Analyzer pin-points trouble ilepoSls along our transmission lines * Milepost No. Jl6 Volume X, No.8 MARCH,1959 We take pretty much for granted the a line, or by target shooting insulators ease with which we use the telephone with his new .22 rifle. Winds of gale or other form of electronic device to force can break a telephone pole as Department of Public Relations communicate. Seldom is there a delay easily as you can break a toothpick. WESTERN PACIFIC RAILROAD in getting our message through. How Heavy, wet snow can snap a wire. SACRAMENT. IORTHE •• IT. ever, as efficient as these devices are, The chief cause of delay has always TIDEWATER SOUTHERN IY. failures do occur, but mostly in the been, not the time to repair the break, 526 Mission Street line. A youngster can cause a short San Francisco 5, California but the time necessary to isolate its circuit by throwing bailing wire across Lee "Flash" Sherwood, Editor location, first within an area of 15 or A. L. Lloyd, Associate Editor 20 miles and then by a search in that area. Western Pacific now pin-points a source of trouble with two electronic instruments known as line fault analy zers, one at Sacramento and one at Elko. Shorts, grounds, opens, or defec * Milepost No. 116: Just tive portable 'phone equipment and beyond is Bridge 116.07 crossing north fork of connection, can be detected to within Mokelumne River. the distance of two or three poles. An electronic pulse is sent out along the wire. If trouble exists, a reflection re turns a pulse back for display on an CONTENTS Page oscilloscope screen as a vertical line. Such a line appears on the left-hand Lines ... 3 Analyzer Pin-points Trouble Along Transmission dial of the panel in the accompanying In Ten Short Years an American Tradition..... 4 photo. For accurate distant measure Watch for This Railroad Epic ...... 9 ments, a marker generator is internally Taps for 4-star Veteran 12 provided that permits the wire chief to move a marker along the time base, How We're Doing.... 13 controlled by the large right-hand dial 14 Dear Editor: ...... calibrated in miles, to coincide with 16 Mileposts in Gold .. the vertical line. Caboosing...... 17 Last winter the Sacramento analyzer Annual WP Golf Tournament. 23 detected numerous breaks in the line Railroad Lines ...... 24 between Keddie and Bieber caused by heavy snow. As a result, field crews didn't have to search through miles of 10-foot-deep snow to find the trouble COVER: Servicing a diesel on a fast, through freight during brief stop at Portola. before making repairs.
2 MILEPOSTS MARCH, 1959 3 The "most talked about train in Americall por .. lated by these trains on the Western trayed on Clio Viaduct, Feather River Canyon. Pacific alone in ten years is estimated ~ to be 6,774,000 miles. The idea for a Vista-dome equipped train's popularity compared with train (each California Zephyr train others experiencing a dwindling pa has five such cars) originated in the tronage. mind of Cy Osborne, an official of the More than 65,000 persons along Electro-Motive Division of General Western Pacific's line attended exhibi Motors Corporation. While riding in tions of the new California Zephyr the cab of a diesel locomotive, Osborne trains when they firs~ went into daily commented to the engineer that it service. The exhibitions began on would be nice if passengers aboard the March 12, with the first showing in train could enjoy a view similar to the Oakland. They continued during the one they were experiencing. There week at San Francisco, San Jose, the idea was born, and a monument of Stockton, Sacramento, Marysville, Or the Vista-dome car stands in the heart oville, Portola, Winnemucca, Elko and of Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. At Salt Lake City. Similar exhibitions this point an eastbound and a west were held along the lines of the Denver bound California Zephyr each day & Rio Grande Western and the Burl whistle a greeting as they pass on their ington railroads, co-owners and co respective trans-continental runs. It operators of the trans-continental fleet. was many months later before the idea During exhibition week several hun reached drawing board stage, from dred Western Pacific employees, civic where it was further progressed by GM In ten short years leaders, and press and radio represen designers. Actual construction of all tatives enjoyed short tours along our California Zephyr cars, however, was line. Similar tours were offered by the done by The Budd Company in its An American Tradition two other railroads. As a result, the Red Lion plant near Philadelphia. trains drew immediate acceptance and T is hard to believe that this month discriminating passengers appreciate nation-wide publicity, which continues Travelers like to enjoy scenery at its best. I marks the tenth anniversary of the the train's appointments, comfort, and even today. There's no better way than from a Vista-dome. California Zephyr, a train which on conveniences. Its schedule offers the Six complete trains make up the March 20, 1949, received nation-wide utmost in scenic attractions between California Zephyr fleet, representing acceptance as the very best in rail the West Coast and Chicago, its eastern an original investment by the three passenger transportation. It is also hard terminus. Furthermore, the train's en railroads of more than $12 million. The to believe, in this age 6f day-to-day tire personnel consider each passenger mileage of each railroad is used as a transition, that this ultra-modern a personal responsibility, and they basis for determining each railroad's streamliner is still nothing lcss than make it a point to express that feeling. share of revenue and expenses for the sensational. Uppermost, is the individual pride and trains' operation. During the ten years, There are many reasons for this tre interest shown is this train by Western Western Pacific has carried nearly 1% mendous success. The train's physical Pacific railroaders, one and all. You million revenue passengers over its appearance never fails to attract atten can't help but get this feeling of just line and received an estimated $23,- tion as it appears in the distance, glides pride whenever, and wherever, you 061,709 in gross revenues. One of the smoothly and swiftly by, and disap talk with our people. Theirs is a loy six trains begins its eastward run from pears as a fleeting silver streak. Or, alty and pride seldom found today, and Oakland, while another arrives there when standing at a station. The most it has paid off as exemplified by the from Chicago, daily. Mileage accumu-
