WESTERN PACIFIC Jl!J.1!P!?its OPERATION BLUE CHIP

With "Operation Blue Chip" on No­ now obtainable. The balance will be vember 27 to 29, inclusive, Western used to partially r eimburse the com­ P acific placed itself on inspection by pany treasury for the cost of r ecent those interested in bidding on the improvements and thus to provide forthcoming bond issue. treasury funds for the additional An eleven- car train, th e "Blue Chip C.T. C., h eavy rail, new freight cars, Special," carried more than forty lead­ etc., on which the prosperity of the Vol. II , No.5 DECEMBER, 1950 Milepost No. 17 ing insurance company executives and road and its employees depends. investment bankers, most of them All departments cooperated to in­ Department of Public Relations from Eastern cities, over the entire sure that Operation Blue Chip went WESTERN PACIFIC RAILROAD main line, accompanied by President smoothly and space does not permit SACRAMENTO NORTHERN RAILWAY TIDEWATER SOUTHERN RAILWAY Whitman and a dozen or so oth er WP mention of all who helped to make it 526 Mission Street, San Francisco 5 officials as hosts. On the first day the successful. The dining car department, Lee " Flash " Sherwood, Editor Arthur Lloyd, Jr., Associate Editor special ran from Salt Lake City to however, did itself proud and its Roast Member American Railway Magazine Ed itors' A ssociation Keddie, tying up there for the night. F eather River Bear (meat by courtesy The following day was marked by a of the Plumas County Chamber of INDEX trip up the North ern Califor nia Exten­ Commerce) was a r eal thrill to the Page sion and then down the Feath er River Easterners. The diner was in charge of Canyon, the train tying up at Oroville, steward Mike Zellin. Operation Blue Chip 3, 4 where a "question and answer" meet­ The lounge car and vista- dome car H arold Michael McKenna 4 ing on the bonds was h eld in the sta­ on the rear end of the train were It Can Happen H er e . 5 tion in the evening. On the third and equipped with a sound system, over Up the Ladder 6, 7, 8 last day the party inspected th e Sacra­ which descriptions of industries being Other Personnel Changes Announced 9, 10 mento Shops and, on arrival at Oak­ passed were given, radio news re­ land, was transferr ed to two glass top ceived, and r ecords played. This was Mileposts in Gold 10 vista -dome buses for a trip around WP installed and opera ted by Dick Czeiko­ Teachers Visit Railroads. 11 installations and then to the visitors' witz. Mention should also be made of California Sunshine 12,13 hotels. A cocktail party and buffet P . F . Prentiss, now Oroville trainmas­ WP Will Remember . 13 supper given by the Directors that ter, who picked up a passenger arriv­ In Memoriam 13 evening officially ended the tour. ing one day late on th e California The financial men expressed them­ Zephyr long before dawn at Doyle and Old-Timers Bid F arewell 14-18 selves as extrem ely well impressed motored him to catch the Blue Chip T eletype Network Expanded 18 with the condition and prospects of our Special at Westwood- incidentally th e Caboosing 19- 31,33 railroad. The importance of this satis­ first WP passenger to board a train at That's a Good Question! 32 faction to everyone on the road can that point. Sports 34,35 be realized when the scope and pur­ On D ecember 1, P resident Whitman pose of the $22 million First and Re­ addressed the following letter to offi­ CORRESPONDENTS : Bill McGrath, Chicago; Nevada Michelson, Elko; E lsie Haggen, Keddie ; funding Mortgage bond issue is under­ cers of the company: Robert Munce Jr., Los Angeles; Hazel Petersen, O akland; Helen Small, Oroville ; Phyllis Rockwell, stood. Sixteen million, one hundred "Will you please express to all of Portola; Jim Kenney, Sacramento; Madge Slaughtner, Sacramento Shops ; I rene Burton, Sacramento Store; Jimmy Collins, Bob Gonsalves, Salt Lake City; Rita Connolly. Molly Fagan, Lawrence Gerring, and thirty-three thousand dollars will those in your departm ent wh o h elped Maurice N otter, Carl Rath, D udley Thickens, San Francisco; Chas. H. Myers, San Jose; Gene Trace, Stockton; Dora Monroe, Tidewater Southern ; Shirley Lee. W endover. be used to retire existing bonds which make "Operation Blue Chip" su ch an pay a higher rate of interest than that outstanding success, my great appreci-

2 MILEPOSTS MILEPOSTS 3 HAROLD MICHAEL McKENNA The Korean war struck close to (The follow in!; article appeare? in the October 23 fines levied for overloading are very home again when notice was received issue of California Feature SerVIce.) often ridiculously low and . .. have not that Private First Class Harold Mi­ Good news it was for California put much of a damper on violations." chael McKenna, 18-year-old stepson motorists last week when the State D e­ California's motorists don't need a of Gilbert R. Patterson, fireman, and partment of Public Works announced son of Mrs. Elizabeth Patterson of testing experiment to prove that their plans for spending 115 million dollars highways are being pounded to pieces Portola gave his life in action against on highway construction and repair the enemy at Inchon, Korea, on Sep­ by trucking law violators. The evidence beginning next July 1. That much is on every highway in the State. Un­ tember 16, 1950. money should do a lot toward making Young Harold enlisted in the Marine less the public demands and insists our highways, which have deteriorated on law - enforced correction of these Corps July 26, 1949, and after receiv­ rapidly of late years, safer and more . ing his basic training in San Diego was abuses, expenditure of that 115 million pleasurable for the motoring public . on highways will be tax money wasted. stationed at Alameda until July 14, However, some highway news last 1950, when he left for Korea. Harold McKenna week from the State of Maryland may As a little added stimulant to yOUl" Born February 1, 1932, at Leadville, well serve as a warning to Californians thinking, may we add these final wOl"ds, brother, Earl McKenna, is living in Colorado, he received his elementary that expenditure of money cannot of taken from a columnist writing fOl" a Denver, Colorado. and high school education there be­ itself assure better highways and Berkeley, California, newspapel": fore coming to Portola. Just two days before Harold lost his country roads. "It is good to breathe the invigorat­ One brother, Charles McKenna, life as a result of a fragment wound, For more than four months, a one­ ing Berkeley air again ... and to get lives in Butte, Montana, and a second he wrote his last letter to his parents, mile stretch of standard-construction back at ye 01' desk . .. which is being reprinted below with highway there.has been closed to ordi­ "Seems we have been away a month, ation for their loyal and helpful efforts. their kind permission: nary traffic. Day and night, during that rather than just a little more than a "I am sure that most of them are "Dear Mother and Dad: time, eight trucks of varying weights week. .. . With 2,985 miles on the speed­ aware of the fine compliments we had By the time you receive this letter have been grinding back and forth ometer of the '51 Packard, most of it on such matters as the meals, handling we will have already made an am­ along individual sections of the pave- . rolled up in other states, we thought of the train, the skill in answering phibious landing on Korea. I hope that ment. The purpose of the experiment, when we hit California pavement at questions and giving information, etc., this landing will mean the end of the financed by the U. S. Bureau of Public Needles we would never, never again but if it had not been for the combined war . . . I am not certain that I will Roads and ten cooperating States, was gripe at this State's excellent highway teamwork of all of the people in the be home for Christmas, but I am quite to determine to what extent heavy and various departments, we would not systell1 ... . But by the time we had sure that the war will be over. . . . overloaded trucks damage public have had such a favorable impression reached Oakland we had come to the We are going to land close to the capi­ highways. created of the Western Pacific organ­ conclusion the State is maintaining the tal of South Korea and the strongpoint The result? The public of Maryland ization. Many people told me that they highways for the trucks, not the car of the enemy. I know that this will already is in a state of alarm over the had never seen a trip so well handled drivers... . At no place between here be a great success. incredible disintegration of the test and had never seen a group of indi­ and Detroit, Mich., did we hit the truck Somehow, I am not a bit worried, pavement. "It is bulging and cracking," v iduals who were more alert and traffic that jams California highways. as both the Catholics and Protestants cries the Baltimore Evening Sun, in an aggressive and well infor med as our had services tonight a nd I went to ours, editorial demanding r igid enforcement ... Stinking trucks, trucks that throw group. and we are going to have mass to­ of truck-weight laws. sawdust, debris of various kinds against "I might add my own commenda­ morrow before w hit the beach . Another newspaper, the Sunday Sun, the windshield, trucks that hog half of tions that 'Operation Blue Chip' was Well, Mom, I gu es I can't expect declared that "Marylanders know that :he two-lane roads at 35 m.p.h .. .. conducted in true Western Pacific style you not to w rry, but I hope you will dozens of overloaded vehicles are Truck after truck with autos wedged and all who helped should be com­ pray a lot a nd not worry too much. picked up each week on Maryland between or trailing along behind for mended." All my 1 v . H AROLD." highways. They also know that the mile after mile." 4 MILEPOSTS MILE P OSTS 5 UP THE LADDER mucca, finally being assigned yard­ for the WP as carman-helper on Oc­ master at Portola on December 15, tober 15, 1918. A rather well-rounded­ 1936, in which position he remained out career consisted of duties as junior Heading a list of changes made in Harbor as an ensign in the U . S . Navy; until his appointment as assistant clerk in the auditor's office in San Western Pacific's operating depart­ William, 22, a twin brother to Robert, trainmaster at Sacramento on Decem­ Francisco, a hostler-helper at the Oak­ ment, James F. Lynch became super­ is also in the Armed For ces, stationed ber 16, 1941. Two months later, Bill land roundhouse, locomotive fireman intendent of the company's eastern at Camp Attebury, Colorado. Daugh­ returned to Portola as trainmaster, June 1, 1920, with later promotion to division, extending from Portola east­ ter, 13- year-old M elva Ann, an ac­ serving there until his transfer to position of engineer on October 11, ward to Salt Lake City, e ffective complished musician, lives at home Stockton on March 1, 1948, which po­ 1928. After a stint as road foreman of November 16. with mother, Elsie, and