ilepoSls Vol. IX, No. 12 JULY, 1958 ' Milepost No. 108

Department of Public Relations WESTERN PACIFIC RAILROAD SACRAMENTO NORTHERN RY. TIDEWATER SOUTHERN HY. 526 Mission Street San Francisco 5, California Lee "Flash" Sherwood, Editor A. L. Lloyd, Associate Editor

Gondola cars get covers 'Milepost No. 108: A Certain high - grade steel products, End view below better shows upper portion and westbound California top built for gondola cars at Sacramento Shops. Zephyr near Villinger. because of a tendency to rust when Pictures were taken by Marshall W . Brown, wet, require special protection when in assistant mechanical engineer. transit. To provide this protection, two standard open-type gondola cars left Western Pacific's Sacramento shops CONSIST last month equipped with covers. Page For ease in loading, the "roofs" have Gondola Cars Get Covers__ .. ______.. ____ .. ______3 been divided into three sections. These Western Pacific Has No Intention of Giving Up Passenger Business ____ _ 4 sections are so constructed that when Look, Mr. Shipper-No Pallets ______8 lifted from the gondola they may be How We're Doing ______.. __ 10 stacked one on top of the other. Desolation! ______11 To protect the car ends and prevent Dear Editor: ______12 bulging should the steel shift to the ends of the car, a heavy six-inch wood Mileposts in Gold __ 14 lining has been added to the inside of Vacation Bound? __ __ 15 the car at each end. Hawaiian Cruise Report __ 15 Inside dimensions of the covered Caboosing ______16 cars are: height, 5'0"; width, 9'6"; and In Memoriam ______.. ______23 length, 51'5". Load limits are 139,900 pounds. COVER: At no additional charge, California Zephyr The work of converting the two cars passengers enjoy from five Vista-dome cars unob­ was done by Company forces at a cost structed views such as this near Belden, midway of $4,672 per car. in California's rugged Feather River Canyon. ~ 7 JULY, 1958 3 2 MILEPOSTS Western Pacific has no intention of giving up its p assenger business

the popular California Zephyr, con­ are divided between these three rail­ In addition, Western Pacific fre­ sidered by a great many to be the roads on a mileage basis. For the year quently operates special passenger finest train in the country. The favor­ 1957, Western Pacific's proportion of trains. These trains carry military per­ able advertising which this train brings California Zephyr operation showed a sonnel, rail fans, tours by various to our railroad is looked upon as a loss of $18,571, the first incurred by associations, children from various favorable opposition to the train's the train during the' nine years it has nearby cities and towns to attend slight monetary loss last year. been in service. For the first five "Cinerama" shows in San Francisco, During the present busy season, as months of this year, the percentage of and other special groups. ~any of it has consistently done each year train capacity has been running about these "specials" are arranged and con­ since inauguration in 1949, the Cali­ four per cent behind the same period ducted by the department of public fornia Zephyr runs at near capacity last year. Revenues for the month of relations, and the majority earn a and makes money for the Company. ~ay, 1958, exceeded those for ~ay , profit. Next August the PR depart­ This would not be true were it not for 1957, and the train is expected to run ment will run its 10th Annual Shrine­ the train's many attractions, which are with full, or very near full, capacity Circus Special to bring Nevada chil­ becoming more widely acclaimed each during the remaining summer months. dren to Reno to see the "big show." year. People will ride trains if they are The only other regular Western The Cariboo Country Special, first run offered good service, comfort, good Pacific passenger service is the two last year, will be repeated again this food and pleasant dining atmosphere, single-unit Zephyrette cars which op­ year. Leaving Oakland on August 23, pleasure, and reasonable speed. This erate over the railroad in each direc­ this week-long excursion train will the Califm'nia Zephyr can boast. No tion three times each week. run all the way to Prince Rupert, T o spike any rumors to the contrary, train in the country can offer better Railroad employees far outnumber which may be prevalent among our service, better schedules for viewing, the revenue passengers carried on A unique reservation system avoids waiting in railroaders, Western Pacific wants its from four Vista-dome cars, some of these two cars, which for the year 1957 line for superb food excellently served on employees to know that it has no in­ this country's finest scenery, room to incurred a $234,772 loss in operation. tables covered with fresh linen, with highly tention of going out of the passenger relax and move around in comfort, polished silver and flowers on each table. business. This mayor may not be the and excellent food superbly served. case with other railroads which have Travelers may be able to "get there suffered considerable losses in passen­ faster" by another means of transpor­ ger train operations, and which there­ tation, and even by some fast runs fore do not seem particularly inter­ made by other railroads, but this ad­ ested in offering the public service that vantage your railroad feels is second­ encourages travel by railroad. Western ary to the benefits offered by the Pacific didn't make any money last California Zephyr. year with its passenger business either, Western Pacific cannot be classed as although in comparison with other a large "passenger" railroad. Its prin­ railroads, it didn't do too badly. One cipal passenger business is carried by thing is sure, WP's passenger service the transcontinental California Zephyr, is a credit to our employees. which is owned and operated by West­ One very fine reason why your rail­ ern Pacific, Rio Grande, and Burling­ road intends to retain this service is ton railroads. Revenues and expenses