4 MILEPOSTS MARCH, 1959 UITABLE dedication and inaugura S tion of such a "queen" required queenly participation. Hollywood's lovely star, Eleanor Parker, a queen in her own rights, broke a bottle of Cali Harry A. Mitchell fornia champagne across the nose of was president when Hollywood's lovely the diesel at San Francisco on Satur Eleanor Parker chris day afternoon, March 19, a day prior to tened the California its inaugural departure from Oakland. Zephyr at San Fran- cisco on March 19, Since that time, many notable per 1949. The star really sons have been w~lcomed aboard. let go in wielding the Among these have been President Ei champagne with an senhower, then president of Columbia assist from lieuten ant Governor Knight. University; Miss America; Queen for a Day; His Majesty King Faisal II of Iraq and his uncle, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul llah. Jean-Louis Vigier, president Municipal Council of Paris, and Lord Latham, chairman, London Transport Executive, British Railways, have also been passengers. Others in A westbound California Zephyr took part in clude Raymond Duncan the noted celebrating Western Pacific's 40th anniversary on Spanish Creek Bridge, Keddie, November 1, passengers expressing appreciation for un actor, and Lt. Gen. Lee Chong Chan, This crew was aboard the California Zephyr on 1949. She was joined by Virginia & Truckee's its inaugural run from Oakland March 20, 1949. solicited, friendly service received from W P Jupiter, and W piS first passenger locomotive, Many letters have since been received from employees, one reason for the train's success. Dwight D. Eisenhower, then president of Colum bia University, poses with James J. Hickey, 94, as ruby spike driving ceremony took place. director-passenger sales, en route to Denver. Commandant of the Korean National Army. Many countries have had rep resentatives aboard-from even behind the Iron Curtain. Band members from several mid-western and eastern uni versities have selected the California Zephyr to travel to the annual Rose Bowl game. Perhaps one of the most unusual "passengers" ever to ride a California Zephyr train was a huge electronic tube. Highly fragile and required in an emergency, it by itself occupied bedroom space for its ride to Schenec tady, N. Y. Another unusual traveler was one of the famous Westinghouse talking birds, who couldn't refrain from "wolf" whistling each time the Zephyrette passed through the car. Probably the largest contingent of
6 MILEPOSTS MARCH,1959 7 "passengers"-they rode the baggage mont, motion picture producer, at car-was 29 million ladybugs, packed tracted by all the publicity, once made Watch for this in 80 large cases. They were needed to a trip on the train and proclaimed it destroy an overabundance of aphids in "the finest train I have ever ridden." railroad epic Arizona and when they left Oroville, As a result, the train was selected for A special feature film, "Magic Rails Paul Harris, the shipper, explained: his production "Cinerama Holiday," to Yesterday," has been released by "It's a long flight even for ladybugs. the second Cinerama film. The train Universal International for showing all And, besides, train travel is a lot safer was also used as the set for "Sudden over the world. Watch your local paper than flying!" Fear," starring J oan Crawford and for showing of the picture in your Many highly prized animals have oc Jack Palance. The train was used ex vicinity. cupied Pullman space and enjoyed clusively for pictures by Academy The film covers the transition from "room service," and "Mr. Stork" has Films of Hollywood to educationally early- day to modern- day railroading. been a passenger on several occasions. acquaint school children with train It opens with views of San Francisco's Many children's groups have been car travel in two special films, "Train Trip famed Market Street in 1905. J aywalk ried on educational short runs, and one Through the Rockies" and "Train Trip ing was even more common then than youth hitch-hiked a ride by climbing with D ick and Sandra." "California it is today, and scenes show derby atop one of the cars during an evening Zephyr," a Western Pacific color film, hatted gents and plume- hatted ladies stop at Salt Lake City. His ride was a has b een viewed b y thousands in scrambling in every direction over short one and he returned by auto ac audiences throughout the country and cobbl eston e streets, dodging horse companied by police. in several foreign countries, and the cars, cable cars, and horse-drawn and The California Zephyrs have been train will soon be shown in a Un iversal While Jimmy shol scenes around Sail Lake Cily, horseless carriages. There was even made popular through songs, poems International special feature film (see Frank picked up scenic footage along the more confusion during the scenes and stories especially written, and story on Page 9. Nor has television desert from a Zephyrelte (above and below) taken just after the earthquake and overlooked its possibilities by featuring belween Salt Lake City, Ulah, and Wells, Nev. many foreign publications h ave praised fire in 1906. its accomplishments. L~uis de Roche- it in "Success Story" and in "Wide, The pictur e then jumps to modern Wide World." day railroading and records passen- A Cali/ornia Zephyr Irain shared honors Among the many special articles in IICinerama Holiday" with the lovely written about the train, one short para young Swiss star, Beatrice Troller. Fo r comparison, they filmed a passenger being graph from a report by th e financial served coffee in a California Zephyr diner, editor of the Chicago Daily Tribune the n passengers be ing served coffee and donuts sums it up. "Any claim for the title of by trainmen in a narrow.. gauge Silverton coach. one of the Nation's No.1 trains should be based, in my opinion, on glamour and reputation, equipment, route, serv ice, and type of patrons. This the Califo1'nia Zephyr has." American traditions don't come by easily, certainly not often in ten short years. However, once that tradition has been established, it must be lived up to without any doubt. Western Pacific believes the California Zephyr can continue that tradition because our railroaders and the traveling pub lic want it so.
