Streetcars
Learn about Streetcars in the 1930's, 1940's and 1950's through a Grandparent's memories below.
(Did you grow up in the 1930's, 1940's or 1950's? Send us your memories of Streetcars and help build the library!)
~ Robert (b. 1924) ~
"It happened in 1933 when I was 9, living in San Francisco. One morning on my way to school, I came to an intersection on busy Geary Street when a streetcar started to move forward. I did too, thinking I could beat it and get to the other side of the street. The next thing I remembered was being hurtled upwards and came crashing down on the cowcatcher! A "Cowcatcher" is an "inclined metal frame located on the front of the locomotive to push aside cattle or some other article." I'm lucky the cowcatcher cradled me like a baby rather than pushing me aside --- like cattle."
~ Laverne (b. 1935) ~
"When I was young, streetcars were the only way to get around. But they were dangerous. There was one horrific accident with a truck and many people lost their lives. From that time on there were more regulations but I remember that people were afraid to ride the streetcars."
Did you grow up in the 1930's, 1940's or 1950's? Do you know someone who did?
Our Grandparents Stories is a library of memories of the 1930's, 1940's and 1950's. Help preserve history by sharing your memories to add to the library. Or record a memory recalled by a grandparent or senior. Stories can be in writing or on video or audio recording.
To learn more about Our Grandparents Stories, visit the 'Share a Story' or 'About' page. Or contact us directly at info@OurGrandparentsStories.org.