Number 316 was built in 1913 for the Southern Traction Company by the St. Louis Car Company. It arrived in Dallas from St. Louis in September 1913. The 316 was built as part of a 22 car order, meaning that all 22 "motors" were built identical. They were numbered 301 through 322.

Southern Traction was absorbed into the "Texas Electric" in 1917, with all 22 motors becoming T&E cars, keeping their original numbers. The T&E ceased operations in 1948, with all 22 motors being let out for salvage. The same fellow that purchased the three North Texas Traction (NTT) trailer cars for a campground, also purchased a number of the 300 series motors. The 305 (which we are doing for the City of Corsicana) and the 316 were among those going to the campground. It is unclear as to when the 316 left the campground and made its way to a dentist near Fort Worth, who used it on his ranch as a cabin. He attached a partial roof and small structure on the side of it.

The entire 300 series of cars were heavily modified in 1932. The arched upper sash windows were removed and sheet metal was added for a "streamlined" effect. As a note, we will be taking the car back to its original 1913 appearance. The T&E was the major electric interurban railroad based in Dallas. It had three major lines. One ran to Corsicana, one to Waco, and the other north to Dennison, with branches going to Fort Worth and Cleburne.

Number 316 will be converted into a self-propelled dining car.