The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-03-04

service given now by the two big com
ranies operating lines In Richmond
s. Before electric cars were introduced
order to reach Chimborazo or the New
Reservoir Parks. For one to take a
pleasure trip on onesuf the oil -style5 cars
was a thing Of rare occurrence q But now
Thousands in summer and also in winter
enjoy the rides simply to pass plea
SAINT afternoon.
SUBURBAN TOWNS
The extent to which the suburban
country has been opened up to settle
ne1t and pleasure parks established
since electric cars were first operated
here has been almost marvellous. Not
many would have thought fifteen years
ago Of building home at Forest Hill
Park or out in that splendid stretch of
country from Barton Heights to Lake
side. Hundreds OF thousands OF dollars
have been spent in developing the su-
burban country because of the fact that
there would be transportation facilities
The Reservoir Park was about the first
Of the pleasure resorts to be reached by
the new street cars. They ran out there
as far back as fourteen years ago.. Then
came TIE line to Forest Hill. Few peo-
pie in Richmond had before visited that
lovely place and looked upon its almost
unsurpassed natural scenery. It must
be confessed, moreover, that Forest ELL
Park has not been made as yet what its
promoters contemplated and what 1t will
eventually be made
When Mr.. Fisher and his associates
acquired the Seven Pines road they had
electricity introduced as the motive
power. That has now become a. very
popular route, and big settlements have
sprung up all along the line, especially
at Highland Springs and East Richmond.
The lines out to Barton Heights, Chest
nut Hill, Highland Park, and Paramount
have enabled thousands of people to es-
tablish country homes within easy reach
Of the city
ON THE NORTH SIDE.
The Lakeside route has opened up for
settlement a vast and a beautiful ter
ritory. The ride over the route is one
that affords, perhaps, the most pictur-
espue views of any about the city. It
traverses the fast growing and pretty
towns of Barton Heights and Highland
Park, and goes out to Lakeside Park. a
lovely resort a few miles north of the
city. There is talk of another and a
more direct route to that place, through
Brook Avenue and Brook Road
The latest suburban line leading to a
lark is the Westhampton route. West
hampton will be made a most attractive
place tor the CITY people TO FlSlL III VIII
ter as well as in summer. The cars are
OF the most up-to-date, and one feels
az comfortable in one Of them as he
would in a, Pullman.
The longest electric line Is the one Just
opened between Richmond and Peters
burg. In fact, it is the longest electric
line in the State. 1t is twenty miles in
length The next longest is the line from
Washington to Mount Vernon.
This line to Petersburg is equipped
with the most modern cars and runs
through a country that will be rapidly
developed, and perhaps many little
town along the route will soon spring
up. This line will be very popular with
pleasure-scekers in the summer. On d
hot afternoon ride to Petersburg and
back will be tthe fad Of next season.
There is talk of an electric line from
Richmond to Ashland.
It cam truly be said that the electric
lines have done much for Richmond and
Manchester and the suburban country,
and none can forecast what the future
has in store.