dad. sition he held until his recent appoint­ engines on the third and fourth sub­ Born at Denver, Colorado, on Janu­ ment. divisions, beginning May 21, 1938, ary 11, 1904, Jimmy received his edu­ William G. Howell, probably better His dad, Morgan O. Howell, retired Henry became trainmaster af those cation in Colorado and Utah public known to his railroadin' pals as "Bill" subdivisions on June 1, 1939. schools. He began his railroad career in 1946, after serving as boiler foreman or "Rusty," has been appointed assist­ Commissioned Captain of the Trans­ working for the Denver & Rio Grande and traveling boiler foreman for the ant superintendent of the company's portation Corps, U. S. Army, on March Western in 1920 Western Pacific system. eastern division, 15, 1943, he was as a clerk, and Three brothers also work for West­ following promo­ assigned as Chief after a short ca­ ern Pacific, Frank E. and Morgan O. tion of James F. of the Transpor­ reer of only four as conductors and Ernest P . as brake­ Lynch to position tation Section, years with that man. of superintend­ 10th Port of Em­ road came to the A member of the Elks Lodge since ent on Novem­ barkation. Sail­ Western Pacific 1927, Bill's one hobby is baseball­ ber 16. ing for North Af­ as brakeman on playing or watching. Like his new rica in April of April 4, 1924. boss, Bill is also He will make his home in Elko, 1943, he served It wasn't long a native of Colo­ where he and his wife were married in the North Af­ before he began rado, having been on March 22, 1928. They have no chil­ rican Campaign, James F. Lynch his climb up the born in Pueblo William G. Howell dren. attached to the ladder, and Sep­ Henry E. Stapp on September 22, famous First Ar- tember, 1926, found him promoted to 1905. After considerable moves, his mored Corps commanded by the late yardmaster at Elko, from which posi­ family settled in Salt Lake City in Effective November 16, 1950, Henry General George S. Patton and, in July tion he progressed to that of trainmas­ 1910 where his father worked for the E. Stapp has been appointed assistant of 1943 accompanied the invasion of ter at Wendover on June 1, 1941. Less D&RGW for a number of years. After superintendent for the western di­ Sicily. In charge of land transportation than four years later he received the graduating from West Side High School vision, with headquarters at Oakland, in the Palermo Port area during the title of assistant superintendent, with in that city, he continued his education in a newly created position. Henry will campaign, Henry was promoted to headquarters at Elko, which position by attending night and part-time school have jurisdiction over San Francisco, Major at that city on December 12, he retained until his latest appoint­ Oakland, San Jose, and main track to dW'ing 1921 and 1922. By this time 1943, and was placed on the inactive ment became effective. his dad went to work as boiler fore­ Niles Junction and the San Jose list on account of disability on October Well respected all along the line and man at W estern Pacific's Elko shops, branch. 15, 1944. During his Army career he re­ r eferred to as a "swell guy" by his and after moving ther e Bill also went October 1, 1902, was a great day for ceived the European-African-Middle fellow employees, Jimmy's name is to work fot· WP on August 7, 1923, as the Stapp family when Henry became well known around Elko, where he a crew caller , r ving in th at capacity an addition to the family at Sherman, Eastern service medal with one bronze makes his home with a fine family at Elko and Wendover. In February of Texas. His grade school education was battle star, the Victory Medal and which includes three boys and one girl. 1924, he nt r d train service and was received at Mexico City, EI Paso, commendation by General Hugh Gaf­ The oldest son, James Jr., 24, is now promoted to conductor on August 13, Stockton, San Leandro and Oakland, fey, commander of the Second Ar­ a senior at the University of Nevada; 1926. Then followed ten years as extra and after attending high school at mored Division. Robert, 22, is now stationed at Pearl yard mast r a t W endover and Winne- Stockton and Oakland he went to work He retw'ned to the Western Pacific

6 M I LE PO S TS MILEPO S T S 7 as trainmaster of the first and second one year working as a civilian yard­ OTHER PERSONNEL CHANGES ANNOUNCED subdivisions at Stockton on October 16, master. The following appointments and cluding main track Ortega to North 1944, serving in that capacity until Following his r eturn to San Fran­ jurisdictional changes in the operating Channel Line Junction and the North March 1, 1948, when he relieved termi­ cisco in January, 1920, and two and department were announced by super­ Channel Line. nal trainmaster E. A. Thompson at one-half years as chief clerk for the intendents Lynch of the eastern di­ M. J . McDonald, appointed acting Oakland. Great Northern, he accepted the po­ vision and Curtis of the western assistant trainmaster, Oakland, with Although he was quite active in sition as city freight agent for the division, effective November 16, 1950: territory San Francisco and Oakland high school track, baseball and foot­ Western Pacific in September, 1923, at V. H . Edwards, appointed train­ terminals, including main line Oak­ ball sports, he has now settled down Oakland. After five years with the master, with headquarters at Portola, land to East Niles Junction and San to the more inactive sports of fishing, Burlington Lines between 1925 and with jurisdiction east Portola to Weso. Jose Branch. hunting and travel. 1930, he returned to the Western Pa­ 1. L. Kilgore, appointed terminal G. H. Evans, appointed assistant cific as city freight agent at San Fran­ trainmaster, with jurisdiction over the Henry's daughter, Mrs. Ragland of trainmaster, Keddie, with jurisdiction cisco and was made general agent at Portola terminal. Hollywood, is a graduate of the Pasa­ between Keddie and Bieber (fourth Spokane on October 17, 1931, following G. S. Allen, appointed assistant dena Play House, and appears on the subdivision) , including Keddie Yard construction of the Bieber Line. Upon trainmaster, headquarters at Wend­ (third subdivision). legitimate stage under the name of merger of the Spokane and Seattle over, with jurisdiction Alazon to Eller­ Leroy Foster, appointed assistant Georgia Lord. territories on May 1, 1943, he has beck Junction. trainmaster, Sacramento, with juris­ served as general agent at the latter M. W. Hammond, appointed road diction over Sacramento Yard. city until his most rec;ent appointment. foreman of engines, with headquarters With the retirement of E . A. Mc­ Of the original employees sent to the at Portola. E. J. Hillier, appointed chief Carthy from the position of assistant Northwest upon opening of the Bieber H. M. Yoe, trainmaster, with head­ dispatcher, Sacramento. traffic manager at Western Pacific's line in 1931, Art is the last to leave that quarters at Elko, will have jurisdiction J. G. Nolte has been assigned Chicago office, A. H. Lund has been territory. over the territory Weso to Alazon. position of yardmaster, Stockton. appointed to suc­ An enthusiastic club member, he is H. L. McGlothlen, trainmaster at The positions of terminal trainmaster ceed in that po­ Salt Lake City, will have jurisdiction and assistant terminal trainmaster, sition effective a member of the Washington Ath­ over Western Pacific operating mat­ Oakland; assistant trainmaster, Stock­ December 1. letic Club of Seattle; Seattle Trans­ ters at Salt Lake City and territory ton' and trainmaster, Keddie, have Born in Oak­ porta tion Club; Seattle· Passenger from J eremey Street, SLC, to Eller­ abolished. land on June Club; Greater Seattle, Inc.; Athletic bee~ beck Junction, inclusive; also Tooele Effective December 1, E. E. Glea­ 17, 1897, Art re­ Round Table, Spokane; Early Birds and Ellerbeck branches. son's title of superintendent of motive ceived his edu­ Breakfast Club, Spokane; Spokane Positions of assistant trainmaster, power was changed to chief mechani­ cation in that Commercial Travelers; Sadir Khan Portola, and one road foreman of en­ cal officer, with similar change in title city's public Grotto, Spokane; Oriental Lodge No. gines, Elko, have been abolished. for assistant chief mechanical officer, schools, and en- 74, F. and A. M., Spokane; BOF Club, J . J. McNally, appointed trainmaster E. T. Cuyler. Arthur H . Lund tered the employ Spokane; and the Wenatchee Traffic at Stockton, with jurisdiction between F ollowing A. H. Lund's appointment of the Southern Club. He was also recently installed East Niles Junction and West Oroville to the position of assistant traffic man­ Pacific Company in their general of­ as Chief Pistol of the Seattle Pistol Yard, except Stockton terminal and ager at Chicago, C. J . Fischer takes fices in September, 1915. He later Club, a fun organization of Seattle Sacramento yard. over the general agent's position at worked at the Ferry as ticket clerk and transportation men. P. F . Prentiss, appointed train­ Seattle, with F. M. Rowe succeeding later as freight clerk on the Sacra­ master, Oroville, with jurisdiction be­ Fischer as general agent at Reno. mento river boats. After later serving In addition, h e finds time somehow tween West Oroville yard and West Upon the retirement of Fred A. as counter cler k in their district freight for his two hobbies- yachting and fish­ Portola yard. Lamb as auditor of disbursements, the office, he resigned to enlist in the U. S. ing. Married, h e has one daughter, a L. A. Henry, appointed terminal appointment of C. E. Warner to that Army in February of 1918. Following graduate of the University of Wash­ trainmaster at Stockton, with juris­ position was announced, effective De­ his discharge at Camp Eustis, Virginia, ington, who is now married and re­ diction over Stockton terminal in- cember 1. in May of 1919, he remained there for siding in S eattle. M ILEP OSTS 9 8 MILEPOSTS MILEPOSTS IN GOLD

Western Pacific congratulates the following employees to whom Service Pin Awards were made during the month of November, 1950:

4S-YEAR PIN Fred A. Lamb ...... _ .. Auditor of Disbursements. . San Francisco 40-YEAR PIN Jack R. Stratton . .... __ ..... Machinist ...... Mechanical Dept. 30-YEAR PINS Lloyd J. Hughes.. .Switchman ...... _. Western Division Guy Parry._ ... Conductor .. Eastern Division G. A. Pullen ...... Agent~Telegrapher ,(retired) ...... Western Division George Vedder.. " ...... Bookkeeper... San Francisco San Francisco's three railroads, 2S-YEAR PINS it seem like an actual trip except the Edwin E. Eager.. .. Carman Foreman .. Mechanical Dept. Western Pacific, Southern Pacific and passing scenery." After lunch, the in­ Gus J. Karras ...... Machinist Helper...... Mechanical Dept. Santa Fe joined together as hosts to Harry D. Spradlin...... __ ..... Locomotive Engineer...... Western Division structors rode through the automatic forty-seven of the three thousand 20-YEAR PINS train washer in the domes of two Cali­ James R. Brown .. Locomotive Engineer ...... Western Division school teachers anxious to see mod­ fornia Zephyr coaches, following Daniel W. Copeland ...... _.. Telegrapher...... Eastern Division ern industry in action during Business­ Patrick A. Fahy .. .. Brakeman .. ._Western Division which they visited the new commis­ James H. Haines...... Switchman ...... Western Division Education D ay, sponsored by the San sary and the new Budd diesel-rail car, Hans J. Larsen ...... Conductor. .. Eastern Division Byron C. McConnelL ...... Section Foreman . Western Division Francisco Chamber of Commerce on the "Zephyrette." Joseph B. Price...... Conductor .. . Eastern Division November 10 . The afternoon closed with a panel IS-YEAR PINS In Santa Fe buses the group left the Robert A. Henderson. .... Conductor.. .. Western Division discussion at the Southern Pacific Kenneth D. Lewis ...... Secretary-Clerk ...... Executive Dept. general assembly at the Fox Theater (Continued on Page 18) Odes E. Lyles .. ... Locomotive Engineer .. Western Division for a tour of facilities of the three rail­ Alvin Miles .. .. Conductor .. . . Western Division roads. First Santa Fe's car barging In behalf of the three railroads, Gilbert H. Kneiss, IO-YEAR PINS assistant to president, presents an orchid instead of Paul Edwards...... Carman...... Mechanical Dept. operations at China Basin were visited. an apple to Lorraine M ahoney and Jane Vander­ W.:.lliam D. Eyre...... Locomotive Engineer ...... Eastern Division Here the teachers viewed the uniq·ue hurst, two of the 47 teachers, each of whom received Bert F. Finchley .. .. General Clerk.. Mechanical Dept. a corsage. James T. Gamble ...... Conductor.. Eastern Division radio-telephone setup used between Harry E . Hurst.. ... Locomotive Engineer.. Eastern Division Wayman Kelly ...... Machinist...... Mechanical Dept. the shore and tugs towing freight-car Lorge P. Lamberg ...... Night Diesel Foreman ...... Mechanical Dept. barges across the Bay. The system also Norman G. Owens ...... Sheet Metal Worker.. Mechanical Dept. Herman Rohdenburg ...... Water Service Maintainer...... Western Division handles comm unica tions between Edgar R. Sullivan .... . Conductor.. . Eastern n:vision switch engines and the yard office. The group then journeyed to Oak­ Succeeding Warner to the position ment will be under the direct juris­ land for a look at SP's modern diesel of assistant to general auditor, in diction of W. G. Levy, auditor of shop where operations were explained charge of income taxes, is E. F. De­ revenues. in detail. The party was then escorted motte, and F. W. Ahlert has been ap­ through the streamliner City of San pointed assistant to general auditor, Francisco as it was being readied for in charge of insurance, succeeding De­ Joe: "Whatever became of our old its departure to Chicago. track supervisor?" motte, both appointments effective De­ Then, over to the Western Pacific Doaks: "Hadn't you heard? He's the cember l. coach yard for an abalone luncheon in new B&B supervisor." On November 1, the dining car and two dining cars where, as one teacher hotel section of the accounting depart- J oe: "Oh. So he switched to culvert!" put it, "everything was done to make 10 MIL E PO S T S mals seeking refuge from the swirling waters, including a dog which floated WP WILL REMEMBER "When a man devotes his life to an industry he by on a chesterfield (this one satisfied has truly paid that industry the greatest compliment a t least one) , resulted in traffic being possible." restored to normal as Number 18 Now retired, after serving Western crossed the bridge about 2 o'clock on Pacific well, are: November 24. James E. Bowen, assistant time­ On the scene were H . C. Munson, keeper, Sacramento. F. R. Woolford, W. T. Richards, A. W. Clyde W. Lang, laborer, Elko. Carlson, Gordon Switzer and Bob Harry A. Mug1'idge, clerk, San Fran­ Nordstrom and a host of other employ­ cisco. ees, all busy as beavers. Arthur Carl­ GeoTge H. Newman, conductor, Oro­ son, now walking around with a limp, ville. refuses to say which bridge he fell or Charles A. Pike, clerk, Oakland. was pushed from, but he was joined by Manuel C. Silva, marine captain, Frank Woolford, G. W. Curtis, N. A. Oakland. McPherson, J ohnny Howard and Earl Above: WP trestle in background, SN trestle in foreground. Company forces were busy keeping de­ Davis, all of whom must have thought bris from backing up against trestles. it was Saturday night. Davis emerged Left: WP trestle. Note American River bridge 3ht flrmnrtum in distance. Also note depth of water on telephone the victor in the good, clean (7) fun, poles. Photos by Hy O'Rullian. having fallen in twice. Clarence Moser, Peter A. Christopulos, formerly employed SN B&B supervisor, also qualified for as carman at Sacramento before his retire­ ment on February 20, 1947, died on October membership in the underwater club. 19, 1950. Mr. Christopulos entered company CALIFORNIA SUNSHINE! But, as the trains began to roll again, service on April 2, 1928. chief engineer Woolford commended James J. Cowan, storekeeper, died on Oc­ As most of our readers are aware, tober 31, 1950. Mr. Cowan came to the West­ Thanksgiving time in Northern Cali­ the crew on the excellent work, splen­ ern Pacific December 6, 1924, and leaves a fornia was anything but dry. Western did cooperation, and untiring zeal. widow, Mrs. Susanna J . Cowan, of Portola. Pacific's engineering and bridge and Western Pacific also came in for Employed as engineer, and a company employee since August of 1947, Albert B. building departments have their own much praise for its contribution of a Dawson died on October 31, 1950. He is sur­ words for the deluge of rain and melt­ train of flat cars that were used to vived by his widow, Mrs. Frances Dawson ing snow that caused the usually placid evacuate hundreds of people, when of Sacramento. Sacramento and American rivers to nearly 6,000 persons were evacuated Retired since September I, 1944, former blacksmith Patrick H. Gaul died on Sep­ leave their banks and go on a rampage from their Marysville homes when the tember 21, 1950. Mr. Gaul entered company of destruction. Foregoing their turkey Yuba River broke its levee at Ham­ service on November 5, 1922. dinners and subsisting on waterlogged monton on November 20 and 21. With William H. Martin, Sacramento Northern hamburgers, which W. T. Richards in­ the railroad embankment 14 feet above engineer, died on October 27. 1950. Mr. Mar­ sists were "but good," crews went into I.' tin leaves a widow, Mrs. Lena Martin, of the level of the land, stranded families Sacramento. He entered company service action on November 21, when the first waiting on roof tops were picked up in September 13, 1926. of six bents to eventually go in Bridge boats of the Yuba-Sutter Boat Club Alva Overlin, formerly employed as a 140.10 was washed away. Traffic was and taken to the right-of- way and train dispatcher at Elko until his retirement stopped, trains and passengers were February 17, 1949, died on September 16, hauled away to safety. Members of 1950. His service with Western Pacific began detoured by train and bus and am­ the relief train were conductor Moss, on June 12, 1944. phibious operations were started by engineer Grubbs, brakemen Brown Switchman John A. Wilfong, died on No­ members of those departments. Long and Graham, and a fireman, whose vember 6, 1950. He entered company service hours of exhausting work under the July 28, 1930, and leaves a widow, Mrs. Lena name was not learned. M. Wilfong of Sacramento. scrutiny of snakes, frogs and other ani- MILEPO STS 13 12 MIL EPO STS Inc. , and is active in the San Fran­ cisco Business Men's Garden Club and the Oakland Business Men's Garden Club. Acclaim from those who have About four years ago, Homer Bryan fellow employee that Homer has so seen the beautiful garden at his Sara­ met two Western Pacific rail foremen well characterized during his reign toga home speaks well of his "green who had just put on their hats in road­ as company ambassador of good will thumb" acquaintance with Mother Na­ master Goodwin's office at Winne­ while handling Safety First matters ture and all her colorful beauty. mucca fol' a long ride home to Jungo. for Western Pacific. One son, 17 -year-old Jim, a 6 foot Always a good mixer and a friend to Born in Fortuna, California, in 1885, 5% inch basketball star at Los Gatos all, Homer invited the two men up Homer received a public school edu­ High School, lives at home with dad town for a bite to eat and a little coffee cation and later was enrolled in the and mother, Mrs. Doris Bryan. An­ before their homeward journey. It was extension divisions of the University other son, Quentin, 24, 6 feet 3 inches, accepted. of California and the University of is married and a teacher at South San Hardly more than two weeks later, Wisconsin. Francisco Junior High School, while news of this hospitality reached Homer He began railroading in 1902 as fire­ two married daughters, Mrs. Doris while on a visit to Oakland yard and, man on the Northwestern Pacific and, Little and Mrs. Beverly Olsen, com­ quite pleased, it set Homer Lo think­ promoted to engineer, ran his first plete the Bryan family. ing. Maybe those boys out there on train at the age of 19. He joined West­ His many friends at Western Pacific line might appreciate a little of this ern Pacific in October, 1908, during and elsewhere, wish him many happy hospitality. He went to Harry Mitchell, construction days, working as fireman, years in retirement. then president, with the idea, and out hostler and engineer. His first run on Edward A. McCarthy of this began the friendship for his the WP was with a work train oper­ ated in connection with construction Aspirations for a Big League base­ there he went to bill clerk, ticket clerk, between Stockton and Oakland, and ball career were nipped in the bud­ chief clerk and agent, subsequently he received his first passenger assign­ but quick when father John McCarthy accepting a position as assistant agent ment in August, 1910. Succeeding corralled his son and herded him back in the Union Stock Yards with the years found him working out of Por­ to the home range at a tender age, Pere Marquette. When the C&O en­ tola, on the San Jose Branch, and later following a brief career in semi- pro tered Chicago, he took the job of agent between Oroville and Oakland, handl­ ball in and around Chicago, including for that company, which led to con­ ing the power for the Exposition FLyer. a sign-up with the Atlanta Crackers tracting freight agent in 1912, covering As number one engineer on the sen­ of the Southern Association. Chicago's south side. Ed held that po­ iority list at the time of his retirement, This was, of course, eighteen years sition until January 1, 1918, when the November 30, 1950, Homer has in his after the birth of Edward A. McCarthy Government took over the lines and possession his first train order, No.4, at