FORE RIVER BRIDGE PROGRESS Maine Central Railroad Magazine
Vol. X—No. I CONTENTS Safety Award for Terminal 4 George P. McCallum Engineering Dept. Promotions 7 Editor-in-Chief Operating Dept. Changes 10 William A. Wheeler R.R. Retirement vs. Social Security ... 12 Associate Editor Emeritus
. FROM THE EDITOR
October has been designated as Careful Car Handling Month, just to lend added emphasis to a condition that is a year 'round problem. Says a shipping bulletin: "Business goes where it is invited and stays where it is well treated." That's it in the proverbial nutshell. Shippers want their goods, not claim payments. We're judged by the treatment we accord him, upon the condition in which his goods arrive. Yardmen particularly can help us have more satisfied customers by careful car handling. We're thinking of reviving a column in the Magazine once known as the "Yankee Trader" in which you folks can send in items to swap, sell, or trade. Maybe some National Geographies for that old milking machine. COVER Won't run it unless you send us in the material. Let us know by dropping a line to our office. The tranquil beauty of the Our railroad neighbor to the North whose report• FirstCongregational Church ing marks, BAR, always intrigues us, has just had a at Ellsworth, Me., bathed in book dedicated to it: "The Fastest Hound Dog in the waning rays of the late the State of Maine," by John Gould. It's a bit of Fall sun seems a fitting Maine whimsy that almost moves us to send an subject as the Seasons editorial dog biscuit to Ken Ludden, their Magazine move onward. The much- editor. photo^qraphed church is a favorite subject of the hun• ONE OF THE BIGGEST JOBS in the construction of the new combination rail-highway dreds of vacationers who bridne over Fore River at Portland was the setting of two of these huge beams each move through Ellsworth Published Monthly by 120 feet long, weight 85 tons. Three^ftaT cars were used to transport them. The beams each year during the Sum• THE MAINE CENTRAL RAILROAD COMPANY mer and into the hunting span the main channel and are^shown here being set in place. They were loaded on a 222 St. John Street Portland, Main* barge and floated downstream at high tide. As the tide ran out the beams were lowered into position by a series of jacks BOSTON & MAINE RAILROAD
3 HISTORICAL SOCIETY ARCHIVES . TOP SAFETY RECORD:
Terminal Company Awarded Famed Harriman Certificate
The Portland Terminal Company than 2,500,000 employe man-hours last month was selected as one of two worked last year. terminal companies in the United Presentation of the coveted Harri• States to be awarded the railroad in• man Certificate was made by James dustry's famed E. H. Harriman Cer• G. Lyne, editor of Railway Age and tificate of Commendation for out• chairman of the Awards Committee standing safety performance in 1952. of the American Museum of Safety at a dinner Sept. 17 in the Hotel Am• bassador, New York, attended by BEST RECORD FOR SMALL COMPANY more than 250 railroad officials and The Terminal Company, which ef• fected a commendable reduction in safety representatives. Cyril Ains- PRESIDENT of the American Museum of Safety Cyril Alnsworth, right, presents Harriman employe casualties last year, was worth, president of the Museum, pre• Award to Frank Reynolds, center, and C. I,. Quigley, left well above the National average in sided. its safety record and had the best The Terminal operates approxi• year not only surpassed their own record in the Class One switching REPRESENTING EMPLOYES mately 46,000 engine miles per month previous best record but they also and terminal companies with less Receiving the award on behalf of and is composed of some 1,030 em• exceeded the best safety mark ever the Terminal Com• ployes. It has not had a single em• set by any comparable form of trans• pany were Frank ploye fatality for six years. portation. Reynolds, assistant Portland Terminal took its place The E. H. Harriman Memorial to the vice president in being honored beside the Chicago Awards were founded in 1913 by the — Operations, and Union Station Company which repre• late Mrs. Mary W. Harriman in mem• Clifford L. Quigley, sented the larger switching and ter• ory of her husband, Edward H. Har• safety and fire minal companies, and such railroads riman, railroad pioneer. They have prevention agent, as the Baltimore & Ohio, Lehigh Val• since been continued by her sons, who were directly ley and Lehigh and Hudson River W. Averill Harriman and E. Roland responsible for su• Railway Company, in the Eastern Harriman. This year (1953) marked pervision of the District certificate awards. the 34th presentation of gold medals safety program that and awards to the railroads achieving achieved the award. the best over-all safety records in the COMPETITION INTENSE year preceding the award ceremony. Competition among the railroads for 1952 safety honors was especially intense, since the industry last year AN INSPIRATION set a new safety mark, Lyne revealed In accepting the Commendation in presenting the commendations. Certificate Reynolds told the assem• rank Reynolds, left, and He pointed out that the railroads last bly that the Harriman Award was "a C. L. Quigley hold Certifi• 5 cate of Commendation symbol that we will always treasure edy is a must. (4) Good Housekeep• and that will inspire us to protect the ing—order and cleanliness is an im• welfare of our employes." portant factor in the program. (5) WIGGINS NAMED CHIEF ENGINEER Reynolds attributed receipt of Elimination of hazards in the prop• the Award to a Seven-Point Safety erty, plant, equipment and tools. Program. "We have established (6) Posting of close clearance con• HARRY HOMANS APPOINTED DIVISION Safety and all its principles, as an ditions and elimination of all possi• integral part
