Wheeling Traction Co. 639 (WV) and Blackpool Corporation 144 (England) at Seashore Trolley Museum

When the Wheeling Traction (West Virginia) system ceased operations in 1948, a doctor in Little Hocking, OH purchased the carbody of No. 639 for use as a medical dispensary. After the doctor died in 1957, Seashore acquired the car from his daughter, Majel Amerine. The car's condition had deteriorated, but Seashore sought No. 639 because no other museum preserved a curved-side car and because it was such an important car design. Restoration began in 1974 and was substantially completed in 2009. The car, numbered 39 when Co-operative Transit acquired the system, was returned to its earlier number during restoration. Because of rotted and rusted components, the museum had to replace much of No. 639?s structure. This became one of the most extensive restoration programs in Seashore?s history. The result thus became more of a replica than a restoration. No. 639 is one of only two surviving operational Cincinnati curved-side trolleys. The car currently operates during Seashore's regular season. Pictured on the left is Blackpool 144, a double decker tram from Blackpool, England.