Electric street cars were introduced to Scranton by E.B. Sturges in 1886. His was recognized as the first system in the country to run exclusively on electric power. The street cars were themselves illuminated with incandescent bulbs.
Picture: First Scranton Electric Trolley Car, Scranton, PA. First Electric Trolley System in the United States. November 30, 1886. Picture taken at corner Wyoming ave & Spruce St. in downtown Scranton , Pa. Mr. E.B. Sturges was the founder and named it - " The Scranton Suburban Railway ". This photo is of its first historic run.
Sources: scrantonhistory.wordpress.com/the-electric-city & thetimes-tribune.com
The Green Ridge Club History
Located in Scranton's historic Green Ridge section, this stately building has been a landmark of the city since 1901.
The Green Ridge Wheelmen was established in 1892 at 1645 Wyoming Avenue as a club that admitted only cyclists. There were only 14 original members, but membership expanded to included non-cyclists after 1894. In 1902, with a donation from member E.B. Sturges, club headquarters was constructed on Wyoming Avenue, and the name was changed to the Green Ridge Club in 1906. The club hosted private events and open houses, minstrel shows, card parties and dances. Club members also participated in a bowling league against other private clubs. The bowling lanes still exist today in the basement of the building.
Through the 1940s, the club hosted events and fielded a bowling team. The space was also rented by various other small groups. The building was sold in 1953 and converted into a catering venue, which it remains today.