Pierce, Williams, Crocker Promoted
Abolishment of the Maine Central's cers they would Eastern Division was announced normally exer• Oct. 1, by Frank W, Rourke, vice cise jurisdiction as follows: president—Operations. Pierce, all terri- The trackage presently comprising t o r.y west of the division will hereafter be known Northern Maine as the "Eastern Subdivision" of the Junction; Wil• Portland Division and will be under liams, Northern the jurisdiction of the Portland Divi• Maine Junction, sion superintendent. Bangor and the At the same Eastern Subdivi• YOUR REPORTERS meeting In the Directors* Room of the General Offices Sept. 28 at a time, Willard E. luncheon and business meeting Include front row, left to right: Ann New-comb, Wilton J Ernestine sion; Crocker, Grimes, General Offices; Irene Elwell, Maine Central Bus Lines; Olive Norris, Magazine Staff Pierce was pro• Eastern Subdivi• secretary; Mary Morse, General Offices, Harry D. Davis, Vanceboro; C. A. Jefferds, Bangor Car mo ted to be sion. A. W. Crocker Department. Second row: C. H. Leard, retired Bangor Engine House; VV. B. Lewis, telegraphers; Jack Hayes, Bus Lines; Ellis E. Walker, Augusta; Frank L. Carsley, Rockland; O. R. Burdwood, assistant super• <•" •'>••'<• N- H-i H' O. Preble, Brunswick. Standing: George P. McCallum, editor-in-chief intendent of Albert B. Wetmore. Rigby Engine House; Margaret Lynch, General Offices; Hugh Flynn, Rlgby Car Department; Lillian White, Lewlston; Alice McLaughlin, Portland Freight Office- Doris the Portland Thomas, General Offices; Marjorie Quigley, Portland Freight Office; Tom Roche, Deerlng Junc• Division with MAGAZINE CHIEFS tion; L. P. Severance, Bangor Engine House; Maurice Sanborn, Gardiner; Julia Roper, General headquarters at Onices; John R. Mincher, Bangor M of W. Portland, and ELECTED TO ARMEA Ralmond W. Clifford A. Someryille, editor-in- Williams, assist-"1 chief of the Boston and Maine Rail• President. E. Spencer Miller Beyond that, Miller said, the Mag• ant superinten• road Magazine, was elected president, greeted the men and women who azine serves as a display case for the dent of the same and George P. McCallum, editor-in- comprise the reportorial staff of your railroad with its shoppers and the Williard division with chief of the Maine Central Magazine, magazine at a meeting last month in public. Such a use must necessarily headquarters at Bangor. secretary, of the American Railway the Portland General Offices. be of high caliber, one of which the Also, A. W. Crocker, road fore• Magazine Editors Association at their Some 30 reporters representing railroad may be proud and one that man of engines, was appointed train• 32nd annual convention this month such far-flung points as Vanceboro is well received by its readers. master of the at New Orleans, La. and Bartlett were guests at a lunch• Portland Divi• It marks the first time in the his• eon and business meeting in the Di• The President said that the Mag• sion, continuing tory of the organization that a New rectors' Room. azine was successfully maintaining to act in his for• Englander has held the top office in President Miller complimented the those qualities and congratulated the mer capacity. the Association which represents 57 group, some of whom have been writ• reporters for their part in it, urging An n ou n ce• railroads publishing employe maga• ing for the Magazine for many years, continuing enthusiasm in producing ment of the pro- zines throughout the Nation. on their spirit and tireless dedica• a publication of interest and value. motions was tion in contributing to the success of Following the luncheon, the rail• made by Division the publication. Superintendent WINSLOW HONORED The President acknowledged his road's color film "Autumn in New Harris L. Strout,. Rules Examiner E. H. Winslow was personal interest in providing not England" was shown. A workshop Strout said that elected third vice president of the only a method of communication be• session led by the editor discussed while the pro• United Veterans Association at a tween employes and management but story ideas and methods to improve moted men are convention at Richmond, Vt., this also among employes themselves the magazine during the coming all division offi- Ralmond W. Williams month. through the Magazine. months.
