Peter Witts trams 1818 & 1895, both from far-off Milan, Italy exchange greetings at the interesection of 17th & Noe streets in San Francisco, California of all places. If the casual passerby were to stop just long enough, close their eyes and just listen. Listen long enough to the air that “hisses” from the pneumatic brake system. The smooth rolling sound of a steel wheel on steel rail. The “toot” of the air whistle and the groan of the brakes.
Keeping their eyes closed and continuing to listen, it is almost possible to mistake this street corner for the Piazza Cordusio. One of Milan’s two major town squares, and a major hub for its streetcars. The same causal passerby now opens his or her eyes, and what lies before them?
17th & Noe in San Francisco. A place where streetcars – or trams if you will – from exotic ports-of-call roam the streets. A place where if you close your eyes from just long enough, it’s possible to travel away without ever leaving home.
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