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Fascination with Trolley Cars
Last Sunday, I began the sermon by naming the trolley cars that would take me to 37th & Spruce—the 11, 13, 34, and 36. Trolley cars have always been a part of my life. One of my earliest memories is when my grandmother would come to babysit. She would put me in a stroller and wheel me to Ogontz Avenue in northwest Philly. She would sit on a wall, and I would sit in the stroller on the sidewalk. She would speak to me in German. I listened, but my eyes were glued to the passing trolley cars. Some of the trolley drivers, perhaps sensing my fascination, would ring the bell as they passed me. Those moments were pure bliss.
Years later, I made a vow to myself. I will build a model railroad in the basement when I grow up. This childhood dream became a reality when Jeffrey and I lived in Foxwood in Paoli. I built a model railroad, HO gauge, 24 feet by 17 feet. It filled half of the basement. On the perimeter was a steam railroad called the Ogontz and Luzerne that carried freight and passengers to various towns. In the interior was a trolley car company, Ogontz Traction, that provided transportation to towns in the mountains. From 1996 to 2022, I worked on that train platform, a testament to the power of dreams and determination. The picture shows Lucie interfering with the evening commuters who only want to get home.
When we moved to Shannondell, the railroad was dismantled and given to a neighbor who wanted to build one for his children. I kept some essential pieces and set up a miniature railroad on the dining room table at Christmas. It may be small, but it still brings me joy. Have a great day.
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