Completed in 1974, the Abbenseth Carhouse was the Museum's first standard gauge car storage building, and the first building to allow cars in the Pacific Electric collection to be placed under cover. It was later enhanced with the addition of an inspection pit. Originally known simply as the "Standard Gauge Carhouse" or "Carhouse Two", in 2006 the building was renamed in honor of longtime member Walter Abbenseth. In 2007 the building received a new roof, replacing used material that had been utilized in its original construction.  

Walter Abbenseth

1926 – 2006

Walter was synonymous with the preservation of Pacific Electric trolleys, and was intimately involved with the purchase of eight of the cars in our collection.

Walter spent his entire life in the Los Angeles area, and began working for the Pacific Electric in 1945 at the age of 18. He worked primarily as a clerk, finally retiring in 1988. Walter never drove an automobile- he purchased his “first car” in 1952- PE “Big Red Car” 1001, which ultimately became the core of the Museum’s Pacific Electric collection. He joined the Museum in 1956 as member #99, and was often found here on weekends painting and restoring his cars and talking with friends and visitors about his experiences with the famous Pacific Electric system.

Additional Photos:

Walter on duty at Slauson Tower, 1950s	Walter posing with his car 1001, 2004. Steve Crise photo	Walter painting Hollywood Car 716, 2005