Reflections of Gentler Times

Reflections of Gentler Times

A scene that could only play at a trolley museum, as these two types of streetcars
are too far removed in vintage to have ever served concurrently in revenue operations.

The setting is the Baltimore Streetcar Museum on an October afternoon. A SEPTA PCC streetcar casts its reflection in the museum doors as well as along the flanks of wooden “convertible” car No. 264, built in 1900. The bright, modern (for her time) PCC is waiting to take passengers on the next ride along Falls Road to the 28th Street Loop. When she departs, No. 264 will move into position to take on passengers for the same trip along the broad gauge right of way.

PCCs ran on the streets of Baltimore, as did No.264, and the museum does have a Baltimore PCC car
in its collection, but on this day, this rescued and restored Philadelphia SEPTA PCC is doing the honors.

Incidentally, No. 264 is called a convertible car as her wood side panels and windows could be removed in
Baltimore’s often steamy summers so that her movement could provide some measure of relief to her passengers.

The toned black and white treatment was created from an original Ektachrome film image.

©2019 Steve Ember