10 11 Present maximum to survivor (of employe with 16 years after 1936) $609.00 $255.00 How Railroad Retirement and Survivor Benefits Future maximum to survivor (of employe with 40 years after 1936) £735.00 $255.00 Future maximum to survivor (of employe with 45 years Compare with Social Security Benefits after 1936) ,$761.30 $255.00 (Reprinted Courtesy Santa Fe Magazine) Residual payment which guarantees benefits greater than taxes paid. Residual is ROM the very beginning, the railroad retirement plan has offered railroad payable regardless of employe's years of workers better over-all protection than has been available to employes service To survivors of No F under the general social security plan. This was true even after the far- railroad employes, Provision reaching improvements which were made in the social security system in 1950. of former railroad In the light of further improvements made in the Railroad Retirement employes, regardless Act in 1951, and taking into account the Social Security Act amendments of employes' length of 1952, railroad employes have protection which is, on the average, far of service. more valuable than that available to employes under social security. When compared with employes under social security, it can be said that— Residual payment equal to 4 per cent of taxable earnings (1) Railroad employes receive higher retirement benefits. 1937-46 plus 7 per cent thereafter, less benefits pre• (2) Survivors of railroad employes are paid benefits which are at least viously paid. egual to those paid under social security, and in many cases they are higher. Present maximum residual (assuming 16 years' (3) Railroad employes alone have valuable protection against disability service, 1937-52, and that $609 insurance lump before age 65. Under social security, no retirement benefits are payable until sum was only other benefit previously paid) $2,343.00 age 65. (4) Railroad employes alone are guaranteed that the retirement and Railroad Social survivor benefits paid in their cases will be greater than the taxes they con• Retirement Security tributed to the retirement system. Act Act The data below illustrate the superiority of the Railroad Retirement Act: Future maximum residual (assuming 40 years' service, 1937-76 and that $735 insurance lump sum was only other benefit pre• viously paid) $8,265.00 RETIREMENT BENEFITS Railroad Social Retirement Security Act Act Present maximum benefit to employe alone $165.60 $ 85.00 WHEN EMPLOYES MAY RETIRE Employe and wife $205.60 $127.50 Before age 65 About one third of No Present average benefit to employe alone J. 95.00 $ 48.00 all railroad em• Provision Wife or dependent husband $ 37.00 $ 26.00 ployes, some in Future maximum benefit to employe alone (with 40 years their 30's of service after 1936) $220.80 $ 85.00 Because of total and permanent disability At any age after 10 No Employe and wife $260.80 $127.50 years' service Provision Employe alone (with 45 years' service after 1936) $248.40 $ 85.00 Because of permanent disability for regular Employe and wife $288.40 $127.50 occupation At age 60 after 10 No years, or earlier Provision after 20 years' service, if the SURVIVOR BENEFITS employe has a current connection Presen16t yearmaximus aftem r to1936 the) widow (of employe with $ 63.80 $ 63.80 with the railroad Widow and 1 child $127.60 $127.60 industry. Widow and 2 or more children $168.75 $168.75 Future maximum to the widow (of employe with 40 years after 1936) $ 73.50 $ 63.80 Widow and 1 child $127.60 $127.60 An unsolicited testimonial from an Widow and 2 or more children $168.75 $168.75 ardent golfer to a hosiery manufacturer There was a time when a fool and his Insurance lump sum (payable under Railroad Retirement read: "Fifteen minutes after putting on money were soon parted. Now it hap• Act when no survivor is immediately entitled to a a pair of your socks, I made a hole in pens to everybody. monthly benefit, but in all cases under Sacial Se• one." curity Act)
12 13 IN DEFENSE OF AGENTS