Bloomington, Illinois, on Novem­ closed the traffic offices. Then, after issued by the Santa Fe on August 10, ber 3, 1885, and attendance in schools six months with the Hyatt Roller 1905, at Eureka, and his last train in and around Chicago, followed by Bearing Company, he was promoted order issued May 13, 1945, at Pleasan­ graduation from Old South Division to manager of Traffic and Deliveries of ton, with instructions to hold engine High School in that city. the Accessory Group, known as the 84, first 11, at Sunol for Extra 306, east. As a railroad career offered the most United Motors Section, General Mo­ Always interested in nature, Homer excitement other than baseball, he ac­ tors Corp., which job he held until was a member of the Oakland Park cepted a job in 1903 as caller with the coming to Western Pacific in Novem­ Board from 1931 to 1943, with foul' Chicago and Eastern Illinois railroad. ber of 1929. Covering the Chicago Loop years of that service as president. He His hardest day's work on that job territory until October, 1931, Ed was is a member of the Board of Directors was trying to call the crews on pay appointed general agent at Portland, Homer Bryan of the California Spring Garden Show, day before the pay car arrived. From Oregon, on completion of the Biebel' 14 MILEPO ST S MILEPO ST S 15 line where he remained until March 1, jacks" from San Francisco to various W estern Pacific in 1902 following his Terminating a railroad career that 1937, when he was appointed assistant locations along the line of construc­ discharge from the Army, and in began and ended with the Western traffic manager at Chicago, the position tion. As the "jacks" were good drink­ subsequent years has served the rail­ Pacific, Frederick A. Lamb, auditor of from which he retired on November 30. ing men, he had to avoid all towns road as train dispatcher, chief train disbursements, retired on November Married September 25, 1907, at Chi­ en route which was more or less some­ dispatcher, trainmaster a nd super­ 30, the first employee to accumulate cago to Ann Fritsch, this happy couple thing of a chore. He left the Western intendent, from which position he went 45 years of service with the Company. managed to raise and keep four Pacific in 1908, but after serving with into retirement. Born in New York City on No­ boisterous boys and two girls on the the Southern Pacific's hospital depart­ An old member of the Elks and the vember 1, 1885, where he received his straight and narrow path, leaving little ment from 1909, he re-entered the em­ American Legion, Jack says he has no grade and high school education, Fred time for hobbies other than trying to ploy of Western Pacific at Portola in plans for the future except to take a came to California with his parents in outsmart competitors for a carload of 1926, transferring to Stockton in 1927, good rest. He has never had time for 1905. Following a short course at the freight. where he was married on December 9 hobbies, but feels that he can now de­ Davis Agriculture School, he entered He did manage to find time to be­ of that year and now makes his home. ." velop some without any trouble . Western Pacific service in December come an active member of the Union One of Howard's last assignments League Club of Chicago, Traffic Club was on the relief train to the city of of Chicago, Associated Traffic Clubs of Marysville during the flood and heavy America, the Transportation Associ­ storms that battered that city last ation of America, and several traffic month. He retired from service on clubs in various cities located in the November 30 with the best wishes Chicago territory. from his fellow workers. With the thought that he is now old Terminating a lifetime railroad enough to take up golf, he intends to career that began at the age of 17, forsake Chicago and take up residence J. J. Duggan took leave from the West­ in Southern California, of which, no ern Pacific and entered a new career doubt, our company's Los Angeles when he retired from service on No­ correspondent will be glad to learn. vember 15, 1950. He leaves the company with the best Born at Endicott, Nebraska, on No­ of wishes from his Western Pacific vember 2, 1887, Jack began his railroad friends and co-workers. service in 1904, following education received in Nebraska schools, work­ Following his birth on May 11, 1885, ing successively as telegrapher and .*~ '· \ 1 train dispatcher for the Chicago, Bur­ in New York City, and later attend­ ,,b'" 1\._ B~ · ance at the Twenty-third Street School lington & Quincy Railroad's Wymore ~~ C"'t.~... 'l";b--..\..('.,.,.~.d'. there, Howard W. Graham left there division until 1909. After serving one r- I ....~l.,rl(lJ ~ year as train dispatcher on the Denver on a trip to see the world which ended Jack J . Duggan Fred Lamb has received his 45-year pin from Presi­ in San Francisco late in the year 1905. & Rio Grande's Salt Lake division, he .. dent Whitman, the first WP employee to accumu­ A victim of the earthquake and fire in then went to work as train dispatcher Married for 37 years, he and his wife late 45 years of service with the company. and chief train dispatcher for the that city, he was left with little when have established a home at 3717 "M" of that year, nearly five years before the smoke cleared away, and after a Southern Pacific Company on that Street, Sacramento 16, California, the Company ran its first passenger short while in the automobile rent road's San Joaquin division, and in where they will always be happy to train and almost four years before business, entered Western Pacific 1918 went to serve with the U. S. hear from any of their old friends of Leonard Tomasso drove the last spike service in June, 1907, working under Army's 31st Engineers as First Lieu­ the Western Pacific family. joining the rails on Spanish Creek the direction of Virgil Bogue, then tenant, with overseas duties for the They may be assured they have the Bridge, November 1, 1909. chief engineer of construction. It was next two years. best wishes from all those friends for The Company's office was then lo­ Howard's duty to deliver "powder Jack first went to work for the many happy years ahead. cated in the old California Safe Deposit 16 MILEPOSTS MILEPO STS 17 and Tr ust Co. building at California TELETYPE NETWORK EXPANDED and Montgomery Streets (now Bank With the installation of five new of America building), and the staff teletype stations on November 20, this consisted of approximately fifteen em­ company's leased wire service was in­ ployees. The S an Fra ncisco earth­ creased to a network of 17 offices to quake and fire put an end to those 6a&oosing give shippers fast, accurate, up- to­ quarters and the office was moved to the- minute information on every ship­ the Bacon Block in Oakland. Five ment r outed "via Western Pacific." We are happy to report the addition of three new Conductor T. E. MURPHY said it took months later it returned to temporary The East- West leg of the networ k , correspondents to MILEPOSTS' staff : Phyllis Rockwell. Portola; E lsie Haggen, Keddie ; and Jim only one shot each for both he and quarters on Montgomery Street, wher e linking San Francisco and New York Kenney. Sacramento. We are sorry to lose Gordon his son to get their deer, but they have it remained until moving into the Mills and all intermediate traffic agencies, Halverson, resigned from SN; Fred Kreuger, due to his limited t ime at Sacramento; Jim Mills, San to prove it. Your humble reporter was Building in 1906. The Company moved was completed earlier this year and Francisco, recalled to the Armed Forces; and Vir­ afraid sh e would n ever be the sam e to its present location at 526 Mission with the North- South chain now com­ ginia Rustan, transferred to Lathrop from Stockton. Your correspondents have been doing a fine job again, following h er experience on a Street in January, 1942. pleted, Seattle, Portland, San Jose, and with the addition of Portola, Keddie and Sac· ram'ento. we believe news of the WP System will hunting trip. It's a great sport IF you Fred worked in the Company's ac­ Fresno, and Los Angeles agencies are be well presented in this column. Your cooperation can stand the sore muscles and ach es' counting department during his entire able to make immediate contact with with the correspondents will, of course, be we1come. We'll bet no one was happier to 'see railroad career, spending some time at all other points. Wendover the season close this year than E. T. n early every desk in that department. Early every morning a complete r e­ Congratulations to I. L. KILGORE on " BAR NEY" LAVELLE. R eason? Ask The Lambs h ave a fine home in Red­ port of all cars in transit over the his promotion to terminal trainmaster Barney. wood City and have two sons, one a Western ' Pacific lines is "broadcast" at Portola. We wish "Kil" every suc­ With the coming of the holiday sea­ graduate of Stanford University and simultaneously from San Francisco, cess. GRANT S. ALLEN arrived here son, we at Wendover would like to the other a graduate of the University giving representatives in Western Pa­ from Sacramento to take "Kil's" place take this opportunity to wish every­ of Souther n California. cific traffic offices throughout the coun­ as assistant trainmaster. We feel that one in the Western P acific family a Fred is an active m ember of the try the information they need to let Sacramento's loss is our gain and hope ver y Merry Christmas and a Happy Masonic Order, and the American shippers or consignees know the exact he will enjoy his stay h ere. New Year! F ederation of Musicians as a profes­ hour and minute their cars left a par ­ It's good to see R. E. ALLISON swing­ Po rtola sional pianist, in which role h e intends ticular passing point. ing that switchman's lantern again to spend much of his future time not It was nice to see W. G. HOWELL Automatic tape transmitters, send­ after being away on sick leave. Wel­ required for gardening. and his wife, who stopped off to visit ing and receiving over sixty words a come back, Bob! at Portola while en route to Elko, minute, also give shippers and 'con­ We're sure that his friends around where Bill will take over his new po­ Oakland and Fruitvale will be glad to TEACHERS signees immediate reports of consists, sition as assistant superintendent­ hear that HARVEY L. NAYLOR is doing Eastern Division. ( Continued from Page 11 ) arrival and departure times, and fine following an operation in the St. Our welcome mat is out for train­ Building in San F rancisco, presided speeds the tracing of cars and ship­ Marks Hospital in Salt Lake City. master V. H . EDWARDS, terminal train- over by Elmer B. Johnson, Santa Fe ments. If there is a delay in transit, The Salt Lake Tribune of November freight traffic manager, in which offi­ this, too, is immediately reported to the 26 carried a picture of the very lovely cials of the three railroads took part consignees. bride of brakeman EARL KILGORE. Best and explained