On my recent trip to California, I took advantage of the opportunity to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, traveling to an elevation of 8,516 feet up the cliffs of Chino Canyon in Mt. San Jacinto State Park. While the desert vistas spread for miles below me, I was intrigued by the story of the man who dreamed of the Tramway over 75 years ago.
The Aerial Tramway was born in the mind of Francis Crocker, a young electrical engineer, in 1935 while on a trip to Banning, California. Although some were quite enthusiastic about his idea, others were more skeptical. Progress on the Tramway was slow, sometimes even at a standstill. Tramway bills in the California legislature were passed, then vetoed by the governor. World War II and the Korean conflict significantly delayed the project.
Over the years, Crocker's dream did not diminish; he held his vision of a Tramway rising above the hot desert lands to the coolness of the San Jacinto mountains. Eventually, the plans were developed and the unique engineering problems solved. No public funds were used; money was raised by selling bonds. Because only the first tower supporting the Tramway was accessible by road, helicopters flew thousands of trips to transport men and materials needed to erect the four other towers and the Mountain Station. Formerly called "Crocker's Folly," the Tramway was now named the "eighth wonder of the world."
Construction was finally completed, and the first riders boarded the Tramway on September 14, 1963. Crocker had waited 28 years to see his dream become a reality. Because of his persistence and dedication, I was able to ride the world's largest rotating tram cars, rising thousands of feet in just minutes, to enjoy the view from a very "cool" setting. For more information, go to http://www.pstramway.com/history.html
The Aerial Tramway was born in the mind of Francis Crocker, a young electrical engineer, in 1935 while on a trip to Banning, California. Although some were quite enthusiastic about his idea, others were more skeptical. Progress on the Tramway was slow, sometimes even at a standstill. Tramway bills in the California legislature were passed, then vetoed by the governor. World War II and the Korean conflict significantly delayed the project.
Over the years, Crocker's dream did not diminish; he held his vision of a Tramway rising above the hot desert lands to the coolness of the San Jacinto mountains. Eventually, the plans were developed and the unique engineering problems solved. No public funds were used; money was raised by selling bonds. Because only the first tower supporting the Tramway was accessible by road, helicopters flew thousands of trips to transport men and materials needed to erect the four other towers and the Mountain Station. Formerly called "Crocker's Folly," the Tramway was now named the "eighth wonder of the world."
Construction was finally completed, and the first riders boarded the Tramway on September 14, 1963. Crocker had waited 28 years to see his dream become a reality. Because of his persistence and dedication, I was able to ride the world's largest rotating tram cars, rising thousands of feet in just minutes, to enjoy the view from a very "cool" setting. For more information, go to http://www.pstramway.com/history.html
Hi Sandi,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new blog. Great photos. You are a blessing. Love