Why is the train so late tonight? Isn't it EVER on time? Cheverus High School, St. Michael's College, And what's gone wrong with your gum Winooski Park, Vt., and Boston University, where he received his master's degree in edu• machine? cation. He has accepted a position as teacher My Johnny's just lost a dime at Vocational School, Fort Preble. The happy couple left after the ceremony for a honeymoon Will you kindly watch my suitcase? through Canada and New York. We send our best wishes to Miss Ann C. Yes, the large one, there by the door, Norton, who entered the order of the Sisters MAIL BAG Portland Freight Office of Mercy, at St. Joseph's Convent, Portland, Aren't you new on the job here? Sept. 23. Freight Clerk Eleanor £\n is 42 Marathon Street, and Freight House a sister of Ann. Arlington, Mass. I've never seen YOU before By MARJORIE QUIGLEY Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Dennis September 18, 1953 Do they sell light lunches across the and ALICE MCLAUGHLIN McCrosson, who was employed for many years Maine Central Railway Co., Revision Clerk James B. Keegan expects to as a Freight Handler at Portland Freight Portland, Maine street? leave next week for his annual tour to the House. Mr. McCrosson is a patient at the West Coast and various other points of inter• Maine General Hospital and would appreciate Gentlemen: How's their prices, terribly high? est. This is Jimmie's fourth trip in that direc• tion and he says he enjoys it more each seeing or hearing from his old friends. For the past three consecutive seasons it has No, Johnny dear, I'm tired, I can't lift succeeding year. A pleasant vacation, Jimmie. We extend our sympathy to the families of been my pleasure to ride on your Trailways Head Delivery Clerk Michael G. Norton has Arthur H. Fogg and Charles D. MacCallum, bus from the Boston Terminal to Ellsworth, you up so high resumed his duties at the Freight House after former loaders and callers, who died recently. Maine, the connecting point, to West Goulds- No, the man's not mad, why does he being absent for some time due to illness. boro. Good to see you back. Mike. Adding much to the comfort and enjoyment pound on the shelf? Among those enjoying recent vacations are of these annual trips, each time, was your Freight Claims Inspector and Mrs. Wendell M. efficient and helpful driver, Mr. Robinson, who He's stamping a ticket for me MacDowell, Assistant Freight Cashier and Mrs. Terminal Car Department always joined us at Portland. He pointed out Mark B. Flaherty, Mr. and Mrs. Amos P. historic spots, tagged our baggage which he Now you come right our of there, Johnny, Nelson. HUGH F. FLYNN also put for us and took down as well as It's the office, there's nothing for you We extend our best wishes to Miss June There were three deaths in the families of created a general feeling of pleasantness. Dawn Clay, daughter of Supply Clerk and Mrs. our car department forces since our last report. I am not a fan letter writer but do feel good to see Edwin C. Noyes, whose engagement to Vincent On Aug. 3, William R. Hale 3rd, son of Carman service should be appreciated. I have traveled DeSimio has been announced. The wedding and Mrs. W. R. Hale, Jr.; on Sept. 1, Carman half way round the world and in every state How long have YOU worked for the rail• will take place in February. Fred Ward's mother, and on Sept. 18 Mrs. Rose and am taking time off from the writing of a Phee. wife of Laborer Jack Phee. Our sympathy book to do this for a worthy chap. road ? to all in their bereavement. The other passengers expressed themselves Your work must be almost like play, On Aug. 22, Carman and Mrs. Joseph practically in unison of their praise of him Geoffroy became proud grandparents when their when he was out of hearing. It's such a thrill, I always think, daughter Mrs. Dons Boucher gave birth to a daughter, Lucille Linda. Tour very truly, Just meeting new people each day. Carman Ed Landry and family have moved into their new home on Thornton Heights. /s/ EVA BOWLER Oh, THERE'S the train, Come, Johnny Leading Carman Henry Grimmer is back to work after being absent because of illness. dear, While out recuperating Henry caught three /t/ (MRS. PAUL D. BOWLER) large salmon at Sebago, the longest being 19". Southport. Maine Come, tell the nice man "Good bye," • ...Jfcs« Coach Cleaner Merle Cook, Jr. is back work• September 16. 