8 MILEPOSTS gers riding the last ferry to Oakland, then boarding the California Zephyr which Universal selected to play the part of the most modern train in America. After a trip through the Feather River Canyon and the Colorado Rock ies, the viewer leaves the California Zephyr at Denver and returns again to railroading of yesterday. For this part Universal chose Denver & Rio Grande Western's colorful, narrow gauge, steam-powered Silverton. It's a thrilling ride for those lucky enough to find room aboard the train which is operated today just as it was in the early days. Passengers enjoy coffee from a big porcelain pot and slide doughnuts off a long broom handle served by trainmen as they pass through the cars. The scenery along the run is as breath-taking as can be Dressed in early-day clothing, "passengersll found anywhere. wait at Qui.ncy Junction for train pulled by agreed, and then added, "We've never Feather River Short Line locomotive No.8 At the end of the ride is the. little (ex Clover Valley Railroad). This engine is worked so hard in covering any note western mining town of Silverton, being! readied for museum at Plumas County worthy event, yet enjoyed ourselves Colorado. There the tourists witness Fairground. so much or relaxed so well between staged gun - playas desperados fan shots as we did aboard your train." their irons on the town's main street. Lederer and Frank Vail. These two The "bad guys" are hauled off to the cinematographers began their careers calaboose, or are measured for coffins covering world-wide events back in as they lay "dead" on the street. It's the days of Pathe News and other then as good as any TV Western on your popular newsreel films. "You will find set today. 'Magic Rails to Yesterday' a lot more western than Wyatt Earp and other Other early day sequences for the pictures were taken at Quincy Junc TV westerns," claims Jimmy, "and one tion on the Western Pacific. There UI executive claims it to be one of the Universal filmed the Feather Rive; finest special films ever made." Short Line steam engine and cars pull Jimmy and Frank both will tell you ing up for a platform of local residents that their experience in riding on and dressed for the occasion. As the train filming the California Zephyr was one pulls up the camera catches a west of the highlights of their entire career, Jimmy made an int'eresting sequence from the bound Calif01·nia Zephyr passing by to and they have traveled in just about side of a California Zephyr as it approached tie in the two periods of railroading. every country. "We worked hard on and passed over the Feather River on a railroad this film, but we had a lot of laughs, bridge at Pulga, panning his camera overhead The filming was done by two of as he passed under highway bridge going away. Universal's ace cameramen, Jimmy too," said Jimmy. To ' which Frank Jimmy and Frank relax between shots. 11 10 MILEPOSTS MARCH, 1959 How We're Doing
Fourteen furloughed carmen re Gross operating revenues for Janu turned to work at Sacramento Shops ary, 1959, up 6.68 per cent over Janu to reinforce side stakes on 300 gondola ary, 1958. Commercial freight traffic cars, a year-long program. Other proj increased 8 per cent while Government ects: construct additional tie handling traffic decreased 20.5 per cent. cars, modernize compartmentizer car * * * gates, apply new-style trailer hitches California Zephyr average load in to piggy-back cars. January, 1959, was 58.6 per cent, com * * '* pared with 52.3 per cent in January, 24-hour reduction in perishable 1958. * * * freight schedules, inaugurated on a Concrete lining of Tunnels 27 and 90-day experimental basis November 28, near Paxton, about 98 per cent and 1, 1958, now permanent schedule. 99 per cent complete.
Considerable publicity was given this photo of and soldier in World War )I uniform. Atop the of the Korean conflict, the veteran en ing" to the museum. The Department the "General Pershing" bein.g mustered out at "Pershing" are a soldier in World War I uni ... gine was working in the Pusan yards, of Defense approved its transportation W P's Oakland roundhouse prior to departure form and John Cannon, engine's Korean War to Oakland. Western Pacific round for National Railroad Museum at Green Bay, switchman. President Whitman presented often under fire. She was known as Wis. The "General" is flanked by Civil War IIfree ticket" for the "General's" transpor.. the "darling of the Military Railway house crews made necessary repairs period V&T locomotive "Genoa" and soldier in tation over W P, G N, and C&NW railroads. Service," and the Koreans renamed her and replaced the name "General Confederate uniform, and a modern W P diesel "The Whistle." Pershing" on the tender. When word came out of Korea last For her triumphal trip across the year that the old engine would be country to her new home in Green scrapped, the National Railroad Mu Bay, she was provided free passage by seum in Green Bay, Wisconsin, asked Western Pacific, Great Northern, and A veteran of service in W orId Wars plied the four stars of his rank and kept President Rhee to donate the "Persh- Chicago & North Western railroads. I and II and Korea was honored on it in service. During World War II, January 30 at Western Pacific's round when a number of locomotives again house in Oakland. It was a fitting cli went overseas, the "General" went max in retiring the U. S. Army's most "down south" to do switching duty in famous locomotive, "General Persh Army training camps. This photo of the "General Pershing" ing." It wasn't until 1947 that the "Persh entering Pusan with The "General" was one of 150 steam ing" got its big chance. Army Trans a troop trai.n in 1951 locomotives built by the Baldwin Lo portation Corps units were engaged in was taken by John comotive Works in 1917 for service in rehabilitating the Korean National Cannon while in Korea. Although the France. But fate intervened. The last Railways and it needed 101 surplus "Generalll saw veteran of W orId War I got only as far Army locomotives to do the job. One service in three as Norfolk, Virginia, to be literally hundred came from Europe, where wars it wasn't under pulled off the ship at the Port of Em they had been standing idle since Hit fire until it went overseas to Korea. barkation there for service as a switch ler's surrender. The 101st was the engine at Fortress Monro. In 1925, the "General Pershing," still active at age Army gave the engine a face-lifting, 30, normal retirement time for most named it the "General Pershing," ap- military tours of duty. At the outbreak
