Trolleys connected New Martinsville, Paden City, and Sistersville from 1903 until 1925. Photograph courtesy of Paden City Public Library, O.O. Brown Collection. Date unknown.

A unique trolley line that connected New Martinsville, Paden City, and Sistersville at the beginning of the last century is the focus of the cover story in the latest issue of Goldenseal magazine, on sale now. The article titled, “Wetzel & Tyler Railway,” is written by railroad historian and former Wetzel County resident Borgon Tanner.

The 11-mile railway offered passenger and freight service during its 22 year run, between 1903 and 1925. The trolley service was initially known as the Wetzel & Tyler Railway, changed to the Union Traction Company of West Virginia in 1908, and finally became the Sistersville & New Martinsville Traction Company in 1919. According to the author, the electric trolley provided “cheap, frequent, clean, and comfortable runs” at a time of great growth and activity in these three bustling river towns.

Elsewhere in this issue are stories about Coleman’s Fish Market in Wheeling, Sharp’s Country Store in Pocahontas County, sandlot baseball in Doddridge County, and visits to the small West Virginia communities of Arden and Decota.

Goldenseal is West Virginia’s magazine of traditional life and is published quarterly by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History in Charleston. The magazine sells for $5.95 and is available at Did’s Designs in Middlebourne, Hundred Farm Supply in Hundred, or by calling 304-558-0220, ext. 153; online at www.wvculture.org/goldenseal.

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, secretary. The division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present, and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, art, historic preservation, and museums. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.