Step back in time to Baltimore, Maryland, in April 1943. A captivating photograph by Marjory Collins (1912-1985) reveals a continuous stream of trolleys carrying workers from the Bethlehem Fairfield shipyard to downtown Baltimore. As the shift changed, passengers rushed for other trolleys and buses while new ones arrived every minute to manage the traffic.

In the 1940s, trolleys were the lifeline of many American cities, including Baltimore. Collins’ photograph immortalizes this era, reminding us of the connectivity and shared purpose these trolleys brought to the city.

Today, while trolleys may be scarce, their legacy lives on, etched into Baltimore’s history. So, the next time you walk through the city’s bustling streets, imagine the trolleys that once carried the dreams of hardworking individuals during this pivotal period in American history. Let’s celebrate the marvels of the past that shape our present.