1953 You say it's a freight, How long do we ing after being laid up eight months with a Station Master broken leg incurred in a motorcycle accident. Maine Central R. R. wait? Among those on vacation are Carmen Frank Brunswick, Maine Landry and Neils Axelsen. Seems like we've been here a year. At this writing plans are being made for a Dear Sir: Why do station agents grow crabby, civic reception to be held for Carman Walter The other day a friend and I had to wait Dahms' son ,"Babe" who is now home after Turn grizzled and grey 'round the ears? 1^ being released as a prisoner of war In Korea. in your railroad station for a belated bus. Carman Carl Carter has been inducted into We were struck by the great cleanliness of No, it's not caused by the freight, Robert H. Hasson and Genevieve I. Houston the armed forces and shipped out on Sept. 21st. the waiting room and we should like to ex• A recent visitor to our shop was former press our appreciation to whoever keens things Or even something they ate, Congratulations are extended to Mr. and Mrs. Coach Cleaner Ralph Cary who has com• so ship-shape. Robert H. Hasson, who were married at Holy pleted his basic training in the U. S. Army It is a great contrast to many larger sta- It's "questions" they've answered for Cross Church recently. Mr. Hasson is the son and has been assigned to the Engineers at tiques where dirty floors and litter are much of Head Clerk James J. Hasson and the bride Camp Devens. Ralph is the son of Store Clerk in evidence. years! was formerly Miss Genevieve I. Houston, "Al" Cary. It renews one's faith in people to know that —By Mrs. Rena B. Blaisdell, wife of daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James F. Houston, General Foreman Tom Airey and the Mrs. there are still those who do a good job. South Portland. The bride is a graduate attended the Mechanical Officers Convention our agent at Old Town, Maine of South Portland High School and Gorham in Chicago. Very truly yours, State Teachers' College and is a teacher at Our traveling retired Carman Pete Griffin Henley School. The groom is a graduate of recently returned from a visit at Prince Edward ys/ ALICE W. CLARK 15 14 THE LANDRY BROTHERS whose combined service totals 100 years at Portland Terminal and Rigby. Lett to right: Carman Helper Arthur, Wreckmaster Alphe and Air Rock Man Eddy. A fine record Beecher Falls, Vt. By R. D. DROLET We are sorry to announce the death of Delia Ladd Carbee, wife of Freight Car Inspec• tor Harold Carbee. She died at her home Sept. 7. Though only 66 years old she is sur• vived by her husband, six children: 3 boys Island. Pete paid us a visit recently, obtained Laborer and Mrs. James Ashley were in and 3 girls; 14 grandchildren, 7 boys and a pass for New York and from there went by New York on vacation at the time of the 7 girls, and one great-grandson. A flower tribute steamship to visit relatives in Ireland. heat wave. They were visiting relatives. Jim was offered by the railroad boys. attended the Yankee-Red Sox game. Merle Michaud, agent Colebrook, took the rest of his vacations and was relieved by Bill Electrician Ralph Newman also has a new Burdwood from Bartlett, probably put in some car. fishing. Wonder if his Summer catch approaches Rigby Engine House Chief Diesel Inspector Larry Eliason and that of Arthur Herron who caught over 200 Mrs. Eliason attended the convention of diesel trout. By ALBERT B. WETMORE locomotive maintenance association at Chicago. Peter Murphy who worked all Summer on the section changed his mind about going READY to call up Daddy are Dale and Allen One of the first items of my report came The Safety Board reading is 434 days or back to St. Michael College in Vermont, he Mallett, age 15 months, twin sons of Signalman in stating that former Machinist Elmer Dens- 10,416 hours for all 3 shifts. No accidents at will now join the Marines. Helper and Mrs. Alfred R. Mallett, Bartlett more had died rather a sudden death. Elmer the engine house this month at all. Marjorie Ackley and Hubby of the B. F. Mfg. was one of our war-time employes, and after Visitors at the shop for the month: Machin• Corp. spent some time with the Gene Waltons, hiring out, in but a short time he worked up ists Arthur Fossett, James Mudd and Foreman agent West Farmington. about