Boston Street Railway Association facts for kids
The Boston Street Railway Association (BSRA) is a special group in Boston, Massachusetts. Their main goal is to save and share the history of transportation, especially trains and trolleys, in Boston and all over New England. They have meetings every month and publish a news magazine about transit. They are also working to fix up an old Boston "Type 5" streetcar. The BSRA also creates its own books and plans fun "fan trips" on Boston's MBTA system and to places like the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine. This group gets its money from people who are members and from other donations.
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History of the BSRA
The BSRA started in 1959. Ten people who loved trains and trolleys, called "railfans," created the group. Most of them were in their twenties, and one was a teenager. That same year, they bought an old streetcar, number 5706. It was built in 1924 and was one of only four left. They bought it from a junkyard for $500. They hoped to use it for special trips later.
Since then, the BSRA has become well-known for its publications. These books and magazines share stories about the history of public transportation in New England and Boston. The group also organizes special "fan trips" on Boston's MBTA system and other places. They also publish their magazine, Rollsign, every two months.
Monthly Meetings for Members
For many years, the BSRA held its monthly meetings in a building called the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. This building was in Boston, at the corner of Tremont and Boylston streets. After that building was updated, the meetings moved. Now, BSRA gatherings happen at the Midtown Hotel on Huntington Avenue.
These meetings are open to all members and anyone else who wants to come. They usually start with a short business discussion. After that, there is a longer, fun presentation. These presentations often show photo slides and videos. They cover many topics about public transit, both old and new. Sometimes they even show systems from other parts of the country or the world. Any member can give a presentation if they plan it ahead of time.
Restoring an Old Streetcar
The BSRA helps pay for and manage the restoration of a historic "Type 5" Boston streetcar. Its number is 5706. This streetcar was built in 1924 for the Boston Elevated Railway. The people who started the BSRA bought it in 1959. The BSRA has been working hard to save and fix up this old streetcar ever since.
Fun Fan Trips
The BSRA plans special "fan trips" from time to time. These trips explore Boston's transportation system and other places related to trains and trolleys. For example, on June 14, 2009, the BSRA rented a bus. They used it to visit their own streetcar, number 5706. They also visited the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven, Connecticut.
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