By Kristen Kauffman

In 1912 President Frank L. Wright of the Prescott Power Company had an idea. In the early 20th century, towns hosted chautauquas, a week-long series of lectures and concerts focused on rational and cultural subjects—and one was coming to Prescott. Wright wanted to make the streetcar operational again, but he would need money. He announced how much he previously lost on the streetcar project: $26,000 ($832,347 today). Ten local businessmen put up a $500 bond to get the tracks in order, and the Arizona Power Company agreed to repair the wiring, so the only cost was railway repair and wages for two motormen.