two years for the B&M around Fabyan to a machinist grade from a helper. After Thomas Brown all retired. Mr. Brown was Dave Therrien of the section is better and or what was Zealand when a young man, also being laid off at this point he went to the west accompanied by an old-timer, whose name coming back to work. Dave is now 71 years had a try at braking for the B&M. He has coast on another railroad. He is the brother was Brown too. His time dates back to the old and has been railroaa'.ng so long he cannot seen all the changes of course. The Sawyers of Hostler Guy Densmore, now employed at 1914 days at Thompson's Point Shops. live without it. River Railroad came and went in his time and Rigby. A floral tribute was sent. Foreman Malcolm Billington attends the Livermore village had Its big day and has Foreman Frederick Lombard purchased a annual banquet and meeting of the State Safety vanished. John has a great many friends around new car of popular make. Council held in York, at the Marshall House. here and it is rightly so, because few men Machinist Ray Killinger visited the shop Laborer Steve and Mrs. Kutcher visit their Bartlett, N. H. so arrange their lives to become as friendly twice this month. He is recuperating after a daughter Helene who lives in Wilmington, By BUD BURDWOOD and accommodating as he has always been. hip operation similar to the Arthur Godfrey N. C, where her husband is stationed in the The tie plating job is progressing in good Engineer C. F. Mead and Mrs. Mead are operation. Ray is much improved and although service. time: New plates Fabyan to Whitefield, with visiting their son and family in Florida. The he still uses crutches, gets around very nicely. Peters' and Perras* outfits on the job. visit was occasioned by the marriage of their Blacksmith Paris Maxwell paints his house daughter Mary to Mr. John Gagnon. Mr. The heat wave during early September while on vacation. He uses a spray gun to Gagnon is a teacher at the local high school. affected some of the boys in various ways. do the job. He also has a new packaged heat Fred Stewart and family have returned from Carl Gilmore was taken sick at his work. unit installed in his home. a two-weeks visit with relatives in California, Your reporter and Mrs. Albert Wetmore„ using their auto as transportation. Fred is back Sr. celebrated their 33 years of marriage inJ on the job with Welder Jones. September. Trackman Ray Tripp and Mrs. Tripp visited Engine Dispatcher Frank Garland tells me their son in Washington, D. C, during his vaca• his mother died during the month. A floral tion. Ray did not get invited to the White tribute was sent. House and is riled up about it. But he is not Janitor (engineman's quarters) M-ike Gresley a forgotten man, we reminded him; told him retired Sept. 2. A purse of 524.00 was presented to take a look at the withholding amount each to him by them. week as per his pay draft. Agent K. M. Spencer has bid off Cornish, Another death occurred of an old timer. left open by the resignation of former Agent Machinist Helper Amos Knight died at the Overfield. home of his daughter at Peak's Island. A Conductor Homer Greenwood is having his floral tribute was sent. vacation at present. Doing a little visiting Seth McDermott, Machinist Helper, on a and a lot of resting up. leave of absence for the summer, while serv• ing on the Scarborough police force doing duty at Scarborough Downs, collapsed at his work. He was taken to the hospital for a PATRIOTIC FAMILY of Your Bartlett Re• gall bladder condition, which called for an porter O. R. Burdwood are Marine Corps. operation. Pfc. Janice, right, stationed at Olathe, Kan., and studying to be a control tower operator Machinist Edwin Temm and Mrs. Temm and Pvt. Robert C. Burwood, stationed near and family attended the family reunion of the Seoul, Korea as a communications man. He Straw family at Scarborough. There were formerly worked as a Maine Central tele• about 50 people in attendance. grapher, last assignment, Royal Junction Machinist Joseph and Mrs. DeRoche cele• brate their 17th wedding anniversary. We are pleased to report that John B. Machinist William Tatarczuk made his McGinn, section foreman at Sawyers River, Rockland anual visit