Note the old style trolleys passing each other near the intersection with Stebbins. Soon the new Presidential Conference Trolleys would be replacing the old wooden cars, and would remain in service until 1966.

The Boulevard itself was truly the center of attention at this time in history. Brookline was considered suburbia, being seperated from the city by the hilly terrain. Like most neighborhoods of the time, our community was self-sufficient, and a stroll along the Boulevard was like a stroll through the malls of today.

There were shops to cater to all the needs of the population. There were food stores, soda shops, pharmacies, hardware stores, clothing retailers, cobblers, tailors, record stores, barber shops, 5 and dime stores, corner stores, newsstands, auto mechanics, repair stores, a movie theatre, dentists, doctors, cigar stores, bars, night clubs and so much more.

You never had to leave town, and since most families did not own automobiles, many would only leave on the occasional trip to town or to places like Kennywood Park, which were all accessible by trolley. Note how the cars are parked curbside along the rode and how narrow the roadway is. Can you imagine what chaos it would be today, with most families owning two or three cars apiece?

Life was truly different in yesteryear, but in many ways still the same. The Boulevard, through its many changes, has still retained it's character and value to the citizens of Brookline. You can still browse the shops and find many of the services offered in the past. Although large malls have made a dent in the types of services available, you can still find most of what you need right here on the Boulevard.

And if you are without transportation, the Port Authority bus service can still get you just about anywhere you want to go. It lacks the nostalgia and romance of riding the rails, but today's folks can benefit from an air conditioned ride!