This may be getting a bit off topic, but it does have to do with the pre-history of the interurban network. We have discussed the Electric Package Company that provided a very extensive interurban express network across Ohio and neighboring states. This system followed in the path of railroad express companies, dating at least as far back as about 1840. Thus, the idea of express service had developed long before electric railways came onto the scene.

The first known express operation, beginning in 1839 was that of William Harnden, carrying small packages and mail between New York and Boston. The usefulness of such a service quickly became apparent, and express operations soon became extensive throughout the country and elsewhere. Major companies developed, including Adams & Co’s California Express, 1849, Wells Fargo & Co, 1852 and American-European Co, 1855. In addition, there were a number of railroad owned express companies.

In 1918, at the time when, during World War One, US railroads were operating under Federal control, Federal pressure led several of the railroad-owned express operations, along with the express operations of Adams, Wells Fargo and American Express, a freight forwarding operation, to combine forming the American Railway Express Co. Of course, Adams, Wells Fargo and American Express, having earlier developed financial services operations, continue in this role.

At the Northern Ohio Railway Museum, we don’t just study history, we preserve it. Our collection of electric streetcars and interurbans is a living testament to Ohio’s industrial spirit. We are a volunteer-run non-profit dedicated to keeping these treasures on the tracks for the next generation. Come see our progress when our 2026 Season opens on May 23rd. You can find our Full Schedule of Events here.