Urbantransportation:thetram

Trams are among the most revered and celebrated means of transport. In Rio, these services began to be introduced during the Second Reign period, in 1859, when the city was still typically colonial and precarious. The first line connected Tiradentes Square to Tijuca. There was a phase of mule-drawn trams throughout the city, which saw great expansion in the 1870s, when several new ventures emerged. An obedient and hardworking animal, endowed with great strength and endurance, the mule was an essential agent of the local economy since the colony's earliest times. In the image, we see one of the places where they lived, at the time when they pulled the trams through the city. This region of the city, Cascadura and Madureira, was the one where this mode of transport lasted the longest -- until 1928.

Image description: This is an old black-and-white photograph. The image shows a rural setting with several huts and animals. On the left side, there is a structure covered with tiles, likely a hut or barn. In front of this structure, several animals are scattered across the sandy ground. In the center of the image, there are more animals, including horses and cows, which appear to be grazing or walking. In the background, there is a range of mountains covered with dense vegetation. On the right, there are trees and bushes near the edge of the image. In the lower right corner, there is an inscription that appears to be a date and a number, but it is not clear.

In this photograph of Madureira, we see what would have been a tram depot. But what this image documents -- and which is rare in Rio's photographic iconography of that time -- is the water collection point on the right side of the image, highlighted in the detail below.

Image description: This is an old black-and-white photograph showing a scene of urban transportation. On the left side, we see some simple houses with sloped roofs. In the center, there is a structure with an arch, possibly a stopping point for the tram. On the right, there are structures that appear to be tram stations. In the background, there are mountains covered in dense vegetation. On the left there is also a large tree, and palm trees on the right. People are walking and talking near the stations. In the lower right corner, there is a series of numbers "1226".

While a man walks away with two water jugs, the three women by what appears to be a well wait for their moment to carry their containers. Two of them will carry theirs on their heads – where their head pads are already in place, waiting for the water jugs.

Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph of an urban scene. On the left side, we see a tram stopped at the sidewalk. In front of it, two men are walking toward the camera. Behind the tram, there is a small building with a sloped roof. In the center of the image, three women are talking near a wall. They are wearing traditional clothing, with long skirts and blouses. In the background, there is a hill covered with vegetation and some trees, including palm trees. In the upper right part of the image, we see the top of a building. In the lower right corner, there is the number "1226".

Although Lapa has changed quite a bit, from the vantage point of this photograph, anyone familiar with the area can easily identify that place – because certain streets and squares manage to retain their personality, their appearance, despite the successive interventions undergone over the decades. And to think that a lagoon existed in that vicinity when the city was born! In the image, the mule-drawn tram is the main clue that allows us to date it.

Image description: This is a historic black-and-white photograph of a square with urban transportation. On the left side, there is a building with a tower and bell, while the Grande Hotel stands on the right. In the center, there are two-story buildings with traditional architecture, including balconies and decorative windows. In the central part of the image, an animal-drawn tram is moving along the street. People are walking along the sidewalk, and carriages are parked nearby.

It was in 1906, while building the first plant to bring large-scale electric power to the city, that Light acquired controlling stakes in Ferro Carril de Vila Isabel, Companhia de São Cristóvão, and Companhia de Carris Urbanos, merging them into one. They were joined by Ferro Carril do Jardim Botânico and Ferro Carril Carioca. This marked the beginning of the rollout of a unified electric tram system, which would come to cover the city from north to south. But mule-drawn trams remained part of Light's range of services for a long time; the replacement was gradual and lasted until 1928. Lines from downtown to the Zona Sul and Zona Norte were given priority. In the suburbs, however, despite complaints and requests, the mules still persisted. As Light found itself needing fewer of them, it set about giving them a new purpose and new roles. This advertisement is from São Paulo: "Mules. Companhia Light & Power, having discontinued some animal-drawn tram lines in neighborhoods already served by electric trams, has for sale a large number of excellent animals for carts, plows, trolleys, etc. etc. [...]."

Image description: This is an old photograph of a streetcar, with several people standing on it. The image is in black and white. On the left side, we see men wearing suits and hats, some holding objects such as bags or newspapers. In the center, more people are standing, some wearing suits and others in more casual clothing, such as white pants and shirts. On the right, a man is seated in the driver's seat, wearing a hat and a scarf on his head. On the right side, two horses are tied to the streetcar. In the background, we see a row of trees and a clear sky.

