LAUNCESTON'S city centre took a trip back in time yesterday to celebrate 100 years since the opening of the tramways.
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Veteran and vintage cars lined The Avenue and a penny farthing zoomed by as Tram No.1 sat in the same spot it had 100 years ago at the unveiling ceremony.
Launceston Museum Tram Society vice-president John Binns said the event was about celebrating the spirit of the trams.
"They were integral to Launceston's community," Mr Binns said.
As Launceston's first mode of public transport, the trams were many people's only means of travel.
"They even carried the soldiers to the wharf for transportation for both world wars."
Mayor Albert van Zetten said the Launceston Municipal Tramway was among the many "firsts" about which Launceston could boast.
It had been the only tramway in Australia to be supplied with electricity generated by the owner's own hydro-electric power station.
When they were sold in December 1952, the trams and tram sheds took on some interesting uses.
"Back then when young people got married many couldn't afford houses, so they bought a tram instead for $200," Mr Binns said.
Some tram sheds were also sold as shacks, garden sheds and houses.
Since then six trams have been restored for the Tram Museum at Inveresk, which opened in 1996.
Could the trams operate in the CBD again?
Tram shed hand Graeme Davis said it had been examined in the past.
"There are a lot of obstacles to overcome, but in theory it's a good idea," Mr Davis said.
- BRONWYN LUZZA, University of Tasmania journalism student