functions of their DECEMBER of luck to you and the n ew Missus, COVER freight, passenger, operating, auditing Earl, and congra tulations, a lso, to "The Day After and public relations departments, and having learned much about the rail ­ Christmas" hostler helper, TONY MARTINEZ and his railroads in general. The teachers were road industry, the teachers expressed Seven-year·old Werner wife, who were recently married at Wikander plays con­ invited to partake in the discussions themselves as feeling much better pre­ ductor as this W estern Elko. and ask questions. pared to give their pupils an inside pic­ Pacific model freight Lots of good deer hunting stories train whizzes around ture of rail operqtions in the San Fran­ the Christmas tree. His Loaded with literature, filled with circulating this year and, as usu al, dad, William Wikan· lunch, decorated with orchids and cisco Bay Area. der, is S. N. general everyone's "special spot" was the best. bookkeeper at G. O. 18 M.JLEPOSTS master I. L. KILGORE, and road fore­ who was drown,ed while fishing at man of engines M. W. HAMMOND. We Gold Lake on October 31. We will all hope you will all enjoy your stay at miss Jimmie and his travel stories, and Portola. our condolences are extended to Mrs. With regret we bid farewell · to Cowan and family. trainmaster A. W. TAYLOR, assistant Former general clerk, LT. SAM trainmaster E. L. WILKS, and terminal DEWHIRST, has returned to the Korean trainmaster F . E. MILLER, Sr., with front after having been twice wounded. whom we enjoyed working for so few We are all going to miss little TONY years. VESVIK , section hand, who died Oc­ EARL FONDA, cashier, and Mrs. tober 20, following a heart attack. Fonda, enjoyed two weeks' vacation in A very Merry Christmas and a Oregon and Washington. Was nice to prosperous N ew Year to all our friends see the pictures of their trip on their on the Western Pacific. return. JOHN "CORKY" CLARK spent his vacation hunting and fishing, and what Oakland fish stories he had to tell! ROD DAVIS, head painter, had friends JOE "SPIKE" REED, train desk clerk from Salt Lake drop in over Thanks­ claims he found hunting just a littl~ giving and he had to sleep on the expensive while on his vacation. Oh, springs, his mattress being utilized well, Spike, what meat isn't? Better elsewhere. Result: Rod woke up sev­ luck next year. eral mornings with a lame back. Apparently, CHARLIE ALEXANDER , re­ Moral: Don't brag about your new home! lief clerk, is doing okay with his Meet the members of the Oakland general agents' office. Standing, left to right: Ernie Evans, manifest chicken farm. It's not everyone that JACK MILLER, store clerk, had good and assistant chief clerk; Russ Cleland. Fred C. S. Bagge, Al McNamara, John Kaffun, Elmer Lindquist and Sheldon Glatt, traffic representatives; Al Penge1, chief clerk. Sitting, Holly Doyle, secretary ; Al can drive around in a new 1950 Chevy reason to celebrate the holidays. The Rowland, commercial agent; Dorothy Sherman, manifest clerk. pickup. lucky fellow is being transferred to Congratulations to fil:eman BILL Portola as storekeeper. BURNS and Betty Lee Barney, who RED .DANIELSON, storekeeper, is the them had their turkey dinners in bed, as he hurried home to paint the were married in R eno, October 22, and champlOn cockle (clam to you) digger namely, switchmen JESSIE BARNETT, kitchen-just a step from water colors. brakeman E. F. REYNOLDS and Mary of the Oakland terminal-or so he TERENCE DUNLEAVY, GEORGE BOUSHEY, W. C. WOOD has bid in as agent at J une Kearns, who listened to the wed­ claims. Says he has won trophies for GLEN HERSHINGER , FRANK DIG NON Hayward, relieving agent HICKMAN, ding bells in Portola on November 11. cockles and horseneck clams over such (Oakland); BILL RUSSELL, PAUL FER­ who is on sick leave following a long­ That smoke around Portola recently experts as ROD DAVIS, CARL HUNTER, GON, SYLVESTER O'GAR, BOB DITTY, and time illness. Wood replaces W. S. was from the "boxes" of cigars that GLEN FURTNEY, and HAPPY J OHNSON FRED BANGS (San F rancisco) . Also, STARR, who temporarily took over the were passed out by engineer HARRY (~echanical and store departments) at clerks HAL LING and Doc CRAMPTON. agency. and Mrs. ALT, brakeman WALT Stmson and Dillon beaches. Hope they are all up to their Christmas We at Oakland wish to extend our POWELL and wife, and switchman Roy MURRAY HAYNIE is again doing his dinners. best wishes for an enjoyable Holiday and Mrs. MONAHAN, on account of new stint as yardmaster at Terminous and We were sorry to hear of the death Season to all Western Pacific rail­ arrivals: Debra Lee Alt November 3· KARL HENRICH is stationmaster at of roundhouse foreman BILL GOOD'S roaders. Pamela J ean Powell, November 10; W. P. mole, replacing GEORGE RAAB, mother just before Thanksgiving, and Keddie and another girl, Sharon Lee Mona­ who ·is back with JIM DILLON as as­ extend our most sincere condolences. Since the California Zephyr has han, November 20. sistant. CAPTAIN SILVA just can't stay away been stopping at Keddie there has been We were all grieved at the tragic We had a lot of people on the sick from the mole. "Just came down for quite an increase in passenger traffic death of JAMES COWAN, storekeeper, list over Thanksgiving and some of a peep at the Humaconna," said Cap, out of here. A lot of credit is no doubt

20 MILEPOSTS MILEPOSTS 21 due to the courteous handling and nice Engine 210 is gleaming these days, vision engineer's office, also a National the lead in St. Mary's College Drama personality of agent PETE HANLEY. following her new paint job, and is Guard member, were alerted for emer­ Club play Behind These Doors. George Second trick operator BECKLEY, a re­ just waiting for the winter season gency duty and spent som e time with is studying journalism. cent bridegroom, is pleasantly sur­ when she will go into snow- plow serv­ the flood control parties. TRUDY MACDONALD'S husband has prised every Sunday night w hen his ice. No. 201 is, likewise, rarin ' to go, Anybody want a tall, thin Olds­ been called to the Marine Corps and bride br ings in a very delicious lunch. No. 21 will operate out of Portola, and mobile? Chief clerk DAN IRWIN is the is stationed in San Diego. Naturally, Only catch is, the rest of the office 208 and diesel 903-DC are now in the boy to see. Few weeks ago, daring week- end traffic to that city has in­ force enjoy it, too. Sacramento shops being equipped for Dan narrowly defied death and, with creased. the stormy weather. No. 35 is sched­ Working temporar ily as steno to EDWARD DONAHUE , from Greenville, Destiny's hand upon his shoulder, es­ uled for similar treatment on the next master mechanic L. M. MORRIS was has taken the three to twelve call clerk caped unscathed when-yes, you trip to the shops. It CAN get cold even DOROTHY JOHNSTONE from the super­ position, r elieving PAUL FERREL, the guessed it, he ran his Olds through a in sunny California! red light. Not only was the Olds intendent's office. NORENE JOHNSON, day man. MRS . NETTIE Fox is still away who was on leave of absence, returned Along with a very smart n ew paint clobbered, but, worse yet, he couldn't following a brok en ankle suffered the first part of December. job inside and out, our depot now has lay a hand on the other guy. while putting out a call. Some changes made at the Shops a new telegraph table, installed by It is said that a Californian seldom lately include JAMES MUSILLANI as new Signal maintenance man VAN BEN­ GILBERT WARE, T&T maintainer, with returns from Nevada with a buck, but file clerk; BERT FINCHLEY, now assist­ THUSEN is back to work after spending the assistance of division linemen a party which ALICE MARR accompa­ ant AAR clerk , and J. L. HICKS as a week in the Oroville hospital. DON McDONALD from Westwood, and nied did the trick. Uh huh, a 200- general clerk in that department. A. L . P. P HILLIPS has taken over the third ROBERT CHAPMAN, Keddie. pounder! RODRIGUEZ,former shop clerk, has filled trick operator position, replacing JIM K eddie crews h ad their hands full When VAN DAVISON's pet pigeon re­ the position of clerk in the timekeeping BROWN, who now works as dispatcher during the recent rainy spell k eeping cently took a fi rst place in all color office, left vacant by the r etirement of at Elko. the work trains going day and night birds competition, he cooed sweetly: JIM BOWEN. to k eep the road open. Just another "Dandy hobby. Make a few bills off When JIM retired, the mechanical "little" job the railr oads have to per ­ these birds and feather your nest." So department presented him with form while competitors roll m errily funny, we loft and loft! numerous gifts and he was one sur ­ along at the expense of we taxpayers. Here's a red-hot item of division sig­ prised person. Through MILEPOSTS we We will all miss the smiling face of nificance yet. FRANK O'LEARY turned would like Jim to know we all miss PHIL P RENTISS , who left last month for down some overtime. Next thing we him. Oroville, but we welcome GRANT EVANS know, Uncle Ed will be doing it. Nineteen fifty seems to be CLAUDE back among us after having been gone Fellow employees and brother train ARMSTRONG's lucky year. Lucky num­ so many years. detainers welcomed GEORGE HARLAN bers have brought him the sum total To all Wester n Pacific employees back to work as assistant chief dis­ of $687.50. Guess P. T . Barnum knew fr om K eddie, a very Merry Chr istmas patcher after an extended sick leave. what he was saying. and a bright and prosperous New What is so m erry as our m ail room STAN HEANEY, assistant accountant, Year! (known as Char acter Corner) . Who and his spouse had a hard time getting back from Montana after spending Sacramento could be sad after a visit with JEAN SMITH and LOIS KENNEY, the mail Thanksgiving there with relatives on While none of the employees in the room impresarios. account of the Sacramento flood con­ Superintendent's office h a d their We wish to extend to all our fellow ditions slightly interfering with No. homes inundated, many had to take Left to right: Mrs. Mildred Chapman, wife of the employees our best wishes fo r the 18's schedule. late Wilmer Chapman, Sr" locomotive engineer, wide detours to their homes on account BOB MORRIS, supervisor of reclama­ postmaster at Keddie who, for the past 17 years. coming Holidays. has delivered t he mail sacks to the depot each night; of the recent flood conditions. Assist­ tion, and his wife have moved into Joe Clinton, relief yardmaster ; Mrs. N ettie Fox, ant T&E timekeeper, DON RICHMAND, Sacramento Shops second trick call clerk, and second trick operator their new home in Hollywood Park. Beckley, presented her with a li ttie gift as a token as a Master Sergeant in the California George Cuyler , son of assistant chief Bob says h e never knew putting in a of esteem for her many trips to the depot. Photo by Elsie Hagan. National Guard and BILL HOLT, di- mechanical officer, E. T. CUYLER, had lawn required so much work.