12 MILEPOSTS MARCH, 1959 13 Coal to burn "I know you will be greatly surprised to receive this note. Perhaps you have I do not know if the following will be forgotten the incident but we can never of interest to you and to readers of the forget you; for indeed you were very popular publication MILEPOSTS, but will render same regardless. kind to us, a little family of three, hus :J)ear e ditor: band and wife and daughter. We rode I was called from fireman's extra on your train from Sacramento to Oak board January 28, 1910, to operate the land (trying to get to Michigan) in the coal hoist. The regular man, Victor latter part of August. We had reserva Parus, was sick. I went to work at 7: 00 tions on the "Zephyr" for a little later a. m. and did everything but hoist coal date, but an emergency called us home phone conversation to and from the attending Chico State· College where and tip the machine over until about sooner. roundhouse ceased to exist until the he received his Bachelor of Art degree 3: 00 p. m. when Tom Miller, round You were so kind and encouraging fault was located and repaired. in education. house foreman, came up the ladder. and assured us if we didn't get through That $90 a month was big money, as Will you please publish in MILEPOSTS. He said "Let me put some coal in the to Michigan on another route, that if in December I earned $18 on the fire Mrs. R. H. Scott chute." I was ready to go towards we would meet you at the station the man's extra board. Oroville, Calif. town (was going to say home but I had next day, you would surely make it C. O. Coats not established a home yet), and in * * possible for us on your train. Retired engineer about 30 minutes he had hoisted more That is how we met you. God gave Elko Enioys Mileposts coal than I had all day. A fireman was you to us as his angel and we are most I want to thank you for regularly furnished on the coal hoist at that time P.S. I am slightly overtrained, and this grateful to you. sending me MILEPOSTS, as you have and he happened to be a Japanese boy. typewriter is not used to my effort! We have thought of you daily and been doing for some time. MILEPOSTS I couldn't understand him very well give thanks to God for you. Hope some * * * is excellent and I look forward to its but he tried to enlighten me on which day we will have the pleasure of riding Many good friends coming each month. lever to pull and which pedal to push on your train with you again. Kindest I very much appreciate the consid at a certain stage of the operation. John F. Murphy, formerly of 971 Fell regards to the porter that you had to eration you are showing me and I hope Goodness knows, there were three foot Street, San Francisco, was for many pull our bags, that were needlessly that you will continue to send the pedals and five or six hand levers, be years employed in the bridge and going to San Francisco instead of magazine. sides the main throttle. building department of Western Pa Oakland. N. C. Haines I practiced to the point where I was cific. He is now, and has been for the We shall always be grateful to you Washington, D. C. capable of garnering information from past ten months, confined in Spears for your kindness." Mr. Miller's very efficient manipula Hospital, 10th and Jersey streets, Den * * * M. M. Christy tion and operated the hoist until Mr. ver 20, Colorado. He was so pleased to A letter to Conductor Lind Superintendent Parus reported for work in March. The hear from so many old friends during Sacramento the Holiday Season. I recently learned of a complimen job paid $90 a month, and in the month tary letter received by Conductor O. W. * * * of February only one engineer on the Mary J. Murphy (sister) Denver, Colo. Lind from Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Locke of Have retired-will travel eastern division earned a larger wage Detroit, Mich., and of the special atten than 1. That was James Marr, now * * * tion the Lockes received from Mr. Lind This is what you can see after retire deceased. Stockton teacher which prompted their letter. Interest ment from the Western Pacific Rail It was necessary for the coal hoist Ray Harvey Scott, Jr., has returned in, and attention to, passenger welfare road. We have seen all of this and more. to go to the roundhouse boiler room to Stockton where he is teaching school such as this is one of things which keeps Curtis Risk every eight or nine days to unload a after spending the holidays with his for the California Zephyr a rating as Retired Conductor car of coal into the bin. On my first parents, Section Foreman and Mrs. R. one of the top trains in the country, and The above message was written on trip going down through the yard, with H. Scott. He was employed as engineer Mr. Lind's efforts, as I wrote him, are a colorful folder of pictures of the Ha the boom up, I failed to notice the tele draftsman at Bumgarner Engineering most appreciated. The Locke's letter waiian Islands and mailed by Mr. Risk phone wires. You guessed it! Tele- Service for the past two years while read: from Honolulu on February 2.
