Eastern Ohio Traction Company

From east to west, the Chagrin Falls and Eastern Interurban Railway
crossed the Muggleton Farm (now South Russell Village Park) at this
location and connected the Chagrin Valley with Hiram, Garrettsville,
and Middlefield. Its sister interurban, the Cleveland and Chagrin Falls
Electric Railway served points west. Soon after their formation, the
Everett-Moore Syndicate merged the two lines into the extensive
Interurban rail network, The Eastern Ohio Traction Company. The
EOTC and its predecessors operated from 1899-1925, mainly moving
mail, farm goods, and passengers. In 1914, the more rural line from
Chagrin Falls traveling eastward became the first major interurban
in the United States to cease operations. It is believed that declining
use, insufficient power for the railway, and a failed line extension to
Youngstown were likely factors contributing to the line's demise.

Interurban transportation stimulated growth within the Chagrin Valley
during the early 20th century. The interurban provided faster,
more reliable transportation than using horse drawn wagons. As
the century progressed, automobiles and better paved roadways
brought an end to the interurban era. Looking eastward, a section
of interurban track is visible near the entrance to a walking
trail constructed over the original CF&E right-of-way, as



an
Eagle Scout project. The restored, interurban railcar wheels on
display were found in this park in 2011.

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