Among The Unknown | The Abandoned Trolley Graveyard Episode 43 (Season 8 Premiere)

A collection of trolley cars in the woods represent one man's attempt to preserve transportation history.

In 1992, Ed Metka, a retiree with a passion for streetcars, bought 14 retired green Line trolley (or streetcars) from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for $500 to $1000 apiece. The cars were trucked by flatbed from Boston to his railcar repair shop.

His collection of mostly ’30s and ’40s-era cars ran in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Cleveland and Johnstown.

His passion for the history and tourism potential of streetcars dates to his time in Chicago.

“I was 6 years old when my mother would take me on the streetcar,” said Mr. Metka, 77 (2015).

“I stood like a co-pilot next to the motorman to watch him work the
controls.”

In the 1980s, Metka learned Philadelphia was selling surplus transit equipment. He soon owned 10 streetcars and rented an abandoned railroad spur to store them near his home, then in Thurmont, Md.

An acquaintance in Johnstown recommended he check out Windber, PA.

Metka found an empty former plant and rail yard.

“I said, ‘OK, I’m going to move to Windber and continue to acquire these’ ” in retirement, Metka said.

He then established the Vintage Electric Streetcar Co.

Founded in 1986, the Vintage Electric Streetcar Company began salvaging old trolleys with the eventual goal of restoration and reuse as tourist attractions and public transportation.

It was said that Metka wanted to have a museum for his collection of trolleys.

It is also said that Ed Metka occasionally give tours of the site, for which, as of August 2017, there's been multiple reports that people are not getting responses from this email address.

There are also some rumors that suggest that he may have passed away due to old age.

Today, there are about 46 or 47 streetcars, trolleys, and train cars on the property.

Explored 10/26/19

*Please take note of the sentences shown at the bottom of the video during scenes.*