14 MILEPOSTS MARC H , 1959 15 MILEPOSTS IN GOLD eaboosing MILEPOSTS congratulates the following railroaders who will be eligible for Service Pin Awards during the month of March, 1959: KEDDIE one able to do so is urged to give 40.·YEAR PIN Elsie Hagen their blood for reserve supply. Jesse E. Adams ...... ______...... ____ . Locomotive Engineer ...... Western Division 35·YEAR PINS LAUREL FISHER, section foreman, Ray E. Good ..... _... Sheet Metal Worker. ... __ .... Mechanical. !?e'pt. went to Colorado to spend New Years Ivan Johnson ._ .. Marine Deckhand ...... __ ...... __ ...... Western DIvIsIon with his brother, who was quite ill. 30·YEAR PINS In January, MELVIN WHALER, train Raymond L. Ackeret.. __ .. District Car Foreman...... Oakland desk clerk, was married to Maxine Tracy Bingham...... __ ...... Section Foreman ____ ... ____ ...... Eastern Division James F. Drury...... Chief Clerk. A. E. S. A.. __ . San Francisco Dolphin of Greenville. Herbert Keil ...... Sheet Metal Worker...... Mechanical Dept. Earl R. McKellips ...... __ ...... Head Accounting Clerk ______._. __ .. ______8an Francisco FRED MESSINGER, formerly of Portola, Edwin P. Swain ______. ______.. ___ ...... _Chief Clerk-Manifest._ .. __ .8an Francisco is now yardmaster at Keddie. JOE Leo P . Waters.______. ______Agent __ __ .. _. __ ._ .. _Wendover CLINTON is day yardmaster, replacing 25·YEAR PIN CHARLEY SELF who retired last year. David W . Richards __ . ______.Ditch Engineer ____ ...... ______Western Division Keddie Resort, Inc. was sold by Mrs. 20·YEAR PINS Rihms, and English Properties, Inc. be Jerome A. Nusse __ .. ___ Section Foreman _.. Eastern Division came owners of December 10. They Vincent A. N usse .. _____ Brakeman_... __._. _____ . __ ._. __ .. _... _. ____ Eastern Division Frank A. Sell ______. ______Chief Clerk Freight Sales __ .. ______Los Angeles have many plans for improvement 15·YEAR PINS and have already begun erecting new Eldridge Barnett ____ . _____ . ______Locomotive Engineer_. _____ .. __ ...... Western Division fences, which are very attractive, around the homes. ¥JEE!;.~~~dt~~ : ...... :::::. ~2r~e~~~ ..:::.:: ...... ···························::::::·:: ~f:::~ gr~r~r: CHARLEY LONG, of Sacramento, for Fortunato R. Greco. . .. ______.. ______... Locomotive Engineer __ Eastern D~v~s!on George W . Hinkle ______. ______._ .. Lead Iceman __ .. __ .. ____ .Eastern Dlvlslon mer Western Pacific agent at Belden Patricia J. O'Leary . __ .. Ticket Clerk-Passenger .. __ .. _.. ______.. ______.... _____ San Francisco Newlyweds Patricia and Ronald Claude V. Van Horn __ ...... __ ... _.. _____ .Switchman __ __.. __ __.. ___ ._. ______.. ______..... __ . _____ Western Division and Blairsden until his retirement, has Jack H. Wade__ .. _____ .. Asst. to Gen. Auditor- GeneraL ______.San Francisco been seriously ill in a Sacramento hos Congratulations to these newly IO·YEAR PINS pital but is now recuperating nicely. weds: Ronald E. Morford, son of Wayne R. Benedict . ______.. ______._ Division Lineman... _... _.. _.. C,)mmunications Dept. James O. Cagle __ . ______.. ______. Sheet Metal Worker_.. _.. _.. ___ ... ______.______Mechanical Dept. Switchman and Mrs. DONALD E. MOR Frank E. Chamard. __ .... ____ .. Revision Clerk-Aud. Rev. Dept._ ._..... _. __ .. 8an Francisco OROVILLE Robert D. Hansen __ .. _.... __ .. .. __ .. _____ .. _Sr. Rate and Div. Clerk-Aud. Rev. Dept. .. ____ .. _San Francisco FORD, was married to Patricia Nielson Shirly V. Lyons.. __ .. Clerk.. _.. ____ .... _____ .. __ .. ______.. ______.... ___ .. ___ .. ____ Los Angeles Helen R. Small of Oroville in December. Wedding took Juan Mata .. _...... __ ...... _.. _.. _...... ___ .. Section Laborer_. ______.... ______.. _._. Eastern Division Frank E. McKinnon .. __ .... ______.. ___ .. Steno-File Clerk, Engineering.. .._ .. __ San Francisco Susan Dustin, high school senior, place in the Latter Day Saints temple Sam Oliver .. _.. _.. ___.. _.. __ .. ____ ...... _.... ____ Second Cook ______Dining Car Dept. daughter of Conductor and Mrs. C. M. in Los Angeles. The couple are making DUSTIN was chosen January girl-of their home in Sacramento. the-month by the Soroptimist Club of Retired telegrapher BENJAMIN SELIX Oroville. She was selected for her A tomcat and a tabby were doi.ng some noc The beautiful young thing went to the psychi DURAND, 69, of Palermo, passed away turnal courting on a back fence. The tom sud atrist's office for her first visi.t. The doctor looked leadership, scholarship, friendly and in a local hospital January 4. He was denly leaned over and screamed with all the at her for a few seconds, then said: "Come over cooperative attitude. born in Louisana, January 15, 1889. He pent-up passion buried within him: IIl'd die for here, please.a He promptly put his arms around The Blood Bank will be in Oroville came here from Portola about 1951- you, you beautiful thing!" The tabby gazed 01 her and kissed her. As he finally released her, March 9, Elk's Building between the him through lowered eyelids and purred her re he commented briskly, "That's takes care of my Miss MARY BRANDT, 72, a native of ply: "How many times?" problem. Now, what's yours?1J hours 11: 00 a. m. and 6: 00 p. m. Every- Oregon City, and a resident of Oroville