22 MILEPOSTS MILEPOSTS 23 With his wife in Iowa for the past we all send hearty Christmas and New LA VON ROBINSON has been assisting as AVERY BLUM, resembled lumbermen on two months with her mother, who is Year greetings to our big W. P. family! a log jam amid the surging waters on quite ill, ED CUYLER is getting a good comptometer clerk. Sacramento Store the Tuolumne bridge, swinging their taste of batchin'. The Store Department sends the Busy making plans and buying ALMA KLEIPZIG was called to Chi­ Season's Greetings to everyone along pike poles like mad. A beaming countenance and a box furniture, BUD KIMBALL, chief time­ cago recently due to illness in Bill K's the line. of cigars heralded the arrival of a keeper, and his Missus plan to move family. We hope nothing serious. Sacramento Northern daughter to J. L. RASOR, JR. , bill clerk, into their new home in February. We will miss GLADYS MORTON, who Modesto, increasing the family number Due to his ability to pick out win­ had to resign her position as purchase Away on vacations last month were ners in the football games, BILL bill clerk on account of illness. MEL PARKER, assistant valuation engi­ to four. A badly infected foot put GEORGIA neer, and secretary RUTH CRANE. Not Credit goes also to J. AGUILAR and CHINDAHL on the sick list. that Ruth wasn't glad to sleep in late, C. P. LINDMAN, section foremen, and what with saving their partly finished Appointed acting storekeeper for the their crews, for their long weary hours home from the American River flood . signal department, MARTIN COUGHLIN successfully fighting the waters of the From all reports, many localities are took the place of GEORGE CRUM, who is Stanislaus River. on leave of absence. wishing they had built their homes on Best wishes to all for an enjoyable arks instead of foundations. ED HAWKINS is taking Martin's place Christmas Season! Our best of luck goes with GORDON at Store 6, and ERIC BORG received the HALVERSON, who resigned to take over Los Angeles bid for report and stock clerk. new duties with River Lines. Former Bay area denizens, clerks LUCIUS REAVES was operated on the REX KEARNEY, our president, re­ DORIS HILL and KEITH JOHNSON, jour­ day after Thanksgiving and will be turned from a trip East just in time neyed to the cold, foggy north to spend confined in Mercy Hospital before re­ to direct flood protection on the S. N. Thanksgiving Day with their parents. suming his duties near the first of the FRANK SELL, chief clerk, goes va­ year. and T. S. AL FIPPIN and CLARENCE MOSER re­ cationing during December in order to While CLAUD CRAIN enjoyed a va­ port pheasant hunting this year was spend Christmas with his family in cation spent up at Madison, NINO PON­ better than ever. The proof's in the Chicago. Apparently, the fellow just CIONI had to spend most of his time eatin', fellows! can't stand these bright sunny holiday helping his mother-in-law keep the seasons we have down here. water out of her home during the re­ A very Merry Christmas and a Our very best Southern California cent floods. To make matters worse Happy New Year to all you railroaders. greetings to all you fellow sufferers for Nino lost his brother- in-law just Tidewater Southern recently. the coming Holiday Season! While a rather moist vacation was At the recent meeting of the Capital enjoyed by FRANK LINDEE , TF&HA, Salt Lake City City Lodge, Brotherhood of Railway MITCHELL is now the proud owner of a and O. S. CORREA, chief clerk, both of Traffic representative BILL SlLFVAST Clerks' annual turkey dinner, the most new G. E. portable radio. Modesto, giving them ample oppor­ and his wife recently returned from a amazing thing was watching chief We're happy to have with us two tunity to rest and relax, such was not week's vacation spent in Oakland and clerks DAN IRWIN, superintendent's newcomers to the mechanical engi­ the case for Superintendent J. E. San Jose with Bill's brothers. office, and Hy O'RULLIAN, motive­ neer's office, BOB COULAM, draftsman, KENADY, WILLIAM ST. JEOR , road­ After spending Thanksgiving with power office, helping President BOB and BILL BREINER, special mechanical master, and our section gangs, who KECK with the dish-drying chore. AL their son, BOB, located in the engineer­ assistant. maintained a 24-hour vigil for three ing department at the Sacramento MADDEN, chief clerk, store department, Christmas will soon be here and the days to save two bridges, the lifeline Shops, general agent and MRS. H. R. found the work too light and rested mechanical department is looking for­ 9f the T. S. COULAM went to visit friends in Klam­ ward to our annual party-then comes for more arduous chores. GEORGE HARMON and L. G. FLINDERS, ath Falls, Portland, and Seattle ... New Year's- then . . . that let-down KATHY STEFANI has been filling in as section foremen, and their crews and sort of postman's holiday, as Ray for­ feeling and back to work. Meanwhile, typist during our rush season and the bridge gang, N. S. WESTFALL and merly worked those three points. Then 24 MILEPOSTS MILEPO STS 25 on to San Francisco to attend the Well deserved, Jimmy! Also wish to put his golf clubs away. J ohn is one in Gold Lake, October 31, while on a Inter-City Rotary meeting between congratulate our new assistant super­ of those die-hards who will pound the duck hunting trip, accompanied by LEE the Salt Lake City and San Francisco intendent, W. G. "RUSTY" HOWELL, and fairways (and we mean pound) until SERVIA, also of Portola. Mr. Cowan is clubs on December 5. welcome him back home again. the last leaves have long ago left the survived by his wife, Susanna; son District passenger representative At this time would like to extend our trees and the snow comes swirling over J ames of Portola; and daughters, Rose BOB GONSALVES was the official dele­ best wishes to all the gang on the W. P. the greens. Maybe it's the long roll you Renee and Mrs. Juanita J . Stewart, gate representing Sigma Alpha Epsilon for the best Christmas Season ever. get on your drives across the frozen both of Sacramento. He was a native at the inauguration of Dr. Louis Linden fairways, eh John? of Los Angeles. Madsen, eighth president of Utah State Chicago Where did the export crew ever Congratulations to section foreman Agricultural College in Logan, Utah, Bon voyage to our good friend, come up with those loud bows? GERRY on November 3. EDWARD A. MCCARTHY, on his retire­ COFFEY, JACK BOQUIST, JIM BAKER, and Traffic clerk LEE MARSHALL, his wife, ment, November 30. May his Ship of FRED SWEENEY have recently come up and two sons are to spend Christmas State always have smooth sailing. with some creations that defy descrip­ this year with his parents in Palo Alto. ARTHUR LUND'S record, achievement tion. JAKE EPHRAIM swears that those Last year it was with Mrs. Marshall's and reputation are well known to all neck-pieces are the answer to the atom folks in Carson City. For one who is of us here and we're proud to welcome bomb' 1,600 miles away from relatives, it sure him to Chicago as our new assistant Merry Christmas and Happy New would be nice to be so close to loved traffic manager. We hope you will feel Year from Chicago-the windy city . . . ones at Holiday time. right at home, Art. this material is an example! But, boy The Salt Lake City traffic office takes FRED ROBBINS, the Arkansas phi­ oh boy, wouldn't that Los Angeles this opportunity to send best wishes for losopher, commenting on the fact, per­ bunch like to see a white Christmas! a Happy Christmas and most prosper­ haps too little thought of, that whether Oroville ous New Year to all members of the you are calling on a customer in per­ Western Pacific family. son or on the phone, you are actually While agent W. W. LANG vacationed It is a pleasure to report the return your Company rolled up into one man. with his wife, spending part of the time to service of engineer DENNIS Mc­ Group of Chicago's married men in San Francisco, with a trip to Portola, KENNA, after an absence of about four (we must keep them anonymous) re­ too, he was relieved by E. J . SHERRILL. years. Dennis is in the Salt Lake cently huddled and came up with these Not that batching is so bad, but freigh t pool. sage bits: switchman C. E. MCCARTY was glad to have his wife return from a visit with Zephyr brakeman J. G. RUTHERFORD "Before marriage, boy yearns for her mother in Wyoming. has been on the sick list since the first girl ... afterward, the "y" is silent." of September and we hope to see him "Chasing a woman is fun . . . the Retired conductor FRED R. HUFF­ MAN and wife were recent visitors in on the job again soon. trouble begins when you catch her." R. J. HALL, of Craig, on the birth of a Oroville, calling on old friends . Since our last report, and before this new granddaughter, Phyllis Elaine, "Only one man in a thousand is a Freddie looks grand-must be enjoy­ goes to press, brakeman ORVILLE HAYS September 25, to Mr. and Mrs. E. W. leader of men . . . the others follow ing his retirement. should be back on the Zephyr again, women." Griggs (Pauline Hall) of Chilcoot. Conductor E. L. FERGUSON and Mrs. following his recent illness. Chicago and vicinity have b een Switchman LERoy McNALLY, Por­ Sarah L. Nallon of Binghampton, New Some of our people sure get around. hearing so much about the new ad­ tola, spent some time in Oroville re­ Take f'rinstance GEORGE PATTERSON, York, were married in Reno on No­ cently taking treatments for a leg dition to the MCGRATH family, just ap­ vember 3, and will live in Oroville. who has been off thirty days on a trip proaching 11 weeks, that finally MARIE injury. His wife and young daughter around Montana. Sounds mighty nice, They were accompanied by retired accompanied him and all visited in the LIEBE asked Bill if his prodigy could switchman HERBERT GRUMMETT and George. talk yet. "Talk," said Bill, "what's the home of his parents, the J. J. Mc­ wife. We all congratulate JIMMY LYNCH sense of his learning to talk when he NALLYS. LERoy later went to San on his recent promotion and pledge our gets everything by yelling." We were shocked to learn that store­ Francisco for a check-up on his in­ full support to him in his new office. JOHNNY RIEGAL finally gave up and keeper J . J. COWAN of Portola drowned jured knee.

