I recall the original station very well. I would describe it as a very "tidy", well-built, and well-maintained station. I also remember the incredible noise waiting for an inbound train on the lower platform when a terminating train pulled in upstairs - it was quite loud. The station had really nice light fixtures - totally unlike those found in most of the then-MTA system. I can also just recall riding beyond Harvard to Stadium station for football games at Harvard Stadium and boarding trains there on the way home. And, betraying my age 
, I also recall riding the old Osgood-Bradley cars; as a child I liked to ride on one of the cars that had been "modernized" with fluorescent lights, upholstered seats, and a colorful, orange paint job. When the "bluebirds" were introduced in 1963 (do I have the year correct?) we were so impressed with how "modern" they were compared to the "old" cars. But I did/do miss the Osgoods. There was just something about that traction sound...
Two observations: the old station configurations were MUCH better when it came to transfers. I saw mention of Egleston and Forest Hills and I would add that Ashmont, Dudley and the old Sullivan Square stations were impressive structures with good covered transfer facilities. That new platform for trolleys at Ashmont - what was the MBTA thinking?
Second: I read an article one time about the importance of keeping the trackless trolley routes in Cambridge. It turns out that trackless trolley systems are considered "fixed guideway" [electric propulsion] routes (like trolley lines, light-, and heavy-rail.) Some modern federal disbursements are based on the length of fixed guideway routes, so it's in the interest of the MBTA to keep the Cambridge system. Pity that these disbursements weren't available when Boston had more trolley and trolleybus lines!
, I also recall riding the old Osgood-Bradley cars; as a child I liked to ride on one of the cars that had been "modernized" with fluorescent lights, upholstered seats, and a colorful, orange paint job. When the "bluebirds" were introduced in 1963 (do I have the year correct?) we were so impressed with how "modern" they were compared to the "old" cars. But I did/do miss the Osgoods. There was just something about that traction sound...Two observations: the old station configurations were MUCH better when it came to transfers. I saw mention of Egleston and Forest Hills and I would add that Ashmont, Dudley and the old Sullivan Square stations were impressive structures with good covered transfer facilities. That new platform for trolleys at Ashmont - what was the MBTA thinking?
Second: I read an article one time about the importance of keeping the trackless trolley routes in Cambridge. It turns out that trackless trolley systems are considered "fixed guideway" [electric propulsion] routes (like trolley lines, light-, and heavy-rail.) Some modern federal disbursements are based on the length of fixed guideway routes, so it's in the interest of the MBTA to keep the Cambridge system. Pity that these disbursements weren't available when Boston had more trolley and trolleybus lines!