4 MILEPOSTS ------

British Columbia. Last year's Cariboo Rnd many more dollars to their income. "And maybe you think that from Country Special was highly success­ "Mind you, this is not a brief for 18,000, or 22,000, or 25,000 feet, you've ful, and it was the first time a train train travel, nor yet a beef against air seen the grandeur of your country, from the United States had ever been travel. It's simply the reactions of a but until you've taken the California run on the Pacific Great Eastern. plain guy who's flown more miles than ZephY1'-and seen with awe the tre­ In addition, these "specials" provide he cares to count-or remember-and mendous upheavals of nature that look extra earnings for train and engine­ has trained just as many m iles-most like ant hills from the air-man, you men and other railroaders concerned of the train miles, regrettably, in the just plain ain't travelled! with passenger train operation, many Eastern part of this country, where "Maybe you like pre-selected meals of whom have expressed their ap­ passengers are regarded by the rail­ plunked in your lap-or slightly north preciation. Many passehgers on these roads as a considerable cut below hogs. thereof-but me, I like to walk into "specials" have, because they were a room with chairs and tables, and impressed with WP service and the tablecloths, and china, and flowers, employees with whom they came in and silver, and folks reminiscent of old contact, been the source of consider­ ness-and service-of America's rail­ family retainers-and order what I able freight business for our railroad. roads. But I picked the wrong railroad. want, the way I want it, and when I " There's nothing wrong with the want it. And that last part is one of PEOPLE are still traveling in spite of Burlington that a little press agentry the things other railroads could learn the present business recession, and or just plain truthful advertising won't from the C Z. You reserve your table for dinner, and it's there when you your railroad is making every effort cure. If all the people who fly between show up-provided you haven't lin­ to share in this business. Most indi­ Chicago and San Francisco knew what gered over-long in the bar car, or the cations point to greater than ever they're missing, Mr. Patterson's United dome, or your music-filled room. prosperity in the coming years, par­ Air Lines-and American and TWA­ ticularly on the West Coast, and West­ would be canceling flights and orders "Once you're west of D enver, and ern Pacific will be out for all the for new planes right and left. And the in the solicitous hands of the Rio passenger business it can get. Every Burlington-and by osmosis all other Grande Western and the W estern Pa­ Western Pacific railroader is a poten­ railroads (Western variety) would be cific, the scenery is guaranteed glori­ tial source of passenger business for adding more cars, and more people, ous! There may b e prettier scenery our railroad. Make it a point to talk on this shrinking earth of ours, but about your railroad and its service to there's nothing more impressive than your friends and acquaintances, your It's like being in another world when you en .. the stuff God threw down in the west­ joy the quiet and scenery from a dome at night. A variety of bedroom accommodations provide butcher, your merchant, your doctor privacy when desired. Vista-dome chair coaches ern U. S., and you'll marvel that man or dentist, and encourage them to ride offer many c'onveniences for traveling comfort. has fought through it with steel rails­ our trains and ship by Western Pacific. on which runs a palace on wheels. This is certainly to your advantage as "Sure, you can get yourself on a de "They're so proud of their train that well as that of the railroad. luxe flight out of beautiful Midway on the way West they wash it at The three railroads which own and and whap!-two drinks and one lunch Denver-so it'll look pretty-and to operate the California ZephY1' con­ later you're groping your way down make sure you can see out. It's sure tinue to receive many commendations from the clouds into San Francisco not the fastest way to get from Chicago about the train. One such letter re­ Airport-out beyond where the Cow to San Francisco-but until a new train cently mailed by a passenger to the Palace is. Maybe you've had a smooth comes along, it's sure the finest, and Rio Grande, copy of which we re­ flight-and maybe you haven't. Maybe by all odds the most conducive to ceived, is typical. We think you will the pilot knew all the time he'd get rapture-indu lgence that I've ever seen. enjoy reading what he had to say. his aircraft down where was supposed "I almost forgot - they wash the "I set out deliberately to find out to get it down-but brother, I never train (on WP at Portola) the next what's wrong with the passenger busi- knew it! morning, too!"

6 J U L Y, 1958 7 Look, Mr. Shipper- no pallets

Another "best seller" solves The only materials necessary for top swedge, and the other adjacent to handling four drums in one unit con­ and below the bottom swedge. handling of 55-gallon drums sist of two small pieces of rough lum­ Lifting is accomplished by a chain without pallets ber, steel strapping, and strap seals. sling or simple hook arrangement. The An exciting sequel to the "Mystery Costly, cumbersome, wooden pallets chain may be readily placed over the of the Missing Pallet," a Western Pa­ are not required. top of the forks of any standard fork­ cific innovation in material-handling The drum unit is formed by placing lift truck, crane, or other type of lift­ technique announced last year (MILE­ together four drums, separated in pairs ing device, then brought down and POSTS, October, 1957), has just been by the two pieces of rough lumber. One under the lifting beam. completed. piece of lumber is placed between the Carloads of various commodities Following the success of Western swedges; the other between the bottom have been undergoing road test ship­ Pacific's improved method of unitized chime of the drum and bottom swedge. ments since March of this year. To date Two small pieces of rough lumber separate four loading in handling of cased goods, our The upper wood separator also func­ this method of handling has proved to 55 ... gallon drums as shown in the picture above. research engineers have developed a tions as a "lifting beam." The drums be just as successful as the method similar technique for handling stand­ are then unitized with two steel bands, used in 'handling cased goods, which ard 55-gallon drums. one located adjacent to and above the shippers have widely acclaimed.

Two steel bands, placed as shown below, se­ lifting is accomplished by 0 chain placed Four-drum unitized load is easily lifted A piece of lilli-beam and hooks from scrap curely hold the four drums in a single unit. around the upper wood separator and forks. by fork-lift truck without use of pallet. metal may be used instead of chain sling.

