With all the buzz about whether the H Street streetcar will happen or not, we thought it would be a great idea to share some images of what streetcar living was like back in the middle of the 20th century. It’s been over 50 years since D.C. has had operating streetcars, but it’s within the realm of possibility that we might see them again soon. Maybe.
Below is an image of a woman learning how to become a streetcar operator in June of 1943.
Source: Library of Congress
I’m really disappointed that the street car is running into problems.
I can really see how much I’d enjoy them.
The San Francisco streetcar program has an original DC Transit car. I always hope that I get to ride it. The SF program has streetcars from all over the world.
Having been born in D.C. and living there until I married in 1957, I rode the streetcars all over N.W. Washington. As a pre-teen, my buddy, Earl Wolfe and I would board the car at 3rd and Sheridan Street, ride to the terminal at 14th St., transfer and go downtown to the movies on F Street. When we came out, we would go to the Planter’s Store on F St., buy a box of broken cashews (they cost a lost less than the whole ones) and return home, sitting in the rear of the streetcar and consuming the cashews. Can you imagine a parent letting a kid do that today in D.C. or any other city? How times have changed!
Yeh…doing that today you would be lucky to make it back home alive.
John Clampitt, What a small world! Our family lived in that big house on the corner of 3rd and Sheridan St NW late 50’s-mid 60’s! All the kids were free to roam, explore, and get into mischief as long as we were back home by dark. Clearly remember watching the drum corps at Coolidge HS, walking to Takoma Park, and sneaking contraband fish sandwiches into the movie theater on Georgia Ave! Best!!!