Easton Transit Company stock certificate c1908 (Pennsylvania)

Streetcar collectible! No vignette but fantastic underprint of an American Eagle with wings spread. Unissued and not cancelled. Dated 19__ but circa 1908 from company records and certificate text. Measures approximately 10 x 8 inches.   

The Easton Transit Company was a historic trolley operator in Easton, Pennsylvania, famous for running the popular Island Park amusement park (1894-1919) via its trolley line across the Lehigh River, offering cheap rides and entertainment before the park's closure due to ice jams. The trolley company charged 10 cents for a round trip from downtown Easton, and that was also admission into the park. In 1913, Lehigh Valley Transit acquires control of the Easton Consolidated Electric Company, and with it, the Easton Transit Company.

Chartered in 1899, Easton Consolidated Electric Company was formed for the purposed of controlling the Easton Transit Company and several other street railway and electric companies. The company had power stations at Easton and Butztown. By 1900, the plant had been taken over by the Lehigh Valley Traction Company, which operated six power plants that generated the current to run its cars.

The system came under the control of Easton Consolidated Electric Company in 1899 and the Lehigh Valley Traction Company in 1900, but reverted to Easton Consolidated in 1904 and later back to Easton Transit Company.

Today, the region's public transit is managed by LANTA (Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority), which evolved from these early transit systems.

Historical Operation: The Easton Transit Company provided electric trolley service and developed Island Park as a major attraction, charging just a dime for a round trip that included park admission.

Island Park: This trolley park was a big hit, featuring vaudeville, concerts, and free activities, but ultimately fell victim to ice jams, leading to its closure in 1919.

Legacy: The company was part of the early development of regional transit, with connections to larger systems like the Lehigh Valley Transit Company, eventually leading to the modern LANTA.

Modern Transit: The current public bus service for Easton, Allentown, and Bethlehem is handled by LANTA.

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