Here is Brookline Boulevard at the intersection with Edgebrook Avenue in 1951, across the street from DeBor Funeral Home. The Gulf station on the left has been replaced by a Seven-Eleven convenient store and gas station.

Up until 1966 trolley tracks intersected the Boulevard, and in 1951, at this point, the full pavement ended. Boulevard traffic was diverted onto narrow lanes that ran parallel to the tracks. The steel poles and tight squeeze were the source of many vehicular accidents and much consternation among residents.

At the end of the two block section of unpaved trolley right-of-way is the intersection at Breining Street near the present-day Parkview Manor apartments. In 1951 a shopping center stood in place of the highrise. The East Brookline Shopping Center was home to Liepack's Pharmacy, Open Pantry Grocery Store and the Big Bundle Coin-Op Laundramat. Again, the steel poles make for a tight squeeze and dangerous area.

Below is the 1400 block of Brookline Boulevard, approaching Witt Street, where only one lane of traffic was possible due to curbside parking. To the left over the hillside is the Trolley Loop and a wooded ravine owned by the Brookline Community Center Association. Today, there are two lanes and off-street parking available on the right.

A growing problem at the time were the dangers caused by the increasing number of vehicles on the road. This section of Brookline Boulevard was deemed an unsafe area to drive (judging by the photos for good reason) and residents were lobbying hard to have the city remove the steel poles and widen the street..

Click on images for larger pictures.