The empty streetcar gives us the exact sense of its dimensions and seating availability. These were small cars, suited to the animals' capabilities – true heroes. Behind the streetcar, we see the stock of rails laid out on the ground. Testimony to the initiatives to expand and improve the transportation system.

Image description: This is an old black-and-white photograph of a tram. On the left side, there are tall palm trees and a small wooden house. In the center, the tram is in motion on iron rails. Three people are on the tram: two men are standing, one driving and the other seated. Behind the tram, there is another person seated. On the right, two horses are hitched to the tram. In the background, there is a line of trees and a hill.

For those who traveled the route between Madureira and Downtown, for example, the tram journey had two stages. The photograph shows a “Junção do Elétrico” tram, which brought citizens to the stop, where they transferred to an electric tram, which took them to their final destination.

Image description: This is an old photograph of a tram, captured in black and white. In the foreground, we see the tram, with its metal structure and passenger seats. On the upper part of the tram, there is a sign with the text "JUNCAOdoELECTRICO" and "MIXTO." In the background, there is a wooden building with a sloped roof, where some stacked crates can be seen. The tram's structure is positioned on rails, suggesting that it is on a platform or train yard.

There were streetcars for every use and purpose. They changed life in the city, becoming part of it, shortening distances and enabling new experiences. They also left their mark on every form of expression; in writing, in theater, in music, and in the visual arts. Conventional passenger streetcars were part of a diverse range of models in use; each one serving a different function. In this image, a mail streetcar.

Image description: This is a photograph of an old streetcar, shown in black and white. The image shows the streetcar stopped in front of a brick wall, with a cobblestone structure on the ground. On the left side, we see part of the streetcar with empty seats. In the center, there is an open door, revealing the dark interior of the vehicle. On the right, more seats are visible. On the upper part of the streetcar, there is a sign with ornamental lettering. In the lower right corner is the number "C-294".

A 'distinction tram' for events, such as christenings and weddings. These were decorated inside with fine furniture, white lace curtains and orange blossoms.

Image description: This is an old photograph of a streetcar, a common means of public transportation in the early twentieth century. The image shows the streetcar in front of a building with a sloped roof and textured wall. The streetcar is positioned in the center of the image, with its main structure occupying most of the frame. It has an open canopy on top, shielding passengers from the sun. At the bottom, there is an enclosed compartment with geometric decoration. To the right of the streetcar there is a large door, while to the left there is a barred window. The ground is made of stone, and the sky is clear, indicating a sunny day. In the bottom right corner of the image, there is an inscription that reads "C-275" and "Light and Power S. Christovão Carre de Casamento Rio 24-07".

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Imagem 1 de 2: São Cristóvão, Carro (bonde) de Casamento – 03/04/1907 – Augusto Malta

Photograph of a baggage tram – the 'caradura', later called "taioba", which began operating in the 1880s. In the baggage car, it was permitted to transport small loads, which was not possible on the regular tram. The fare was cheaper, aiming to compete with the chaises and carts. Passengers could travel barefoot and without a collar, carrying all kinds of goods, including baskets of chickens and other poultry, trays of sweets, fruits and vegetables, etc.

Image description: This is an old photograph of a streetcar, depicted in black and white. The image shows a streetcar stopped in front of a building with a sloped roof. On the left side, there is a structure covered by sloped roof tiles. On the right, the streetcar is positioned on iron rails, with large wheels and visible metal fittings. The streetcar has a roof covering and sides with windows enclosed by grates. On the front of the streetcar, there is a sign with the number "119" and the word "BAGAGEM" repeated on both sides.

There was even the mortuary tram, used to carry coffins to their final destination. As we can see, competition was already asserting itself over carriages in various categories, pointing to the transport alternatives that signaled a new era in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Image description: This is an old photograph of a tram, a common means of public transportation in the early 20th century. The image shows a tram on rails, pulled by two elephants. On the left, we see the elephants, while on the right is the tram, with its wooden structure and tiled roof. At the center of the tram, a person stands, holding the animal's harness. In the background, we see a simple structure, possibly a house or shed, with a tiled roof and brick walls. The ground around the tram is sandy, with stones scattered across it.