26 :MILEPOSTS MILEPOSTS 27 Jose, announced the birth of a son, Relief clerk W. R. WIGGINS and wife over a period of years and never hav­ Game, what with high water at Reno are the proud parents of a son, Terry Marc, November 13. Weight 9 pounds ing seen the new swimming pool, the and the entire trip from there on com­ Wayman, who arrived November 22. 81/2 ounces. Congratulations to all! ball parks, the Sunset Heights resi­ posed of washout and detours. Johnny They have two other children. Trainmaster P. F. PRENTISS and his dential district or even Ranchinn? In said the game was worth while, even THOMAS ALLEN HUNTER, son of road wife will move into a new home just many years, HANS TEICHMAN has to equipping his new Olds with pon­ foreman and MRS. T. D. HUNTER , was purchased in Oroville as soon as final been no farther east than the Elko toons. (Next time ride the WP.) married November 5 to Miss Charlotte arrangements are complete. Lamoille Power Co. office, no farther Rose Gambrel, daughter of Mr. and We quote the following paragraph Our very best wishes to all for a west or south than the WP depot, and from the November 12 issue of the Mrs. T. A. Gambrel of Oroville. Rev. Merry Christmas and a Happy and no farther north than the First Na­ Ellis E. Peterson performed the single New York Times, describing WP's new Prosperous N ew Year. tional Bank! Small world, isn't it? Budd car: ring service at the First Methodist Elko Hans promised to "see Elko" during "There are no canasta tables on the Church, following which the young his November vacation. couple left for a honeymoon trip to Zephyrette, but at the 'luncheon stop HANNA ETCHEBEHERE and CAROL After having completed basic train­ in the spic-and-span Commercial Los Angeles. They will be at home at JONES attended the wedding of Carol's 1236 Second Avenue, Oroville. ing at San Antonio, Texas, FRANK Hotel at Elko, Nevada, tourists can­ sister, Virginia, and Dr. Samuel E. CLAWSON and KEITH PETERSON are in and do-study the higher mathematics Corporal Joseph C. Jimenez, Jr., son Neff in Denver on November 18. of carman JOSEPH JIMENEZ and wife, Colorado, where Frank will study of the wide- open state's gambling de­ Hanna, lifelong friend of the bride, was aerial photography and Keith will vices." was married recently to Miss Toni matron of honor. Accompanying them study business administration. BILL Oh, well, so long as they didn't for­ Ramerez in Kansas, where the young in JOHNNY ETCHEBEHERE'S new Olds­ SMALES is in Georgia, but we didn't get to mention Elko.... Jimenez is stationed with the Army mobile were Prof. and Mrs. Jones, Medical Corps at Fort Riley. learn what field he has chosen. FERRIN We take this opportunity to extend parents of Caroi and Virginia. Mrs. ALLEN received his call a short time Ceremonies were held in the First from Elko the very best of everything Neff a nurse in Denver's Rose Me­ ago, and is now in Fort Riley, Kansas. Congregational Church, November 19, morial Hospital, was an employee of to our Fellow WP employees with the when Miss Bessie May Taylor, daugh­ Western Pacific at Elko during the last We have learned that agent GEORGE hope that your coming Holiday Season ter of conductor L. D. and MRS . TAYLOR, war. and MRS. OLSON of Loyalton have con­ will be the finest ever. tributed not once, but twice to the became the wife of Jimmie Wallace FRED EGELSTON, general clerk, says Armed Forces. Jim Olson, who was San Francisco Johnson. the Elko Daily Free Press has nothing an engineman on a sea-going tub, Our very best wishes to all these on him. He also has broken ground for Best wishes for speedy recoveries asked to be transferred to the Gull, a new print shop to be erected near are extended to ART PETERSEN, chief happy couples. a minesweeper running between Japan his home across the river. clerk, auditor of revenues statistical MRS. ED OWENS, clerk at Winne­ and Korea, because he wanted to help bureau, who suffered a recent heart TOM CLARK, and his wife and little mucca, was called to Oroville recently make the lanes safe for brother Bill, attack, and DAVE SPOWART, auditor of daughter spent the Thanksgiving holi­ when her husband was r ushed to the who is receiving his. final training at equipment service accounts, who has days with Tom's relatives in Salt Lake hospital for an emergency appendec­ San Diego. been under the doctor's observation. tomy. At the latest report, Ed was City. Our sincerest congratulations to Now employed as steno-accountant doing fine. The "flu" epidemic that has been our new superintendent, J. F. LYNCH, in the engineering department's AFE Former Western Pacific ticket clerk making the rounds during the past few and assistant superintendent W. G. office, is ROBERT G. GIBBS, formerly weeks, appeared in our office with MRS. FRANKIE BLALOCK of San Fran­ HOWELL. Jimmy and Bill will make employed in the Civil Service, on duty cisco, was visiting old friends in Oro­ damaging effects. EDNA PHILLIPS, an ideal combination-both are men's with the U. S. Embassy at London, di­ ville recently. She was accompanied THEDA MUELLER, CAROLINE WOLF, and men. Both will give a square deal and rectly assigned to the Air Attache. by her daughter, Mrs. Don Deeds, and JOHNNY MURPHY were confined to their both will expect a square deal in re­ Bob is interested in the theatre, as grandson, Michael. homes for several days, while many turn-and that's what makes any busi­ actor and director and . .. so far .. . other employees were ill over the Yardmaster R. O. "Boss" BONNER ness successful. not married. and wife became proud grandparents week-end periods. JOHNNY and HANNA ETCHEBEHERE Neither is BOB HULLMAN, chief engi­ when their daughter and husband, Mr. Can you imagine living in Elko and spent most of their time on the road neer Woolford's secretary, although and Mrs. Claude Wilson, Jr., of San working at the Western Pacific offices while driving to Berkeley for the Big we inadvertently listed his name MI LEPO STS 28 MILEPOSTS 29 among the ineligible bachelors in the with gobs of whipped cream. What did MAJOR and MRS . MANNING had In a letter to the Editor, retired agen t November MILEPOSTS . 'Scuse us , Johnny do .. . you aren't kidding, he Thanksgiving dinner at the Presidio G. A . PULLEN writes that one thing he please, Bob! added pure cream! Officers' Club. When asked by his dislikes about r etiring is being sepa­ Wedding bells will soon ring, how­ Wedding bells for GUY NESMITH, fellow telegraph workers what he had, rated from old-time railroad friends. ever, for draftsman WALLACE IRWIN, purchasing department, who was mar­ Bill said ham. Just giving the "bird" He would like to be r emembered to who is making plans to middle- aisle it ried November 19 to Miss Jayne Jones the "bird," eh, Bill. all of his old friends and would be glad with Miss V. McInnes, a supervisor of Utica, New York. They plan to make Off his diet again, CARL "SLIM" RATH, to hear from them. His present address with the Trans-World Air Lines. Our their home in San Francisco. manager - wire chief telegraph office, is 2917 "0 " Street, Sacramento 16. very best wishes. A long distance A little purchasing in J. C. MAR­ went to town Thanksgiving Day with Mr. Pullen retired with over 30 years' swimmer, Wallace plans to enter the CHAND'S office has provided that de­ two helpings of everythin'. Sure good service with Western Pacific. Dolphin Club's annual Golden Gate partment with two new typists, DORO­ to eat again, says Carl. Another old-timer who recentl y swim next year. THY STOREY, transfer from the DC&H Chief clerk, telegraph, DICK CZEIKO­ wrote to the Editor is RALPH T . STO NE WITZ accompanied the "Blue Chip" of 1410 Bancroft Way, Berkeley 2. special, keeping the public address Ralph made his first trip over the system and radios in good operating WP on December 29, 1909, and reti.red condition. from passenger conductor service on JOHNNY KENDALL , carrier main­ January 31, 1944. He likewise sends tainer, has been busy chasing down his best regards to his old-time friends, the mysteriously lost 24 DBS on the and both like to keep up with WP news Salt Lake carrier circuit. through MILEPOSTS , which they r ead Glad to hear nothing serious came from cover to cover. out of the illness to clerk MAX FRE­ Baby daughter, M argaret, brought GO SO'S little daughter, after being 5 pounds 13 ounces of happiness to the r ushed to the hospital last month. The home of JIM FERROL and wife, Isabella, little tykes can really take it, Max. on December 5. Jim works in the MARY McFADDEN, secretary to super­ Auditor of Revenues D epartment. intendent of telegraph, NORMAN MEN­ A columnist in one of our local ZIES, doesn't hail from Boston, but she papers recently nominated Evangeline Filing away their noon-day lunches in the signal engineer's office are Marge Glatt, Frances Carbolotti, can really bake their most famous of Baker as candidate for the next "Miss Rose locke and. the lucky man, Harry F . Perrine, chief clerk. Photo by Maurice Notter, all dishes. Television of San Francisco" title. Recent visitor to the general office Vannie, wife of G. H. BAKER , chief Donna Forseth, daughter of division department, and BILL DAVIS , recently was A. MOLDENHAUER , signal super­ clerk, purchasing, is no newcomer to engineer CHARLEY FORSETH, was mar­ from the East. visor Eastern division. Just business TV. Following a decade of radio ex­ ried on Saturday, December 9, in Appointed secretary to the assistant though, he advised. perience on Sacramento's KROY and . Berkeley's The Little Chapel of the superintendent at Elko, ROSALIE ENKE Confined to their homes because of Sari Francisco's KGO, h er "A Woman's recent illnesses were MARGIE GLATT Flowers. Donna was graduated from recently bid adieu to her friends in Slant on the News," "The W ishing and ELINOR BUTLER of the signal engi­ San Jose State last June, and has been the Signal Department. We wish her W ell," and "What's the Good Word" the best in her new assignment. neer's office. programs were fine stepping-stones