8 MILEPOSTS J U L Y, 1958 9 ----~ ~-~-- ---~ ------~ --

How We're Doing All fifteen members were re-elected operating expenses down 1.60 per cent; to Western P acific's board of directors net operating revenues down 49.9 per at the annual stockholders' meeting cent. Net income down 64.4 per cent held in San Francisco on June 25. for month, and down 51.4 per cent for * * * first five months of 1958 compared with No noticeable change in Milpitas same period 1957. auto production, which is expected to * * * continue at low level for balance 1958 At a meeting held on July 1, the model run. * * * Oakland City Council voted 8 to 1 in Work on Elko depot-office building favor of Western Pacific's application now 38 per cent completed. for permission to use its Third and Washington streets station as a western -u. S. Forest Service photo * * -lE- terminal for loading and unloading California Zephyr average load in San F rancisco passengers subsequent May was 65.5 per cent of train capacity, to abandonment of ferry service be­ Desolation! as compared with 68.4 per cent in tween Oakland and San Francisco. A It's not a pleasant sight to look out May,1957. * * -. double-check to see that all camp fires maximum of fifteen minutes will be over a scene such as the one shown are completely extinguished." Compared with month of May, 1957, allowed for this service. No date has above, taken in Plumas National At the suggestion of John C. Sterner, income figures for May, 1958, show op­ yet been set for termination of ferry­ Forest. Worst of all, most such scenes special agent and claim agent, Western erating revenues down 15.49 per cent; boat operation. were the result of carelessness, stu­ Pacific is making arrangements to pidity and negligence, and could have immediately stencil "Keep California From the Press practice is for the legislatures to set the been prevented. Green" on the railroad's wood-chip "The United States Supreme Court fines so high and the courts to levy Of 229,220 acres burned in California gondola cars in an effort to help reduce them in such amounts as to make over­ was eminently correct in denying forest fires during 1957, about 89 per the destruction of our forests. truckers the right to deduct fines loading financially unprofitable to the cent were destroyed by 3,034 man­ levied for overweight loads from their carriers."-Sacramento Bee. caused fires. Lightning caused 644 for­ income taxes ... some trucking firms est fires and destroyed 24,917 acres. have found they can pay fines and still Other fires were caused by debris­ realize a profit from the additional "Guardsmen's Special" burning, indifferent lumbering prac­ revenue they receive from hauling One hundred and fifty members of tices, neglected campfires and a few loads in excess of the legal weight the "Guardsmen," a San Francisco by railroads. Western Pacific wages a f······ .... 1 limits. organization of young businessmen, constant campaign against these catas­ Thanks, Folks, "To allow the truckers also to de­ sponsored a WP special train for their trophies under the direction of E. L. duct their fines from their income annual outing, following their annual McCann, division special agent and taxes not only would be a travesty but, Campership drive for funds. claim agent, who works closely with for being in the words of the court, would en­ The trip this year was made on June the California State Division of For­ courage continued violation of state 14 over the WP to Stockton and then estry and the Director of Natural laws. over the Tidewater Southern to the Resources. CARE FULf "Overloading does tremendous Del Rio Country Club near Modesto. "August and September are the most damage to the public highways. It is As a result of this successful opera­ dangerous months," reports McCann. both dangerous and unfair to the other tion, Western Pacific was offered a new "All Western Pacific employees are highway users. source of freight revenue from one of urged to be especially careful when "One of the surest ways to stop the the members. smoking in these areas; and all should

10 MILEPOSTS JULY, 1958 11 Helped build WP According to Emmett Dillon, assistant auditor of payroll accounts, the only As a man that helped build the West­ record on Dan shows that he began ern Pacific, I think I should hold about service on January 4, 1904. We hope to first place, as I helped lay steel and receive many more letters from Dan. surfaced the track, and while not ::Dear {;Jifor: bringing in the first train I am first on * the seniority still. Will do, John How things have changed. Pulled Have just received my copy of MILE­ tile passenger trains out of Oakland POSTS for May, 1958; sent to myoId for 26 years until old age caught up address at 3208 12th Avenue, Sacra­ Likes our service with me. Was sorry to see in MILEPOSTS mento. Would you kindly in the future Earlier this month Mrs. Duncan and of Tom Aldridge's passing, as we were send it to 584 34th St., Sacramento 16. I made a trip over your line from such old friends. Thanks. I love to read it-cover to Chicago to San Francisco. We enjoyed I am still going strong and will be cover and especially the jokes. The it the most of any train trip we have 90 years old June 2l. illustrations are swell. A good picture made to date and we wish to commend Hard work kills no man if his mind is better than a thousand words. Do your company for its services. is clean ·and fresh. something to cut down the damage We wish to commend in particular . . .. Daniel O. McKellips claim payments. This is an entirely Porter R. W. Ligon on the Silver Oakland, California unnecessary expense. It can be done. Chasm. He anticipated our every need Clearly written in his own hand­ Best wishes and again thanks from a and much of the pleasure of the trip wl'iting, Mr. McKellips' letter certainly retired Mechanical Department ac- was due to his courteous services. verifies that he is "still going strong." countant. John W. Bingham It is with pleasure that we anticipate another trip in the future via Western Old °26 11 as re produced from AI's color slide. Pacific. American Railroads' film Women's Traffic Club H. M. Duncan, President of what was once proudly used to pull seen at Brussels Fair honors s. F. Giants Duncan, Vail Co. our trains before the diesels took over. "Big· Trains Rolling," a 25-minute The San Francisco Giants have made Los Angeles I thought that you might like to have color arid sound will be seen by a hit with the Women's Traffic Club of a picture of the ·old "26" in her final film., * * * many of the 35 to 40 million people San Francisco and will be honored at resting place in Travel Town, and en­ expected to visit the Brussels World the Club's meeting on July 17. WP memories close a picture which I took in color. Fair. The picture takes two young peo­ Guest speaker for the evening will This Spring I took a trip to Travel MILEPOSTS comes to me regularly ple on their first over-night train trip, be Walter "The Great" Mails, one of Town in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. and I enjoy reading it very much, even and shows how American Railroads the game's former outstanding players. There I found the old WPRR engine though most of myoId friends seem to meet the n eeds of agriculture, industry, Mails will be accompanied by two No. 26 resting on a short piece of track have retired or passed on. commerce, and general public. Giants' stars. with a caboose behind her for the Thanks for mailing MILEPOSTS to me. National Broadcasting Company se­ Program chairman for the evening visitors to climb into the cab of the Alan F . Williams . lected the film, produced by the Asso­ is Mrs. Lela Paul, personnel assistant. engine and pass through the caboose. San Marino ciation of American Railroads, for She is being assisted by Mrs. Bonnie It brought back a lot of fond memo­ Al will be remembered by many on closed circuit telecasting in the Ameri­ Fleishell, Transcontinental Transport, ries to me of the days when I used to the railroad. He began as assistant 1 can Pavilion, one of the outstanding Inc., a former freight traffic department see this locomotive in actual operation engineer on April 15, 1957, was a road­ attractions of the fair. employee. on the WP. master, and division engineer at Sac­ The fair opened on April 17 and will The dinner meeting will be held at Now she is brightly painted and ramento when he left service January close on October 19. the Leopard Cafe in San F rancisco. looks better than ever although she is 1,1944. H e is now with the Califomia set out to pasture for the rest of her Public Utilities Commission in Los And then there was the Scotsman who took The grass next door may look greener, but life, to remind the present generation Angeles. corn~rs on two wheels to save his tires! don't forget it's just as hard to cut!