16 MILEPOSTS MARCH , 1959 17 John Aughe, George Retired Conductor FLOYD E. MILLER, president HAROLD COLDSMITH received Blackwell, and Hoyt SR., is presently visiting his son, F . E. Ct rod and reel. Stewart operate a MILLER, J R., Brakeman-Conductor, GEORGIA M. CHINDAHL was installed Gradall, Tournadozer and Dumpster to con .. seriously ill in the Western Pacific January 16 at the Dante Club, Sacra struct a ditch be- Hospital, and his family in Portola. mento, as the new president of Capital tween the depot and Floyd and his wife now make their City Lodge No. 266, Brotherhood of shops at Portola. home in Seymour, Tennessee. Railway and Steamship Clerks. Other The ditch will carry away casual water RFE and Mrs. W. S. COPE have re 1959 officers installed were R. CERV which forms in the ceived word that a new granddaughter, ETTI, vice-president; DON RICHMOND, parking lot and road. Colleen Rae, was born to their daugh financial secretary-treasurer, MAR Jack Miller photo. ter and her husband in Hayward on CELLA G. SCHULTZE, recording secre January 29. This is their second grand tary; FRANK GRIMES, sergeant-at child. The first was named Patrick arms; A. E. McNALLY, inner & outer Michael ... not very Irish? guard; and WARREN BOGGS, chaplain. area most of her life, died January 27. VERN SPROWL, B. V. GREEN and ROBERT AL VIZINA called J anuary 9 to report During World War II when there was L. SHEPARD. Supervisory committee; SACRAMENTO SHOPS a shortage of manpower she worked a new 8 pound baby boy in their family. M. A. McLAIN, JOE L. SUDDRETH and Marcella G. Schultze at the Oroville roundhouse. She is S. R. JOURNEY. Educational committee; Al is presently a carman at Portola. Retiring January 31 after 44 years of survived by a brother, Robert, who JOHN C. NELSON and HELEN R. SMALL. lives in Quincy. continuous service as a laborer and SACRAMENTO STORE DELMAR WILLIAMSON, relief foreman PORTOLA machinist helper, MANUEL FRANCIS was Irene Burton has been transferred to San Jose as Gladys Largan presented with a wrist watch, leather Our department was saddened by mechanical foreman, a position vacated On January 2, Thomas Jay, their shaving kit, and money by his co the death of Roy Falquist. Roy had by GEORGE HEINZ, retired. second son, was born to Brakeman and workers. Of his plans for the future been retired on disability due to a heart A total of 30,000 seedlings were Mrs. JOHN HARDY. On January 3, their Manuel said, "I'm just going to help condition and had worked for the com planted during the past year by first son, Wesley, fell into the basement the folks at home, and take a trip to pany for 36 years, most of the time as Georgia Pacific Corporation's Inman in the home of his grandparents (re San Francisco now and then." an accountant. Poulson Timber Company, Feather tired engineer and Mrs. J . W. HARDY) , Carman Foreman JOE STOUT re The Annual Spring Fashion Show Falls division. The two-year-old seed and suffered a fractured skull which ceived quite a bit of notoriety in our "Fashions Fantabulous" was presented lings were planted in Cascade areas to required major surgery. From last re area when he caught a 221fz-pound sil by the Sacramento Chapter, Railway give faster recovery of logged-over ports, the parents and both boys are ver side salmon in Steamboat Slough Business Women's Association at the forests. The seedlings were Douglas fir doing well. in December. Besides having his pic Sacramento Inn, in February. and Pondersosa pine. A sixth child was born to Carman ture in our local papers, he was inter The fifth annual meeting of the and Mrs. AL VIZINA of Sacramento, on viewed on Bob Reedy's sports pro WENDOVER Western Pacific Oroville Employes January 9. Our congratulations to gram, Channel 13-KOVR. Esther Witt Federal Credit Union was held in the them. They have moved their entire Celebrating their 41st wedding anni Fireman DIXIE WINGFIELD was in Western Pacific depot at 8: 00 p. m. family to Portola to make their home. versary with a family pot-luck at the Wendover the other day to visit with Thursday, January 29, 1959. Thirty-five Fireman-Engineer GEORGE OELS suf IWF Hall in Oak Park January 25 were his many friends. Another visitor was members were present and following fered a cracked knee and cracked ribs Carman and Mrs. E. L. TOMLINSON and former FIREMAN CLINE who left WP annual reports and discussion a 5 per when his car ran into a ditch on High 35 members of their family. All 19 to work for the Alaska Railroad. As a cent dividend was declared. Election way 89 near Portola, January 9. He is grandchildren were present, and the result of an accident on that railroad of officers was held and the following now up and around. only missing member was a son-in-law he suffered the loss of one of his legs. will govern affairs this year: Board The first grandchild of Storekeeper now in the armed services. Retired Telegrapher Mrs. MARY of directors; W. B. LEWIS, C. W. and Mrs. J. W. MILLER was born to Mr. New 1959 officers of the Western Pa NAYLOR was a visitor in the home of D'ARCY, CLARENCE BRANDT, NICK CA and Mrs. George Lucas, Jr., in Sacra cific Athletic Club are Blacksmith her daughter, SHffiLEY F. LEE. Shirley BITTO and FRANK ROGERS. Credit com mento on January 25. She has been R. PAULE, president, and Boilermaker has been ill again and we wish her a mittee; H . V. KELL, N. C. CARLTON, named Patricia Marie. C. P. ROLFE, vice-president. Outgoing speedy recovery.
