This line was formed when the original Albina loop was split into two legs, with the leg higher up the hill to the east becoming known as the “Upper” Albina line. The southern part of the line was moved to run north up First Avenue to Quincy Street and then onto Williams Avenue in September 1896 to avoid the steep, dangerous hill and tight curve on McMillan Street. The line was extended north up Williams Avenue to Killingsworth Street and a new connection with the St. Johns steam motor line in December 1901.

“Williams Avenue” headboards replaced the old “Upper Albina” ones in April 1905, though the line continued to carry “U” dash signs for many years. I choose to use this date to mark the transition between the two names, though obviously this is a fairly subjective call.

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