to a frequent visitor to our office. We Recently returned from her va­ Glad to see the smiling face of JIMMY " Looking at Fashions" (KGO-TV, wish her great happiness in her new cation, A of R department's ALTA CURREY once again around GO. Fol­ Wednesdays, 7: 15 p. m .) , in which venture. THOMAS tells of her visit to New York, lowing his transfer to the Oakland Vannie surrounds herself with beauti­ How does JOHN ROSSI, secretary to Manistee, Michigan, and the Wel­ freight office earlier in the year, Jimmy ful models and the latest fashions. Each vice president and general manager, come Travelers Program in Chicago. suffered a breakdown, but the Doc has show features a special theme, "San manage to retain that slim figure? Re­ Thought the California Zephyr was okayed his return to the traffic depart­ Francisco Aftej' Dark," " Spectator cently, observed putting away a huge out of this world and brought several ment in a newly created position­ Sports," "San Francisco in the Rain," dish of strawberry shortcake topped rolls of color movies back to prove it. manager of the slip bureau. ( Continued on Page 33) 30 MILEPOSTS M ILEPO STS 31 tary snow plows, Jordan spreaders, lo­ they may be seen from adjacent high­ comotive cranes, etc., and is proving ways. Similar aluminum paint is be­ to be a decided improvement. ing placed on buildings in roundhouse During the remainder of 1950 at areas along the line, replacing the old least two steam ditchers, two gas "boxcar" red, for a much improved ditchers, three Jordan spreaders, and appearance. two 100-ton wrecking derricks and New paint standards for roadway other miscellaneous work equipment buildings have been issued, and the will be similarly painted. Also, during interiors and exteriors will be eye­ EDITOR, after maintenance of way, bridges and the past three years, approximately appealing with various pastel hues. MILEPOSTS : buildings, tunnels, fences, etc. forty per cent of our bridges have been It is hoped that passengers traveling Anyone who rides in a train, either These work trains certainly come repainted aluminum, replacing the over the line will soon be as well im­ for the first time or hundredth time, is under the observation of the traveler, previous standard black, and a pro­ pressed with the appearance of West­ bound to pay attention to the accom­ their present appearance is not inspir­ gram is now under way to add West­ ern Pacific property as they are with panying sounds and sights of travel. ing. Imagine the added effect on his ern Pacific medallions at points where the natural scenery. The things to be seen along the line recollections if he recalled all these have an appearance and give an im­ trains as brightly painted, neat in ap­ pression they can evoke only when pearance, an evidence of the careful viewed through the windows of the management throughout the system. modern magic carpet - the passenger These trains must be maintained by Caboosing ... vember, to serve for the next year. the railroad. Why not make them an train. ( Continued from Page 31 ) From all appearances it might be The passenger observes and feels eyeful in building the confidence of that NANCY INGLE and WES CRAWFORD, etc. Aside from ·her camera appear­ the makeup of the railroad that is car­ the traveling public? The extra cost both of the general agent's office at rying him. The perfection of equip­ would be in improving their looks ances, she also supervises make-up GO, were engaged in a little slugfest. ment and track give the passenger without adding to the cost of the work and costumes for twenty-two KGO­ However, the cast on Nancy's right TV programs. She has been most help­ bodily comfort, and enhances his sense they do. Their improvement would hand was the aftermath of an oper­ ful in creating and keeping together of well- being and security. In an ex­ probably improve the morale of the ation on one of her fingers, while the local Academy of Television Arts tended trip the passenger will travel workers, and their output. friend Wes suffered a four-hour oper­ and Sciences. Tune in next Wednesday over a number of railroads, and it is c. F. Beninghoff, Sacramento. ation after badly injuring his right and see for yourself! not hazarding a guess to say that some ANSWER: hand while repairing a bathtub faucet. of these railroads will register definite Thank you for your timely letter. After 28 years with the Union Pa­ Not to be outdone, our elevator impressions. The chances are some Western Pacific is now in the midst of cific, DONALD ELLINGTON, 51, is now operator, MIKE CAPRARO , has a ban­ road appealed to him as being care­ an extensive program of repairing and working in the auditor of revenues de­ daged digit, account having jambed a fully operated because all its facilities repainting maintenance of way cars partment's division bureau. A veteran pencil point in his finger. were well appointed, the roadway well and equipment. During the past year of World War I and a member of We welcome LILLIAN NAVONE back groomed, the section houses of neat fifty-six outfit cars have been re­ Omaha Post No.1, American Legion, again after her thrilling tour of Italy, appearance and section equipment painted with the standard red oxide Don arrived in San Francisco from Switzerland and France during the well maintained. The dozens of things color. However, plans are now b eing Omaha on November 5 and joined WP past few months with her parents. She that pass before his eyes on a trip over revised to use a new "visibility" yel­ the next day. Has a daughter and son, has taken over stenographic duties in a railroad complete a picture in his low paint on all work and equipment the latter attending El Cerrito High the chief special agent's department, School. mind, and his liking for that road de­ cars rather than the standard red, and replacing DOROTHY LEE, resigned. pends upon the character of this pic­ the program is scheduled to begin at E. LUDWIG VAN DELLEN, commerce The entire gang at general office, ture. an early date. This new yellow has al­ attorney, was appointed vice president Eighth and Brannan, and the water­ The purpose of this letter is to sug­ ready been used in painting eight of the San Francisco Region of Inter­ front office, send best Christmas wishes gest an improvement in the appear­ work equipment machinery units such state Commerce Commission Prac­ for the Holiday Season to the entire ance of the work trains which look as steam and gas driven ditchers, 1'0- titioners at a meeting held in No- Western Pacific family. M I L EPO ST S 32 MILEPOST S 33 • SPORTS •

NEW LEAGUE PLANNED railroad interested in participating in the league are urged to submit their Preliminary arrangements are under request to league officials through way to form an inter- city Western Pa­ MILEPOST'S editor. The magazine will cific Bowling League, consisting of c.arry results of the league games. teams from Oroville, Sacramento and Stockton. Those working for the or­ ganization of this league are Harold BOWLING Branting and Don Carman, Stockton; Trying to pick a first-half winner in Hy O'Rullian, Sacramento; and Mar- the Western Pacific Bowling League . ion Ebbert, Oroville. of San Francisco would tax the ability of a Philadelphia lawyer. With three A twelve-week traveling schedule weeks to go, five teams are scorching has been suggested, to begin the first the maple boards in an attempt to eke week in January, and a meeting for out a victory. It could end in a two or final arrangements was designated to three-way tie, in which event a 1'011- start the ball rolling. off would be necessary to decide the Employees from other sections of the first-half winner. As of December 7, team standings were as follows: Here is the group who established the all-time record of 18 consecutive wins in the Sacramento WP Bowling League : Back row, from left, Eric Borg, Lee Norene and Bruce Stilwell. Front row, from left, Jim TEAM WON LOST Musillani and By O'Rullian. California Zephyrs ...... 20 13 Freight Claims 19 14 BOWLING Oakland Carmen ...... 18 15 Engineers 17 16 An all-time record was recently set Team standings as of December 8 in the Western Pacific Bowling League were as follows: Feather River 17 16 at Sacramento when the "Wreckers" TEAM WON LOST The Oakland Carmen made a fine literally knocked the pins from under Wreckers ...... 24 6 showing D ecember 7 when league the league by winning 19 of their last Zephyrs ...... 17 13 president, F rank Thompson, gave his 20 games, 18 of them being consecutive Caboose ...... 16 14 team a 614 series which sent the pins victories. Staggs ...... 14 16 flying in games of 224, 212 and 178 The team, composed of Eric Borg, Lariats ...... 10 20 To date, high game scores for the Lee Norene, Bruce Stilwell, Jim Mu­ Derailers ...... 9 21 teams were: California Zephyrs, 936; sillani and Hy O'Rullian, has its eye Oakland Carmen, 898; Traffickers, 878; on a large share of the $525 prize The WPAC annual Bass Derby did not turn out too successful this year. Freight Claims, 875; Auditors, 868; m oney that will be distributed to win­ Out of all the participants only three Feather River, 854; Freight Accounts, ners when the season ends. fish were caught. Prize winners were: 823; and Engineers, 803. A nip and tuck battle is in progress First, M. R : Comes, 15-pounder; sec­ between the "Zephyrs" and "Caboose" Jim Kenney. our new Sacramento correspondent, ond, Ace Drummon, 9-pounder; and says: "If at first you don't succeed. try shortstop." fives for second honors. third, A. Ottoson, 5-pounder. 34 MILEPOSTS M ILE POST S 35 Sec. 34.1>1>, P. L. & R. WESTERN PACIFIC MILEPOSTS U. S. POSTAGE 521> Mission St., San Francisco 5, Calif. PAID Return and Forwarding Postage Guaranteed San Francisco, Calif. Permit No. 5371 IR. ALAN ASKE 175 S. LINCOLN ST. ROSEVILLE, CALIF.

POSTMASTER: If undeliverable for ANY REASON. notify sender, stating reason on Form 3547. postage for which is guaranteed by sender.

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