12 MI LEPOSTS JULY, 1958 13 Vacation bound?

MILEPOSTS IN GOLD Western Pacific believes than an an­ unless each driver makes it his own nual vacation for eligible employees is responsibility to drive with care. Speed, an important and necessary function passing on hills and around curves, and MILEPOSTS congratulates the following railroaders who will receive Service of their working careers. It wants you driving fatigue are leading cause of Pin Awards during the month of July, 1958: to fully enjoy that one-, two- or three­ traffic accidents. You can avoid these week relief from daily routine which dangerous practices by allowing your­ 4S-YEAR PIN self plenty of time to reach your desti­ Henry C. Wendt ...... ____ .Auditor of Miscellaneous Accounts ...... __ ... ___ ...... 8an Francisco it contributes as one of your welfare benefits. nation, and by limiting your mileage 40-YEAR PIN In your further interest, it would like to a reasonable distance each day. Irving Williams .. __ ...... __ .. L ocomotive Engineer ...... __ ...... Eastern Division to suggest that if your plans this year Drowning, boating accidents, and 3S-YEAR PINS include a trip by car, that you give overexertion also claim many lives, Alvin C. Donnenwirth ...... Locomotive Engineer... ____ ...... Western Division Lawrence D. Garrick.. "' .... Machinist._...... Mechanical Dept. some careful thought to arriving safely all of which can be avoided by using Dewey M. Geil ...... ___ ...... Dispatcher __ ...... ___ ...... __ ...... Western Division at your destination and back at home. caution and common sense. David J. SpowarL .. _ .,._ .. Auditor Equipment Service Accounts ...... San Francisco Gunnar Wilstrup ...... Marine Engineer ...... Western Division Last year 38,700 persons were killed For your own sake, for the sake of 30-YEAR PINS in traffic accidents, and all indications your family-and the WP family, too­ John C. Arruda...... Sheet Metal Worker ...... Mechanical Dept. point to an equally high death toll on don't let carelessness cause your name Richard J. Benish ...... Assistant Valuation Engineer...... 8an Francisco George C. Boates ...... Locomotive Engineer...... Western Division the nation's highways again this year to be added to this year's fatality lists! James R. Brown...... Transit Clerk...... Western Division Joe A. Cook...... _Conductor ...... Eastern Division j :~:~ ~: ~ ~~~~~ .: ::::: ...... :.::: .. ::::: .... ::~: g~~~ ~~;~~ ~~ ...... ~~~~~~~::::: ::~:: ::::::::: :~~::::: :::::: ::::::::: :::: ~~~~~~n ~~i~i~onn Hawaiian Cruise report George T . Johnston...... Machinist.. .. Mechanical Dept. Leland D. Michelson ...... Trainmaster...... Oakland Eugene Morton ...... Switchman...... Western Division In a last minute check before press sightseeing have been planned by WP Howard G. Parker...... Locomotive Engineer.. ...Western D~v~s!on time, MILEPOSTS learned that reserva­ Employees' Club, sponsor of the tour, Edmond G. Parrott...... Conductor...... W estern DlvlslOn John G. Sandstrom ...... Chief Clerk, Interline Recheck Bureau ...... 8an Francisco tions for the Hawaiian Paradise Cruise before returning to San Francisco on George M. 8axton...... Locomotive Engineer...... Western Division are exceeding expectations. It was also September 27. Raymond J. 8mith ...... Conductor...... •.•.•.•...•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.• E aessteterrnnDDiV"vis"si?,onn Aage J. Stender...... Foreman. Section and Extra Gang W learned that reservations are still be­ All-expense rates, except for a few James R. StockwelL ...... Locomotive Engineer...... Western Division William T. Tucker...... Locomotive Engineer.. ... Western ~i,,:,i~ion ing accepted, although some classes meals at Waikiki, tips and personal Samuel C. Wilson ... Conductor...... Eastern DIVISion of accommodations are now very expenses, begin at $625_ A $50 deposit, 2S-YEAR PIN limited. fully refundable up to 30 days prior Olaf Erickson ...... Carpenter ...... Western Division* The personally escorted tour party to departure date, will secure your 20-YEAR PINS will sail from San Francisco on Sep­ reservation. Louie C. J askala ...... Western Division tember 5 aboard Matson Navigation A descriptive folder may be obtained Donald McDonald .. Com.munic,:,-t~0!ls Dept. Floyd E. Miller, Jr...... Western Dlvlslon Company's S.S_ Matsonia. Three full from Western Pacific's Department of IS-YEAR PINS weeks of combined fun, pleasure and Public Relations. Marjorie M. Arruda ...... Telegraphe r...... Western Division Grace B. Baird...... Laborer...... Mechanical Dept. William R. Bedient...... Switchman...... Eastern Division Rita M. Connolly ...... Car Distributor...... San Francisco* Mile posts in Gold . .. Dudley E. Copenhaver ...... Chief Clerk, General Agent's Office ...... Seattle Ben Knowles...... Waiter...... Dining Car Dept. James C. Darlington ...... Switchman...... Eastern Division Ruth U. Lyon...... Junior File Clerk. ... San Francisco Joseph S. Downer...... Switchman...... Western Division Anne K. Malfa...... Manifest Clerk ...... 8an Francisco Joseph W. Polk...... Fireman ...... Western Division faocte~. ELa1fI~~:; ~: ...... :::: :~::: ¥~fe~r~p!~~.. ~~.~.~~~isor ...... ::. :::::::::::: :::::.'::: ~~::~nn~~~~~rosn Dept . Gordon E. MacDonald ...... Extra Gang Laborer...... Western Division 10-YEAR PINS Donald W. Smales...... Brakeman...... Eastern Division John W . Angerer...... Car Inspector ...... Mechanica1 Dept. Russell E. Timberman...... _Clerk...... Western Division Jess Armendarez...... Carman ...... Mechanical Dept. Ralph J . Ward...... Machinist...... Mechanical Dept. Floyd M. Barnes...... Switchman ...... Western Division* Correction: As a recipient of a 20-year Service Pin in May, Erwin P. Brodersen's title was shown as patrolman, chief special agent) office. Mr. Brodersen's correct title is special agent-claim agent. with * Received prior to July but not previously reported. headquarters at Oakland.