to Andover, Mass., to attend the celebrated his 70th birthday Sept. 22. John By F. L. CARSLEY Catholic Men's Retreat. There were about has had a long and fine record with the 60 men in the group. STATIONED at Vim, Germany, is Pfc. Alton MeCRR. He started work for us on Feb. 2, Sectionman Glenwood Brown of the Wool• Laborer Raymond Thompson has purchased Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Thomp• 1902, and was set up to foreman August 1. wich Section wants to thank all who made a brand-new car of popular make. 1911 at Sawyers River, remaining there all the donations which were a great help during son, Rigby Engine House the years to the present date. He also worked his sickness. 16 !7 Among those on vacation: Sectionmen Alton that he had better call the service man and Mank, W. D. Smith; Watchman George Walker Gardiner have him turn off the blamed thing before and Laborer Carleton Walker it ran all night and gave a good boost to the Billing Clerk I. F. Brackett attended the By M. L. SANBORN electric light bill. George got the service man Yankee-Red Sox ball game in Boston. out of bed at midnight, and he told George Agent E. L. Walker of Thomaston is on Station Agent David Cameron has closed his to turn the knob way off and not just part vacation relieved by Operator Dudley summer camp in Harpswell for the summer. way as George had been doing which solved Operator R. F. Tracy has gathered up all the problem. his garden vegetables this month from his farm Section Foreman Albert Allaire and his crew in West Gardiner. have been fixing the Randolph Bridge Crossing Augusta Freight Clerk Clyde Cooper was glad to see this month. Ted Williams' return to the Red Sox Baseball Engineer Harry Pettlngill is thinking of buy• By E. E. WALKER team. Clyde said, "wait until next year when ing a power plant and making his own elec• Freight Handler Leland S. Hopkins is on Ted will be back there all year long with the tricity for his farm in West Gardiner if vacation and in company of the Mrs. is spend• good new talent that did so well this year." electric power rates increase again. ing the time visiting in Massachusetts. Baggageman Olin Gordon has gone into Retired Railway Express Agent Romeo Mams The harvest meeting of the Augusta Chapter farming this year in great style. Olin is of Augusta was a caller at the Express Office of the Amalgamated Shooting and Eating Club raising a pig, has some ducks, a flock of hens in Gardiner this month. was held recently in Whitefield. During the and roosters, and a nice vegetable garden to afternoon horseshoes were engaged in by take care of which has kept him pretty those present. Cashier Ray Burns, throwing busy this summer. both right and left handed, was easily the Signal Matntainer George Curtis recently Wilton "Star" of the game. General Agent P. E. purchased a brand-new television set, the Fuller was winner of the eating prize. latest thing, so George claims. George read By ANN NEWCOMB Second Trick Clerk Telegrapher Verne Hutch• the instructions on how to run this new• George Buck, sectionman from Farmington inson has returned here after spending the fangled invention and also received a lot of section crew, has transferred to Canton crew. LEADING MAN in the Shops Mill, Win Potter, summer as agent at Belgrade. good advice from his railroad friends, and He is now commuting from Farmington to nolds granddaughter Patty Jean Jordan, 9 Conductor George V. Green has left the so the first night after it was installed George Canton daily account he is unable to find a months, on his lap. She's the daughter of road switcher for greener pastures. Conductor fiddling around, turning knobs here and there rent available. Lloyd and Irene Potter Jordan of Bradly, Me. Marshall Pratt has bid in the job with Train• chair for an evening's entertainment. Every• Lawrence Stevens, sectionman from Farm• man Sterling Fisher taking the braking job. thing went well until along about 11 o'clock ington crew, has transferred to Pete White's Agent J. N. Horton, Hallowetl, vacationed when George decided that he had enough for crew at East Livermore. Lawrence has moved and Mrs. Glen McCorrison on the birth of this month relieved by Spare Operator White. one