The Streetcars, Part 2

The crowding of the streetcar at rush hour time was something you did not want to look forward to.
If you lived far away from downtown you could usually get an early morning seat, but the closer you  were to your  desination, the more crowded the trolley became.  Sometimes it was standing room only. When the car came to a jerky stop, you would be knocked a little off balance, and try to hold on even tighter to the strap above your head or the pole infront of you.

Usually, if you went shopping downtown, you and your packages boarded the street car for home. The chances for finding a seat and resting the packages on your lap were almost impossible if it was 'rush hour time'.  If you stood, you had packages in one arm and the other arm was holding onto the strap or  the steel poles.  Sometimes a kindly person sitting in front of  you would ask if they could hold your packages for you?

If you were fortunate to see an acquaintance you knew; you engaged them in conversation and before you knew it, the time passed so quickly; the next stop coming up was yours.

The floor of the cars reminded me of  treadmill floors.  Some of the seats had cushioning. Later on, the seats were not always so comfortable.  There were spaces for advertising around the upper perimeter of the car which city merchants used to promote their products.

The streetcars were so convenient for the average person to use. During the holidays you could ride down town to look at the beautiful displays in the department store windows.  If you had to visit someone in the hospital;you hopped a streetcar and departed at a stop near the hosptial.  There were the County Fairs and people took advantage of the streetcars to get them there. You didn't have to worry about parking your car and walking some distance to get to fairs and holiday shopping.

I think Streetcars were a great way to travel.  You had time to reflect while you were riding.  Many people got caught up on their reading while riding to and from work. Neighbors and friends chatted with each other. Some of us had a chance to get caught up on our sleep!  

There are many streetcar enthusiasts around today who collect  various memorabilia of those wonderful cars of yesteryear.