Edwin R. “Eddie” Brunner, a modest yet beloved motorman from Reading, Pennsylvania, was at the helm of history when he guided Streetcar No. 807 on its final journey on January 7, 1952. That day marked not just the end of trolley service in Berks County but also the culmination of Eddie’s remarkable 50-year career. His connection to the community and the Mohnton streetcar route remains an enduring symbol of a bygone era.
A Lifelong Commitment to the Rails
Eddie began his career in 1902 at the age of 19, working for the Reading Street Railway Company. Over five decades, he became a trusted and familiar presence on the rails, particularly along the Mohnton loop. This iconic trolley route connected the city of Reading to the town of Mohnton, winding through Shillington and offering scenic views alongside Wyomissing Creek. The loop became an essential lifeline for residents, connecting neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and fostering a sense of community.
Eddie’s dedication and personal touch elevated his work beyond that of a typical motorman. On the Mohnton route, he was known for assisting parents by looking after children, guiding visitors to landmarks and residences, and even waking passengers who had fallen asleep to ensure they reached their stops. For decades, Eddie was not just an operator of the Mohnton streetcar—he was its heart and soul.
Below: Motorman collects 10-cent fare at the Mohnton PA terminal in December 1951.
A Friendship Forged on the Tracks
The Mohnton loop was more than a transportation route; it was a thread that wove together the lives of its passengers. Stretching along what is now Route 625, the loop passed through vibrant communities and picturesque countryside, offering passengers more than just a ride. It was a daily ritual, a social hub, and a symbol of progress for Berks County.
For Eddie, the Mohnton loop held a special place. He spent years navigating its curves, stops, and bustling turnouts, where the camaraderie of fellow operators like Clarence J. “Boogie” Freeman added levity to long days. Passengers often remarked on Eddie’s calm demeanor, whether he was steering the trolley through rain or snow, or participating in lighthearted banter with Boogie at the Shillington turnout. Eddie and Boogie’s playful exchanges, such as swapping cigarettes mid-run or ribbing each other over delays, became part of the route’s charm.
The Historic Final Run of Streetcar 807
After its retirement, Streetcar 807 avoided immediate destruction. Around 1953, it found a second life as a clubhouse for the Blandon Rod & Gun Club before being moved to a farm. Eddie, who retired alongside five other veteran motormen, took solace in knowing that the trolley had been spared from scrapping. However, the years were not kind to 807. Efforts in the 1990s to restore it for a transportation museum ultimately failed, as exposure to the elements left the car too deteriorated to save.
By then, 807 had become little more than a relic, serving as a goat shed on a Blandon farm before disappearing entirely. Its loss was felt deeply by those who remembered the Mohnton loop and its significance to the community.
Below: Streetcar 807, 1941.
Life After the Trolley Tracks
Eddie retired alongside five other veteran motormen, including his dear friend Boogie Freeman. The transition wasn’t easy for Eddie, whose life had been defined by the rhythm of the rails. Streetcar 807, however, remained a symbol of his career, and Eddie took comfort in knowing it had been spared from immediate scrapping. It found a second life as a clubhouse for the Blandon Rod & Gun Club before being relocated to a farm.
Even in retirement, Eddie’s connection to the trolley remained strong. He reminisced fondly about his days on the tracks, recalling the faces of passengers, the camaraderie with colleagues, and the unmistakable clang of the trolley bell. When he learned that 807 had been repurposed, he was relieved, though he stayed away from its scrapping or dismantling—those memories were too personal.
The Fading of a Legacy
Sadly, Streetcar 807’s fate mirrored the passage of time. Efforts in the 1990s to restore the trolley for a transportation museum were unsuccessful due to decades of exposure to the elements. By then, the once-proud streetcar had been reduced to a dilapidated structure, serving as a goat shed on a Blandon farm before ultimately disappearing.
Eddie himself passed away in July 1969 at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that is intertwined with the history of Berks County’s trolleys. His life and career stand as a testament to an era when public transportation was personal, and motormen like Eddie were the heart of the community.
Below: Mohnton Streetcar 807, 1990 Wesner Road, Blandon, PA.
Preserving the Memory of Eddie Brunner
While both Eddie and Streetcar 807 are now gone, their story endures. Eddie’s dedication, humor, and kindness touched countless lives, and his final journey aboard 807 marked the end of a transformative period in Berks County’s history. Local historians, including George Meiser, have worked to keep these memories alive through archival footage and storytelling, ensuring that Eddie’s contributions and the legacy of the trolley era are not forgotten.
Eddie Brunner was more than a motorman—he was a symbol of a time when transportation connected not just places, but people. His story, like that of Streetcar 807, reminds us of the importance of cherishing the history that shapes our communities.
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