18 MILEPOSTS MARCH, 1959 19 Engineer and Mrs. VERN L. MECHLING MILLER, vice-president, and HOMER on December 19. Our congratulations WOLF, member of the board of direc are late but nevertheless sincere. tors. Members serving out the 1959 We wish many happy years of re term are HARVEY Ross, president; Eu tirement for Engineer THOMAS F. GRIF GENE A. TRACE, treasurer; and JOHN FITH who took his retirement on De STERNER, secretary. The Credit Com cember 19. "Griff" hired out as fireman mittee is now composed of RICHARD on October 20, 1925. He was promoted MEYER, ROBERT PENDERGRAFT and ANDY to engineer on October 5, 1942. The GIANETTI. Supervisory Committee con Griffith's will continue to make their sists of STILES MARTIN, CLIFFORD SKIN NER and GEORGE BENEDICT. home in Salt Lake City. Our deepest sympathy to the families SAN FRANCISCO of retired Brakeman CLAUDE C. JOHN SON and retired Conductor FRANK George Bowers, Doug Bruce, Kathleen Brunette, Elizabeth Fagan, Lawrence Gerring, Carl Roth, O'HARE who passed away recently. Frank Tufo Condolences are also extended to Reti.red Engineer and Mrs. William F. Sieckman. FRANK TUFO, secretary to assistant Switchman R. W. SMITH whose father, superintendent of transportation, suc Newlyweds Nina and James William Porter Smith passed away in the Kennecott Copper Corp. at Ruth, ceeds RITA CONNOLLY, car service in Atoka, Okla., at the age of 93. Mr. Nevada, and for the Manufacturer's spector, as correspondent for the fifth Smith is the father of Carpenter Helper STOCKTON Railway in St. Louis. Bill was pro floor. Rita has contributed to the San C. F . SMITH, Mrs. E. HERDMAN (wife of Elaine Obenshain moted to engineer on the WP in Au Francisco column since the magazine retired engineer) and grandfather of Miss Nina Kathleen Kilgour, daugh gust, 1943. was first published in August, 1949. Fireman GEORGE POLLOCK and Carman ter of Conductor and Mrs. JAMES M. Sincerest condolences to Mrs. Rabun Three weeks relaxation in old Mex WILLIE POLLOCK; and to Mrs. FERN KILGOUR, became the bride of Glen R. Ricks and family, whose homes were ico began February 3 for RUTH STONE, LESTER , whose mother passed away. wood Arnold Bockmon, son of Mr. and saddened by the sudden passing of re transportation department, to be fol Mrs. Glenwood G. Bockmon of Stock tired Conductor "CAPPY" RICKS. lowed two weeks later for two weeks ton, Sunday, January 18, at Grace SALT LAKE CITY A new railroader by the name of by MARY SILAR and PEGGY DELURY. Methodist Church, Stockton. Acting as J. B. Price Gary was welcomed into the home of BONNIE LEE BARNHILL replaced matron of honor was Mrs. Ronald Retired Engineer WILLIAM F. SIECK MIDGE BRENNER as public relations Moore (nee Ellen Burkett, daughter of MAN made his last run on the Tooele clerk on February 2. Bonnie first Conductor and Mrs. C. A. BURKETT, Valley local before retiring on Jan worked for the company in 1947 at JR.). The newlyweds will make their uary 15. His career goes back to 1914 Keddie, and for the past ten years was first home in Stockton. and the Luther roundhouse for the employed in the auditor of revenues The Stockton W. P. Employees Fed Wabash in St. Louis. During his 35 department. Midge left the company eral Credit Union 6th Annual Meeting years' railroading he also worked for to enter San Francisco State College was held on January 22 at the Stock the Illinois Central, Illinois Terminal where she will complete her studies ton Passenger Depot. The number Railroad, Oregon Short Line, and Los for teaching. of members attending the meeting sur Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad. He VERNE WILDE, secretary to assistant passed our expectations and they were hired out as fireman on the WP on vice president, is now secretary to rewarded to heal' that the Credit Union September 21, 1929, but 1932 found him superintendent M. M. CHRISTY. Verne passed a milestone by climbing above cut off. He spent the next eight years was succeeded by AL WHITLOCK for the $100,000 mark in assets. A dividend in marine engine service dredging and merly steno-statistical clerk in the re of 5 pel' cent was declared for the year towing on inland waters in the St. search department. AI's position has of 1958. Following officers were elected Louis District for the U. S. Engineer been filled by JOSEPH FRAUENHOFER, to serve for the year of 1959: D. A . ing Department, in engine service for Thomas F. Griffith completes railroad career formerly with Missouri Pacific. 21 20 MILEPOSTS MARCH,1959 MARY BECKER, special clerk at 8th systems at the University of California a state of collapse after the first or and Brannan freight station, was given and the Stanford Graduate School of Golfers t ee off second nine. For those who like to get a dinner in her honor last month. Co Business, and participated in organ at S pring Valley an early start, a 9: 30 a. m. starting workers attending presented her with izing a course in systems and proced time has been arranged. several gifts in tribute to her retire ures for the former. SaturdayI May 9 More complete details and a descrip ment after 47 years of service. A well-attended dinner was given on tion of the course will appear in MILE A new course has been selected by Telephone calls are now being an January 29 in honor of BLANCHE POSTS' April issue. This advance notice WP's golf committee for this year's swered with a snappy "Marketing Di DEWEY, passenger department, who will give everyone an opportunity to annual divot chase. vision," unlike the first week of the retired on December 31 after 31 years warn their wives they'll not be avail Spring Valley's location, near Mil change when habit forced a confused of Western Pacific service. Seen re able for work around the house