The "Orem Line" opened in 1915 and closed operations in the late 1940's
1917: Magna welcome the Orem Branch Line: At 8:35 am the first passenger train arrived over the new branch from Granger and at 9:15 the first car departed.
Throughout the day the electrically drivin' cars arrived and departed on a 2 hour schedule. Citizens were out in masses to celebrate the event and at noon the officials of the Orem line arrived on a special. They were met at the station by members of the Commercial Club and escorted about the city. The “Big Red Cars,” were extra fance. about 60' long and 9' wide. There was lots of mahogany wood used as well as leather upholstery. They had interior lights, each car was heated, there were storage racks, a smoking compartment...simply charming.
1941: Rail firm asks to Abandon 2 Utah Routes. The Magna Lines held Unprofitable in a Federal Petition. Complete abandonment of the electric railways operated between Granger and Magna by the Salt Lake and Utah Railroad, was asked Wednesday in an application for abandonment filed with the interstate commerce commission in Washington DC. ... The railroad is commonly known as the Orem Line. ...
The Orem Line was constructed ... from Granger to Magna in 1917. At all times since it has carried passengers, freight, express and mail. The Depression and WWII made things rough for the company.
In August of 1946 some of the track was purchased at an auction by the Denver, Rio Grande, Bamberger and Lehi Cereal Mill. Some track was sold for scrap and some abandoned.
Do you have any memories to share?
The Station on Lester Street in Chesterfield
1945
1946
