Trolley Talks- Railway Presentations w/ Richard Thompson
Richard Thompson is the author of several books on old trolleys, including “Portland’s Streetcars,” “Portland’s Streetcar Lines,” “Willamette Valley Railways,” “Portland’s Interurban Railway”, and “Slabtown Streetcars”. He enjoys giving illustrated presentations on Oregon’s rich electric railway history.
Available in Portland/Vancouver and Mid-Willamette Valley!
Phone: (503)709-6408
Email: trolley503@frontier.com
Website: http://vintagetrolleys.com/
Don’t forget to tell Richard Thompson you found his services using Elderaudience!
Praise for Richard Thompson:
“It was excellent”, “Interesting program”, “Very informative”, and “Wonderful program”, are only few of the many wonderful comments spoken from attendees of Richard Thompson’s Streetcar program at the Tigard Public Library.
“…We invited Richard Thompson to speak to our group about the development of Portland’s trolley and streetcar lines. I had heard Richard speak at Powell’s bookstore several months earlier and I knew his presentation would be perfect for our group. Richard did an outstanding job of discussing and showing the development of our early public transportation systems. He has a wonderful way of talking about this subject which both informs and delights his audience. He kept our members riveted for over an hour with stories about who, why and how the streetcar and trolley lines were built and how they met their demise. Richard obviously is *the expert *in this subject and he presents it in a manner that is fascinating, educational, and entertaining. It is my understanding that Richard is writing another book on streetcars. We can’t wait until he is finished so we can invite him back”. Bob E., Board Member, Urban Tour Group
“Here at the Hillsboro Library Main branch we recently (Sept. 20) hosted a ‘Trolley Talk’ with local historian Richard Thompson. Mr. Thompson narrated an AV presentation about the history of Willamette Valley Railways which was well attended and, from the feedback I heard, well received. While Mr. Thompson’s program would appeal to folks of all ages and inclinations, I think that that those of us who appreciate history and those that can remember the vestiges of Willamette Valley rail service would get the most enjoyment from the program. I would heartily recommend Mr. Thompson and his presentation to any other library or other organization that provides informational and entertainment programs to the general public. Thank you”, Charles B., Library Assistant, City of Hillsboro, Oregon
“I just hosted Richard Thompson on Tuesday (3/17/15) for a trolley talk on “Willamette Valley Railways” at my library. I wanted to send you some comments on how wonderful Richard and the program are. The event was more successful than I dreamed – we had standing room only (64 attendees). I highly recommend Richard as a presenter… it was programming money well spent. He’s a professional and an engaging speaker with a great digital presentation. He answered questions and even got new information from some of the attendees. Everyone I spoke to after the program enjoyed it thoroughly. Just this morning (2 days after the program), I spoke to two of my regular library patrons at Starbucks. They’d been unable to attend the event and asked me about it. They also asked if it would be happening again. I have already passed on a recommendation to host Richard’s Trolley to my fellow programmers at Washington County (WCCLS) libraries. I will likely be contacting Richard again in the future for a different program as this one was so well-attended and enjoyed. Clearly there is an audience for this topic.” Heather W., Adult Services Programmer, Garden Home Library
“I booked all of Richard’s “Trolley Talks” and the residents adored them. The residents loved how detailed he was with facts and slides to present. It was great to see all of my residents walking down memory lane.” Jenn K., Activity Director, Regency Park Assisted Living and Memory Care
“Richard Thompson is the authority on the history of the Portland street cars and trolleys. The residents were entertained with wonderful pictures and commentary on the by-gone trolley car era here in Portland. Richard is a fantastic speaker and had great stories to tell from people involved in the street car companies themselves during the height of the business. He put us in the mood for a great recalling of history with a street car hat and a showing of a few real trolley car collectible antiques. The residents were involved in his presentation as they could recall the street cars in operation and point out familiar businesses and homes in the old black and white photos.” Mary D., Cedar Sinai Park, Portland
“I have the following review I would love to submit for the profile of Richard Thompson, for his “trolley talks.” Richard has such a wealth of knowledge and historical photographs to share with our seniors. I appreciate his willingness to translate his great books into an interactive medium, and the lengths to which he has gone to create his presentations. Our residents really looked forward to the show and were not disappointed. They only wished he could have gone forward further in time or gone longer!” Colleen W., Whitewood Gardens in Portland
“Really enjoyed Richard Thompson “the Trolley Man recently. He did a program on Portland Streetcars which was very interesting – residents did a lot of reminiscing.” Nancy B., Hearthstone in Beaverton
*Information on this listing may be subject to change. Please contact this lister directly with any questions.
Tags: Education/Instruction, History, Hobbies, Mid Willamette Valley, OK to contact on short notice, Portland and Mid-Valley, Portland/Vancouver, Speaker, streetcars, travel to your facility, trolley