14 MILEPOSTS J U L Y, 1958 15 with the Stockton Unified School Dis­ Back from visiting relatives in Ten­ trict, and RICHARD VAN NATTER, who nessee is CLAUDE CRAIN. has been hired by Aerojet in Sacra­ AGNES ASH, furloughed, has returned mento. to work on the purchase requisition SALT LAKE CITY desk while MARTIN COUGHLIN and ED­ 6a&oosing GAR ENSELE are on vacation. Martin is J. B. Price taking short trips close to home during "Still Busy at 82-Ex - Railman Turn­ his vacation, while Edgar is traveling ELKO On the sick list are Mrs. H. J. KELLY, ing Energy to Aid of Less Fortunate," to San Diego to visit his oldest son, read a headline in a recent edition of John, L. Murphy wife of the Stockton roundhouse fore­ Louis, who is graduating from the man, and Mrs. V. H. EDWARDS, wife of the Salt Lake Tribune. The octogena­ Naval Training Center. Weare glad to report that LOREN the terminal trainmaster. Mrs. Kelly rian featured was HARRY W. GmsoN, AMES, chief clerk, is making satisfac­ WENDOVER was injured in an auto accident, and retired WP conductor. Harry, at 82 tory progress. He has been confined Mrs. Edwards is recovering from sur­ years of age, has recently been awarded Esther Witt to his home for several weeks while gery. Best get-well wishes are also a pin for 5,000 hours of time donated "A Blossom Fell" was the theme for suffering with a heart ailment. sent to Machinist Helper R. E. GIBSON, in the past seven years to patients at the annual yearbook dance at Wend­ PAT SULLIVAN, bridge inspector at who is off work due to illness, and to the Salt Lake Veterans Hospitals. over Junior High where Kristie Bee Elko, has been promoted to the posi­ Carman J. TORONTO, hurt in an auto Working under the auspices of the Kizer, daughter of Roadmaster and tion of inspector on the Oroville line accident. Masonic Service Association, Mr. Gib­ Mrs. M. L. KIZER, reigned as queen. change project and will move to Oro­ Byron Stone was king, while Patty New parents are Brakeman and Mrs. son takes cigarettes, toilet articles and ville soon. He has been in Elko since Luby and Max Nielson acted as crown B. G. WHEATON, whose first child, Da­ other needed articles to patients, be­ 1949. vid Lee, was born May 7. Presented sides assisting them with personal af­ bearers. Survived by a son in Philadelphia, with a granddaughter recently were fairs. Contributions from Utah Ma­ J. S. GILLIES, fireman, died suddenly Brakeman and Mrs. S. W. WILLIAMS. sons finance the gifts. at the age of 63 on May 22. He expired A conductor for WP from 1906 until Congratulations to Conductor N. G. from a heart attack which struck him his retirement in 1946, he previously PENDERGRAFT and his bride who were down in the Commercial Hotel lobby. spent five years with the Oregon Short married in Carson City, Nevada. A recent Westminster College grad­ Line in Salt Lake City. uate is Miss Melva Ann Lynch, daugh­ A series of accidents has incapaci­ Sympathy is extended to retired ter of Superintendent J. F. LYNCH. She tated three of Fireman and Mrs. D. R. Conductor CHARLES E. RENNER on the received her diploma in Salt Lake City BRIGHT'S sons. Jim, age 15, dislocated death of his wife, Kathryn. on June 6. his knee while swimming, and 13- The first girl in the family arrived year-old twins Paul and David both on May 21 at the home of Brakeman STOCKTON broke their fingers playing baseball. and Mrs. ROBERT C. HEITKAMP. Heidi Elaine Obenshain Sympathy is extended to Mrs. J. B. weighed almost 7 pounds at birth. Continued success is wished to ROB­ HANSEN whose father died recently at ERT A. LINDER, cut-off fireman here, EI Dorado, Calif., and to Engineer J . D. SACRAMENTO STORE who has recently published several WAKEMAN whose sister died recently. Irene Burton songs through Nordyke Music Publi­ The Hansen family flew to California Several Store employees have been Queen Kristie Bee Kizer and King, Byron Stone. cations. Besides being "pushed" by from New York, where Jim is em­ enjoying early vacations this summer. local bands, his tunes are on sale in ployed in the general agent's office, to HORACE LATONA recently returned from Another Western Pacific youngster most music stores in Stockton. They attend the funeral. Houston, Texas, where he welcomed a honored at the end of the school term include "Kissing Woman," "Walking Leaving Western Pacific employ­ tiny granddaughter, Betty Jo. Also in was Patricia May Nuffer, daughter of Stick Blues," "Winds In the Valley" ment this spring were WILLIS L. OBEN­ Texas recently was LEE WILLIS who Cashier and Mrs. PRESTON A. NUFFER . and " Da1'lene," the latter named for SHAIN, now working for San Joaquin visited Dallas as a delegate to the con­ Patricia, recent graduate of Grants­ his sister. County; E. J. GUTHMILLER, presently vention of the NARBW: ville High, is a recipient of one of

