Seventy years ago, electric streetcars were an important means of transportation in the community where I was born. A network of tracks ran all over the county. The photo above shows the streetcar passing down the hill in front of my old High School. By the time I went to school there, the Street Cars were a thing of the past. A brand new brick building sat where the corn field is located, just beyond the tracks.
Streetcar comes clanging
Riding rails of yesteryear
Past my old High School
Students and teachers rode by
Old gentleman stops to watch
***
Photo Source: Ed West
Roth Poetry 
When the landmarks change, it’s a reminder that we are getting older !
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Yes, you are right about that! And they have since done another renovation to the High School. Thank you,
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I particuarly like that the old gentleman stopped to watch in the last line of the poem. It seems fitting.
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It is probably what we all would do in this case!
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An interesting side note: When I was writing this last line I originally said Old man stops to watch and Word Press censored me. When I changed it to Old Gentleman it saved the draft with no problem.
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WordPress censored you?
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Why else would it give me a red flag note. It said some words could not be used. When I changed it there was no problem??
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Dwight, This post is a very interesting bit of nostalgis. I dimly remember seeing streecars in my childhood, but can’t remember where, Wheeling, maybe? Pittsburgh? I remember my grandmother taking me by the hand and getting me out of the path of the oncoming streetcar. As an adult, I rode streetcars in San Francisco and Seattle. I guess they used to be everywhere. The poem and photo brought back memories. ❤ Take care, Cheryl
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West Penn operated many of the street cars all over Southwestern Pennsylvania. They were gone by the time I was six or seven. I remember vaguely riding one with my father when I was very young!
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A great bit of nostalgia for sure!
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This is so nostalgic, and I have ridden streetcars. They still run in the city of Kolkata in India, it’s called a Tram there. The streetcar comes clanging is so true, it continuously makes that sound as it rides on streets with other traffic.
The ridership has been steadily declining on these, with the recent generations preferring cabs (ola runs alongside the trams – a mix of old and young 🙂). But it has a following amongst riders from yesteryears who still prefer to ride it.
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What a great story. I like the fact that you still have them running in some cities. I appreciate your great comment!
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And the electric street cars have also disappeared here in Geelong Dwight… Now I’ll have to search Google to find out when that was… ??
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Quite a while ago I am sure!
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oh for the love of street cars Dwight.. love the memories and this post reminding me of days gone by. nice! Left you a message in your home box,,. lmk if you get it .. Thanks ❤️ Cindy
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Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the memories. I have not seen your message on my feedback or email.
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You’re so welcome. LOVED!!! That’s so weird. Are you getting my posts lately? Just haven’t seen you for awhile which is weird.
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This is wonderful, Dwight! And what amazing times and memories of those times!
Great photo and writings! I feel like I am right there with you! Oh…and like the well-seasoned gentleman I would stop and watch, too! 🙂
My first time riding streetcars was in San Francisco, CA! 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
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Thank you! They were very iconic. And you always knew they were coming. They did not have a whistle like a train, they had a bell that rang to warn people they were coming!
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Ours are coming back
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Interesting… How great is that!
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Beautifully evoked
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Thank you very much!
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You are very welcome indeed 😊
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Your hometown could pass for a painting.
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Ah yes, looks like San Francisco to Daly City in the “Good ole days!”
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Thanks Jan! Great memories!
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Yes, those memories are precious, indeed. Thank you, {{{Dwight))).
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Dwight: Your story on the Trolley car and picture jogged my memory back to my youth when I used to, “Hitch a Ride” on the trolley cars. It inspired me to share my stories on, “Hitchin a Ride” back in the mid/late 1940’s. Thanks Bob Evans
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Thank you Bob. I am so glad it took you back there. I read your post. it is fantastic!!
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