No. 69 is shown in an early 1900s publicity photo with the Mayor of Indianapolis at the helm. Indiana Historical Society Bass Collection Photo.
Citizens Street Railway Mule Car No. 69 is one of the oldest transit vehicles preserved in both the United States and the world. Built in 1868 by Stephenson, No. 69 was part of a second order of mule cars, also known as horse cars. Designed to eliminate the need of a conductor and second mule, the cars were known as “bobtails”. The car transported citizens across Indianapolis from 1868 to 1892 on Massachusetts and College avenues. The car would be replaced by the first electrified streetcars.
After discontinuation from service, No. 69 was used as a tool shed along Senate Avenue in Indianapolis. From 1906 onward, No. 69 survived as a public relations endeavor for the succeeding electric railway company in Indianapolis, later known as Indianapolis Railways. The car, restored a handful of times by the American Legion and Indianapolis Railways, served as a parade float at community events in Indianapolis. The car was used in special events, such as the 75th anniversary of the street railways on Monument Circle.
Beginning in 1938, No. 69 was housed at the West Washington Street trolley barns, which was also where HHTC's sole-surviving streetcar No. 153 was based. No. 69 lived alongside the streetcars and buses that were the succeeding generations moreover of its replacement.
Volunteers stand beside the recently stabilized and loaded mule car on January 18, 2020. The day, 30 degrees with high winds and sleet, saw the car’s relocation to temporary, indoor storage.
No. 69 will allow HHTC to tell the full story of how Hoosiers traveled and built our state prior to the reign of the automobile. From the 1800s mule cars to the wooden interurbans, from the steel interurbans to the modern streetcars, HHTC will be able to demonstrate the full evolution of city and statewide rail transit.
Long-term plans call for the car to be restored as an exhibit focal point within HHTC's permanent home. The car was acquired by HHTC in January 2020.