16 MILEPOSTS JULY, 1958 17 100 scholarships and one year with SF. A filled wallet awarded at B rig­ from his co- workers was presented to ham Young Univer­ Larry by E. T. CUYLER during the shop sity to students ma­ monthly safety meeting, May 28. Mr . joring in education. and Mrs. D'Orman plan a leisurely The grant is renew­ trip to the East Coast, where, at Dover, able for four years N. J ., Larry will reunite with his and g i ven on the brother whom he hasn't seen for 26 basis of outstanding years. sch olastic achieve­ WINNEMUCCA Patricia May Nuffer ment. A pin for out- Ruth G. Smith standing participation in extracur­ ricular activities was also awarded to F RED MCELROY has resigned as WP Patricia. agent in Wells, Nev. A native of Elko and lifelong resident of Wells, Mr. A scholarship has also been won by McElroy was agent there for 10 years Patricia Shea, daughter of T&T Line­ and left his position because of ill man and Mrs. THOMAS M. SHEA. Details health. His father, J. F. McE LROY, Elko are not available since Patricia is va­ agent, preceded him at Wells. cationing in the Midwest with h er Our sympathy to the family of parents. She was graduated from a Brakeman PAUL GRIFFITHS who died All twelve of these past presidents of the Fresno Growers & Packers; RALPH RANDOLPH, retired Glenwood Springs, Colo., high school. May 10, survived by his widow, Blenda, Transportation Club, Inc., still reside in Fresno. W P general agent, now TM , California Trucking and two sons and a daughter, Richard, With one exception, all are still with the same Exchange; Dan D. Byrnes, owner, California SACRAMENTO SHOPS company and actively engaged in transportation Trucking Exchange. Standing: D. H. Spencer, Robert and P auline. Condolences are work. Only two railroad men have served as owner, Spencer Truck Co.; Fergus Cambe rn , Mgr., Marcella G. Schultze also extended to the family of Mrs. president- both from WP. Sitting are Edward Dickey-Mayflower Van & Storage Co.; ROBERT Welcoming new babies in May were Katherine K oseris, widow of J . N. Rutherford, DTM, Schenley Ind., Inc., Charter L. RUNGE, W P general agent; James Mandella, Painter F oreman and Mrs. MONTE J . K OSERIS, former WP car inspector President, 1946; George Vawter, TM, Sun-Maid terminal manager, Western Truck lines; James Raisin Growers; Taylor Nuttall, Insurance and Molich, asst. sales mgr., Sunland Industries, Inc .; LATINO, whose J oseph Anthony was in Winnemucca. Mrs. Koseris, who Real Estate; Wesley Dunklin, SM, West Coast and Bob Mcintyre, sales, Navaio Freight lines. born May 6, and Carman and Mrs. died May 21, was the mother of Mrs. Ross SHENKEL, with their fourth child J ackson, wife of Engineer A. C. J ACK ­ lito and Cheryl Lynne at home. Our and first son, Michael K enneth, arriv­ SON, and was Switchman D ON WATT'S OROVILLE sympathies to the family. ing on May 15. E. R. MCP HERSON, grandmother . Helen R. Small Retired Engineer and Mrs. CHARLIE blacksmith, is a first- time grandfather Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Miller of Reno Congratulations to Assistant Signal ELLIS of Oakland have taken out two with the arrival of a boy on May 18, are parents of a son born May 23. Supervisor 1. T. ESLINGER and his new bricks for the Native Sons and D augh­ born to his daughter and son-in -law, Named Nicolas J ohn, he is the grand­ wife, the former Mrs. Maureen Moil' ters extension of the R elic Building the Bill Bryans. The father is serving son of retired Telegrapher and Mrs. of Berkeley. The newlyweds were here in honor of Mrs. Ellis' parents, on military duty in Germany at present. M. C. MILLER. Also new parents are married May 19 at Reno. Mr. and Mrs. J ohn C. Boyle, who were Deepest sympathy is extended to the Switchman and Mrs. LEE LOCKE whose Yardmaster T. J. LONG now has 21 early pioneers to this state. family of A. J. TEIXEffiA, former ma­ baby boy was born May 25 in Winne­ grandchildren with the arrival of Terry chinist helper, who died recently. mucca. Dawn to his daughter and son- in-law, PORTOLA After 12 years on WP, H. W. (LARRY) Mr. and Mrs. Elton Andrews, on May An eyefu l of a redhead had just purchased a Gladys Largan D'ORMAN retired in May. Besides serv­ baseball, a bat, a fi e lder's mitt, and a catcher's 13 at Chico. ing WP at Oroville and Oakland and mask. Mrs. Essie R. Rowland, wife of Fire­ Our sympathy to the family of re­ the past eight years as electrical fore­ HAre you certain you want all these, Miss?" man DAffiL ROWLAND, died on May 14 tired Engineer CHARLES GRAHAM who a sked the clerk. died suddenly in Reno on May 10. man in the Sacramento Shops, Larry " Su re. My boss sa id if I played ball w ith him, at the age of 40, leaving two daugh­ spent 23 years on the CB&Q in Denver w e'd g e t along fine!" ters, Darlene Ruth Smith of Therma- New WP parents include: Brake-

