metalworking, electrical work, painting, historic preservation or mechanical restoration. But no special experience is required, and anyone with an interest in local history and a willingness to learn is encouraged to take part.

Around 1900, electric trolley lines linked Trenton with nearby communities and helped shape growth across Mercer County, the county said.

Johnson Trolley Line Trail

The restoration project fits with another county effort to preserve trolley history. The county is working to restore parts of the former Johnson Trolley Line right-of-way and turn it into the Johnson Trolley Line Trail, a recreational trail that could once again connect communities.

“Whether we are restoring the trolley cars themselves or preserving the corridors where they once traveled, these projects give us an opportunity to connect Mercer County’s past with its future,” Benson said. “The Johnson Trolley Line Trail is a great example of how historic preservation can also create something that residents can experience and enjoy every day.”

How to volunteer

People who want to help can contact J.R. May, executive director of Liberty Historic Railway, at jrmay@m3monmouth.com. More information is at LHRy.org.

Volunteer work sessions are usually announced by email and posted on the group’s Facebook page.

Liberty Historic Railway was formed in 2010 to educate the public about New Jersey’s transportation heritage. It supports preservation projects across the state with grants and other financial help, including projects run by other nonprofits.

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