Mom's last story -- Shiloh St. Derail.

[Dietrich]

[I added this address to the list of non-subscribeer posters; I'll take
care of the pictures you mailed after I take my Swedish friend back to the
airport tomorrow --D]

Folks:

This is the last story from my mom (I know it's about time) but this one is
not off topic.

Before, during, or shortly after my birth my folks lived in a house on
Shiloh Street, it was torn down when the KQV tower was erected.  Mom
remembers something in the track to cause the streetcars to jump the track,
it was right in front of the house and she remembers it because of the
clankety clank noise the cars made when they passed.

Yes Professor Holland your map is correct.  There was a derail and here is
your proof -- http://www.voicenet.com/~dietrich/derail.jpg this was taken
from a small blurry photo that I scanned as large as possible to show the
details.  The thumbprint and arrow pointing to the house are extras.  You
can see the derail in the left track right next to the automobile.  It
should run the streetcar into that metal pole, but I wonder what would
happen if it missed!

So why was it there?  Behind the photographer was Grandview Ave. and a
rather quick route to the PRR tracks next to Carson St. so the idea was to
probably prevent cars from taking that shortcut.  But was it there to stop a
runaway?  How?  Or to stop a rear-end collision around the corner?  Notice
the overhead switch on the curve.

Regards.

Bob Dietrich