18 MILEPOSTS JULY, 1958 19 man GARROLD A. SCHUETTER and his TIDEWATER SOUTHERN LYONS , Modesto agent, will be back by wife, whose daughter, Tina Marie, ar­ Bob Thomson MILEPOSTS distribution time. rived on April 2; Brakeman and Mrs. A late summer is anticipated for KEDDIE DONALD L . WARD, whose baby girl, perishable shipping on Tidewater Elsie Hagan Shawn Lee, was born April 5; Iceman Southern. Several recent rains have and Mrs. THOMAS F. NALLY, a son, Two Keddie men received degrees slowed down the cherry and straw­ during the first York Rite Masonic Timothy Patrick, born April 13; Fire­ berry picking, thus delaying the plant­ man and Mrs. ALBERT W. BRISTOW, Festival to be held in Plumas County. ing season for melons and tomatoes. These were Yardmaster CHARLES whose first-born, Albert W ., J r., ar­ His friends at TS deeply feel the loss rived April 15; and Clerk and Mrs. KENNY and Conductor VIRGIL SIMPSON. of EDWARD POWERS, who died recently Yardmaster CHARLEY SELF helped plan DELBERT G. HARDY, a son, David Duane, in Manteca. Mr. Ppwers, a one-time born May 16. Congratulations to all. the festival which 175 delegates at­ T S director, was also a pioneer in tended. He is secretary of Plumas Californians and residents of Plumas Manteca, helping to start local schools Chapter No. 107 and recorder of County gathered recently to honor the Railroading played a prominent part in the dedi­ cation ceremonies of the roadside rest. From left and banks as well as the Railway Ex­ Quincy Commandery No. 70. late LESTER T. DAVIS, who is comemo­ to right are: Assemblywoman Pauline Davis, wife press and local cannery. Owner and JOHN LUZAR, new road foreman of rated with a new wayside rest on of the late Assemblyman Lester T. Davis, former operator of the Manteca Warehouse, engines, has moved his family to Ked­ Beckwourth Pass, Highway 40A. Mr. W P en>gineer; Senator Stanley Arnold, former 5 P he was a shipper on Tidewater South­ cashier; Juanita Janes, widow of Storekeeper die where they are making their home Davis, who worked as an engineer for ern. Among his friends were REX in the housing project. Western Pacific, also served as an As­ Joseph C. Janes; Senator Harold Johnson, former PFE employee; and Clair Donnenwirth, WP engi­ KEARNEY, president of TS and SN, and Conductor BILL STUBBLEFIELD and semblyman in the state legislature and neer. Photo by Miller. CHARLES ELSEY, former WP president. Brakeman HUGH AUSMUS are both directed special efforts toward the Old-timers who have visited here home from the hospital and recovering improvement now honoring him. It is of Portola, widow of Mr. Davis and are BILL TRUITT, retired conductor; satisfactorily. Also recovering is En­ the first wayside rest installed in that herself a member of the State Assem­ JESUS AGUILAR, retired section fore­ gineer HAROLD BASHFORD after a stay area of northern California. bly, and CLAIR DONNENWIRTH, Plumas man; ERNIE SKINNER, retired Agent; in St. Joseph's Hospital. Among the dignitaries present for County Supervisor and Western Pacific and CHARLIE MORRIS, retired engineer. Our sympathy to the family of En­ the dedication were Mrs. Pauline Davis Engineer. HAROLD CASSELL, clerk at Modesto, is gineer CHARLEY GRAHAM who died last back from his vacation, and GEORGE month.

Ted Farris, step-son of Diesel House Clerk C. E. Rowe (right), shows S' 6" wing spread of a 25-pound Bald Eagle acciden­ tally caught in a bob­ cat trap in Long H. O. Powers, car and Valley, lassen d erric k foreman, County. Th e bird en­ stands behind his Cub joyed being shown Scout Pack 347 after off and ate out of they finished planting Ted's hand. Upon ad­ a Hawthorn tree be­ vice of Fish & Game side Portola swim­ Department, the ming pool. Eagle was given first­ -Miller's Photo. aid and turned loose as it is unlawful to possess an Eagle. Photo by Jack Miller.