on pitas, should make it more convenient greeting which ran from "Freight cently window shopping along Grant May 9, and a chance to sharpen up their for all our golfers, being centrally lo game. Traffic Division" to "Marketing Traffic Avenue, Blanche says she is enjoying cated to the East Bay, San Francisco, Bureau." The staff is also becoming herself immensely, and she certainly the Peninsula and the Stockton area. used to changes in titles,and now know looked the part. WP golfer gets his first ace The terrain has enough rolling hills to Dean Dorsey, W P sales representative at GEORGE McDEARMID as assistant to CLIFF GERSTNER returned to the en make play interesting, yet it's not a director of pricing; LEO POPE as chief gineering department January 1 from Fresno, holed out a seven iron shot on the 125- tough one to get around. Electric carts yard second at Fresno's Muny C·Qurse on Febru .. division bureau, who was succeeded Sacramento where he served as assist are available for those who want a ary 7. It was Dean/s first ace during 17 years of by DUDLEY THICKENS as division ana ant to division engineer. Cliff replaced minimum of exercise. golfing. lyst. FRANK REIFF has been promoted DON NASH as engineer of track layout. Ironically, he did not get to see his ball roll A restaurant and bar are located on into the cup because the hole, on a slightly ele to rate analyst, and other moves in Gerstner's Sacramento position was the premises for those who may be in vated green, i.s not visible from the tee. position include "PETE" SAENZ, GLEN filled by L. E. LELEVICH, formerly FISCHER, LARRY ZARO, and ROGER senior associate engineer. EASTON. Iron Horse Varsity Chief of Sales and Service and Mrs. WINNEMUCCA Western Pacific didn't amount to much as a foot JAMES E. BAKER are the proud parents Ruth G. Smith ball power this just-past season. of a 7-lb. daughter, Kathleen Mary, But look at 'em blow off steam now: The current Verne Auhe, son of Section Foreman issue of WP's "Mileposts" magazine devotes a full page born January 24. The Bakers also have and Mrs. E. B. AUHE of Jungo, has en to a whistle-blowing saga of a son, Jim, age 16. listed in the U. S. Army. He is now the gridiron entitled "Rail JOAN KARLm, IBM statistician, who stationed at Fort Ord, California. Seems as though roaders' Sons Star in Foot publicity about those suffered a sports car accident some Mrs. Hattie Brown, mother of Yard ball." high-scoring Bucka time ago in returning home from Lake Clerk BILL BROWN, died January 23, What it's about is the roos of Winnemucca Tahoe, is now the happy owner of a at the Humboldt General Hospital in Winnemucca High Bucka High will never end. 1959 Fiat. Joan says it's great for pull Winnemucca. Mrs. Brown was born This account of their roos, with nine kids of West 1958 football success ing cars out of the Mill Valley mud, a in Humboldt County ~d was 85 years ern Pacificers on the first was picked up from fact agreed upon by friend TERI BOYCE, of age at her death. Her husband, Wil string, running over the the January issue of statistical department. liam A. Brown, died November 1,1928, opposition like a runaway MILEPOSTS and ran DAVE OLSEN, junior rate clerk, re and at that time was owner and opera freight. Even the stream in a recent edition of the Oakland (Cali.f.) cently donated his appendix to the hos tor of what in now the Eagle Drugstore. lined blonde yell leader is a Tribune. pital, as well as 25 pounds, but he's now Mrs. Brown is survived by two daugh WP conductor's daughter. feeling much better. ters, three sons, four grandchildren, What a team! Western JOHN MURRAY, assistant to general and four great grandchildren. --;>' but not pacific. They got auditor, on January 29 participated in Agent and Mrs. CECIL DUCK of Win careless in the last game of the season and let some a management seminar for the San nemucca are the grandparents of a body block ·a punt and s<::ore 7 points, but the Bucs Francisco Ordnance District, speaking baby boy born January 29 to their son won the game 78 to 7, finished the season undefeated on office management. John has previ and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. and underailed, and ran up 361 points to 7 for all op ously given lectures on administrative K enneth Duck of Pomona, California. ponents. WP stock has never been higher. 23 22 MILEPOSTS MARCH , 1959 Sec. 34.66, P. L. & R. WESTERN PACIFIC MILEPOSTS U. S. POSTAGE 526 Mission St., San Francisco 5, Calif. PAID Return Postage Guaranteed San Francisco, Cali f. Perm it No. 5371 MR . A!:.AN ASKE
181 M SO • L rNCO~N ST . ROS~VILLE . CALIF .
Form 3547 Requested
Hazards of air travel in 1958 about 662131'0 greater than rail travel; estimated fatal ity rate of regularly scheduled domestic airlines 0.44 passenger deaths per 100 million passenger-miles; railroad's rate for first II months 0.27; December figures should change percentage very little.
Missouri Pacific's ThriH-T-Sleepers, so popular on "Colorado Eagle," extended +0 St. Louis-Hot Springs, Ark. service • Elgin, Joliet & Eastern recalls 77 workers for stepped-up car repair program.
Atlantic Coast Line opens new industrial office, will study $15 million port develop ment program in Tampa, Fla. area.
FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover given honorary membership in Brotherhood of Loco motive Engineers, bestowed by Grand Chief Engineer Guy L. Brown.
Chicago studying possibility of consolidation of its passenger terminals.
Rio Grande to split its stock 3 for I and increase annual dividend rate from $2.50 to equivalent of $3 per present share. Will also amend certificate of incorporation for engagement in other forms of transportation and other lines of business when and where laws permit.