Boston Trolleys September 1967 including the Watertown Line

A look at the system on Labor Day weekend 1967 before 3-car trains went back in service but before the Watertown line ended regular service.

[@thomasalton1220]

I'm old enough to remember when the 'Green Line' featured the older PCC model trolley cars. I went to Boston College from 1976 -1980 and saw the start of the phasing out of these older trolley cars. The 'A' line (Watertown) line had been discontinued. I still remember the old cars' squeals, especially on the turn just west of the Boylston station and the turn at North Station. These are wonderful shots of those cars.

[@stuartperry1047]

At the Reservoir stop on the Green Line, there used to be a trolley depot where trolleys dating back to the 20's and 30's used to be stored. It was there for many years- up until the late 70's, I believe.

[@joes.949]

Those old trains were beautiful.

[@Bobrogers99]

Note that there aren't many photos of diesel buses on the Internet, but everyone loves the trolleys. Also note that in cities all over the world, trolleys/trams are making a comeback.

[@philmcdonald6088]

❤️. 9:25: my old neighborhood. i loved 3157 on the watertown line. the silence is refreshing.

[@Madness832]

Wow, thanks for sharing that! I wasn't born until about 6 years later, but I do remember taking several JP trips on the Arborway line, w/ my dad, in the early 80's. We were from Southie.

[@donh7909]

I was 6 or 7, back then.. Mom and I went very where..

[@williamneumyer7147]

"Knickerbocker Beer presents Judy Garland in Concert." This must have been when she was staying at the Prudential Center.

[@gannsettt]

"Braves Field" loop is actually the Oak Square loop.

[@henryhenning561]

Braves Field Loop at 9:43 is Oak Square. Same at 11:04

[@pudgyv5223]

There are two on the Watertown line captioned "Braves Field Loop" which are actually at Oak Square. Still, an excellent show.

[@1711and14]

Pudgyv When I took those two pictures in 1967 Braves Field had been long gone. But, the Boston native guiding me around that day specifically identified the location as the location of the former Braves Field loop. When I publish my photos from 1968 and/or 1969, you may see the location identified the same way. For those of us that are fans of the Braves, IF it was the Braves Field loop location, then from a historical perspective it is more fun and perhaps interesting to call it what it was -- at least as it pertains to us old folks . On the other hand, thanks for the information.

[@whatmeworryhahaha]

+1711and14 Hmm.. Braves Field was before Packard's Corner, on Comm Ave and Babcock (basically Nickerson today). But the line running out to Oak Sq. (A Line!) only (probably not those continuing to Watertown Sq.) may have been called the Braves Field Loop??.. I mean the old name may have stuck since the 50's. I lived in Oak Sq. in the 80/90's and always wished the old A line still ran. Just a bus line though, uggh.

[@amusedbutinformed]

Clearly the part at 9:59 called The Braves Field loop is, in reality, Oak Square. I mean Gray's Market should be a giveaway. Where, is Cook's Tap?

[@1711and14]

I don't recall a "Green Line" designation for any Boston Trolley Line in 1967 (50 years ago -- But my aging memory could be failing me).

[@notsure6187]

1711and14 Wikipedia says the color code was put in place in 1967

[@philiplow6016]

I was in the 8th grade. The Record American was 8 cents. Coffee ☕was 10 cents. The war was in 🇻🇳.

[@automotiveproreviews4you201]

the " brave's loop" pics are actually Oak Square Brighton, right?

[@jonathanrice1070]

Aren’t they still running those cars on the Mattapan line?

[@gannsettt]

No three car trains which were common at that time. Or the Canal St. Loop.

[@richardcarlson7370]

I remember seeing that peculiar gray-painted trolley with the yellow doors. What was that about ?

[@edwardmiessner6502]

Initial paint scheme recommended by Cambridge Seven & Associates for the T. I'm glad they dumped it; I prefer the color-coded liveries of the individual lines

[@griffin324]

1:38 where is that?

[@richardyanco3229]

Newton Corner heading into Boston

[@griffin324]

Wow... Thank you!

[@modyinnh9535]

griffin324 Right over the Mass. Pike. Paramount Theatre just to left of the frame. Movie central when I was a kid.

[@aperson1971]

was it the the Green line ?

[@Clavichordist]

Yes this is the "Green Line" before it was called that. This is how I remember the trolleys when I was a kid. I was 6 when these photos were taken.
Sadly Watertown and Arborway are gone now. I rode both those lines as well as the EL.

[@danielhughes5108]

my dad drove the first trolley out of Riverside July 4th1959

[@napoleonsolo5929]

@@Clavichordist 1967 was the year they started with colors. I lived in the North End when I was a kid. I remember it well.

[@wtb3nkfd54]

"Lechmere"

[@notsure6187]

wtb3nkfd54 Lochness

[@tomcooley3778]

wtb3nkfd54 Cambridge

[@modyinnh9535]

wtb3nkfd54 Yep! Was gonna mention that.

[@officeaddict33]

This video desperately needs some background music.