20 MILEPOSTS JULY, 19 S 8 21 SAN FRANCISCO George Bowers, Doug Bruce, Rita Connolly, Elizabeth Fagan, Lawrence Gerring, Carl Roth !~~~ In Memoriam --"-i Stephen H. Browning, son of Train­ -£;~: 'r ,~~ ing Coordinator and Mrs. KEN W. :;:r_",=-~~"::i---!~:r~/.;-- ' ~~-____"i,:;~ ..... ,~"{_ .."'!-_ ...... -",.. (;.,_:r __ Y/_"""'_-:",-_~~",_----:----_J':;~~ -:.-- --::. :: BROWNING, was recently awarded one of the two Wallace R. Stegner Creative Writing Fellowships given each year. He has for the past year been teaching In behalf of all employees of Western George A . Miles, retired conductor, English literature at the University of Pacific and its affiliated companies, June 17. Utah and studying for his Master's de­ MILEPOSTS extends sincerest sympathy Hugh Mecham, retired Sacramento gree, which he will receive in August. to the loved ones ' of the following Northern bridge and building carpen­ The $2,500 award will enable Stephen employees whose death has been re­ ter, June 3. leo Delventhal, center, receives congratulations ported: Lutie B. Skinner, retired Tidewater to enroll at Stanford University where from H. D. Smith, vice president, Re,sion VII, he has been accepted for graduate AMHS, and assistant general manager, Matson John Gastelcutto, retired section la- Southern billing clerk, April 19. study for his Ph. D. Stephen, 26, is Terminals, S. F. On left is C. L. Lippman, execu .. borer, May 9. Leonidas T. Truro, clerk, May 23. married and the father of two children. five vice-president, SIPMHE, and assistant direc­ Joseph S. Gillies, fireman, May 22. tor of production planning, Columbia-Geneva Correction OSCAR LARSON, chief clerk to super­ Steel Division, U. S. Steel Corporation. Paul E. G?'iffiths, brakeman, May 10. In the June issue, the name of Wil­ intendent of transportation, is pres­ Charles F. Jones, retired car inspec- liam L. Bates was inadvertently in­ ently recuperating from an ulcer oper­ dling without use of a wooden pallet tor, April 30. cluded with those listed in the column ation performed at St. Joseph's Hospital (October, 1957, MILEPOSTS), a loading Clell C. Kenner, retired sheet metal "In Memoriam." Actually, Mr. Bates on June 16. He hopes to return to work method originated by Leo and further worker, March 23. last worked as a switchman at Stock­ in about a month. developed by WP's research depart­ ton in November, 1956. He retired on Donald M. McCurdy, retired Sacra­ FRANK DAVIS , treasurer's office, and ment. physical disability on April 17, 1958. mento N orthern tunnel watchman, his wife, VICKI, former stenograph er MURIEL DOWNS, steno-clerk in the MILEPOSTS very much regrets this er­ January 11. in the auditor's office, announced the labor relations department, announced ror, and wishes for Mr. Bates health, arrival of Michael Kenneth at 3: 23 the birth of Diana Lorraine on June Levi McGlothlen, retired conductor, wealth and happiness for many years May 6. a. m. on May 30, weight seven pounds 21. Diana has a brother, J ames Eu­ to come. four ounces. Congratulations. gene, age 2. JACK HYLAND, chief, rate bureau, re­ MRSV Reunion A parking place is where you leave your car turned to work last month following to have the wheelbase shortened and the trunk A Texan complained bitterly when told to drop Word has been received that the 13th his third hernia operation during the caved in. 35 cents in the coin box when he made a tele­ Annual Reunion of the Military Rail­ past year. We hope this one will be phone call between Rhode Island and Con­ way Service Veterans will be held * * * successful, Jack! necticut. at the Mayflower Hotel, Washington, And, speaking of parking- the happiest per­ LEO F . DELVENTHAL, JR. , transporta­ " Why, back home we-all can talk to hell and D . C., on September 19, 20 and 21. son weJve encountered lately is the parking lot back for a dime," he protested. tion engineer, was awarded second place A varied program has been planned attendant who, after ten years of parking expen­ IIM aybe so," said the operator, "but from in the American Material H andling for this group of railway service vet­ sive cars, finally got his driver's license. Texas that's a local calL" Society's sixth Annual "Clark" Award erans who carried guns, ammunition * * * contest at Cleveland last month. Leo's Two old ladies arrived at a base ball game just and equipment to the fronts during winning entry was entitled "Unitiza­ as the batter hit a homer. They watched the World War II and the Korean War. "Mommy,'J said the little boy, "I was in a fight today." tion-A New Concept of Mechanized game in silence until, several innings later, the Inquiries regarding this organization same batter slugged another homer over the Material Handling." It described West­ and the Annual Reunion may be di­ "What happened, Son?" fence. rected to Fred W. Okie, Secretary­ 1J 50me boy called me a sissy." ern Pacific's method of tying packages One of the ladies tapped the othe r and said: Treasurer, P. O. Box 536, Pittsburgh " What did you do, Son?" or cases into one large unit for han- II Let's go. This is where we came in!" 30, Pennsylvania. "' hit him with my purse! 1I 22 MILEPOSTS JULY, 1958 23 Sec. 34.1>1>, P. L. & R. WESTERN PACIFIC MILEPOSTS U. S. POSTAGE 521> Missio n St., San Francisco 5, Calif. PAID Return Postage Guaranteed San Francisco, Calif. Permit No. 5371

Form 3547 Requested

'. RAILROAD LINES .:

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Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad and Gartland Steamship Company start first combined rail-water freight service. . . -if' -\ •.0: :~ -'{ . ~ .':, . ' Burlington passenger trains, largely local runs I)!ltw~en ' {}enver~ Chicago -and Omaha-Kansas City, hauling piggy-back trailers:' • Nickel Plate spending $10 million this year on improvements and new equipment.

Faith in railroad future evidenced by $4 million modernization of American Loco­ motive Co.'s Schenectady locomotive production facilities; and $7 million by Timken Roller Bearing Co. for new push-button facility for producing freight-car roller bearings.

Reading Railroad celebrating its I 25th anniversary this year. • • • A greatly reduced-fare sleeping car s'ervice, "Thrift-T-Sleeper," has been estab­ lished by Missouri Pacific in its Colorado Eagle trains between St. Louis, Kansas City, Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Denver. Coach tickets will be honored with additional nominal charge for selection of three kinds of sleeping accommodations . • Merger plan for Great Northern, Northern Pacific, Burlington, Spokane, Portland & Seattle may be submitted to ICC by end of this year.