Stories of Paraná - Chariots of Fire

Stories of Paraná - Chariots of Fire

"Chariots of Fire"
Luiz Cláudio Mehl

Every town has a vocation, is the claim that planners.
Physical traits, geographical location and cultural background are some determinants of this vocation.
It is said, for example, that St. Paul is the face of capitalist Brazil, money, competition and success seem to move the majority of its inhabitants.
The Rio de Janeiro, violence aside, cultivates mysticism, romanticism and musicality.
Curitiba, in reverse, does not clearly define a vocation as predominant city.
She has changed the practice of science to urban manifestations of sociological phenomena.
There is however the one common trait among its residents: An inordinate vanity the city!
And this is not a recent phenomenon.

In the beginning of the twenties, early automobile era, Curitiba has had an integrated transport system. The "Smokey Mary" brought travelers to the Railway Station, located in the square we now call "Eufrásio Correa", close to the actual building of the City Council. And right in front of the building of the Network aünhavam up the caleças stockings caleças, Landau and other models.
Were small carts carrying passengers to various points in the city The seats were upholstered, the soft springiness and the lamps lit the nights, usually covered by fog.
They were pulled by horses and directed by gallant coachman accompanied by footmen (helpers).
Count those who lived those times, that the drivers vied weary travelers the long train ride.
They embarked on the runabout, exhausted, and ordered the coachman: "Take me to the nearest hotel." And runabout went on the street shot above Rio Branco.
Meanwhile, the footman for the traveler described the beauties of the place, as they passed in front, the palaces of the Knock, the cathedral, the pillory, the promenade and to the farm of John Gualberto Lion Street. The Tour often exceeded the wee hours of night and light the lamps, the traveler finally reached the "next" hotel; sore and tired by travel.
When I awoke the next day, open the windows of the room where the family unraveled Railway Station building.
To stretch a little further he saw the neck aligned the same caleças yesterday, the Tatersal, Forbec, Colere, Rutz, and of course Mehl.
Witness to the truth of these times, there remains the Hotel Marcassa; remodeled and expanded, but even with the windows facing the station.

Luiz Cláudio Mehl, civil engineer


Source: Stories of Paraná, Brasil.