night, and as it was now his bedtime, from Farmington to Livermore Falls. Laurie Jean at the Sisters August 26. Weigh• Baggage and Mailman Horace Rodrigue says and he had a hard day's work ahead, he R. Mercier, sectionman in Val Robinson's ing in at 7 lbs. and 7 oz. he has given up washing dishes. He was attempted to turn the set off. George turned the crew at North Jay, has terminated his duties Checker and Mrs. Dick Delano have been afraid the habit would grow on him. knob but nothing happened. The set kept on with the Maine Central and is going to work recent visitors at Atlantic City, N. J. showing pictures, and after a half hour of with his brother doing carpentry work. Mrs. Idella Gerald, wife of Painter Don Mason Foreman Jack Lawrence and crew fiddling around, turning knobs here and there B. L. Stimans, trackman working with Gerald, has returned home from the Osteopathic are in town patching the station platform. and just plain monkeying, etc., George decided H. L. Russell, Nut Runner operator on Farm• Hospital where she underwent surgery. ington Branch, has been transferred to V. I. Robinson's crew to replace R. Mercier. Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Newcomb have enter• tained company for a few days from Long EARLY AUGUSTA FORCE Island, N. Y., Mrs. Francis Bailey and son ANNOUNCING the en• Robert, age 2. Incidentally Mr. Bailey is lever- gagement of their man in "A" tower, Penn. Station, New York. daughter Dorothy are C. R. Richardson, agent Livermore Falls, Welder and Mrs. Curtis gttggjaggjj enjoyed himself at the Farmington Fair the Orchard, Waterville past week. Shops, to Russell R. Section Foreman B. Hogdon, Livermore Hurd, Randolph, Mass. Falls, was taken to the hospital at Rumford She was a June grad• with a sudden heart condition recently. A uate of Lawrence High speedy recovery is wished by all. School where she was a member of the Na• tional Honor Society. A Fall wedding is planned Waterville Shops By "STEVE" Carman George Colford has been a recent John Sheffield, 6 lb. 7 oz. bouncer, born at delegate to the national convention of the the Thayer Aug. 14, qualifies Helper and Mrs. American Legion at St. Louis. Mo. Dud Delaware as bell ringers in the Stork While fishing at Great Pond Mrs. Chick Derby. Pooler hooked a large bass. During the ensuing struggle to net the fish the bass made a great leap and landed in the boat, (at least that's the story as Chick tells it). Superintendent F. H. Bennett has been a sur• gical patient at the Thayer for a shoulder operation. Foreman Bill Otis wishes to thank all those who so thoughtfully contributed to the fund ENTERING the Uni• to keep him out of the hoosegow. versity of Maine this Blacksmith Helper George Gray has entered Fall was Alan Park- the Sisters where he will undergo surgery for hurst, son of Laborer hernia. and Mrs. Charles Carman Helper Joe Bouchard has been Parkhurst, Waterville recalled to work after being furloughed. Machinist Cecil Gray, who has been on sick leave, is much improved at this writing. Machinist Sid Hamlin has been making his n^Ys,fPerCi« ™*- to right, Alton W. Blaidell, annual tour repairing and checking turntables manager of the Depositor's Trus^ Co'' ir f Uoit general agent; Howard Webber, now around the system. W. E. Has den, deceased Co., Walker, father of yonr reporter, Ellis, and Bell ringers in the Stork Derby are Carman
18 19 PRESENTED a purse on his retirement after 46 years of service at Waterville Shops was Blacksmith George Hustus pictured with Assistant Superintend• ent Dick Dole (Perry Morse Photo)
Stenog Fabiola Tardiffe, Clerks Wilfred Binnette, Arnold Dow, Mr. and Mrs. Connie James -Craig and his wife are the parents of Begin, Machinist and Mrs. Wilfred Pooler, a new baby. Mrs. Craig is doing fine but the * r-ninriv T HIT MR Relief Foreman Irvin "Luther Burbank" Furrow as evidenced by this Clerk Rollie Armstrong, Clerk and Mrs. Albert baby has been taken to Bangor for treatment meatus?tea™or^U«n he personally undertook at the Bangor Engine House Above left, the Rancourt, Checker and Mrs. Dick Delano at• Jimmy is freight handler at Sea St. plot of bare ground he"started with 'and right, a beautiful lawn and center shrub, four weeks tended a Memorial Mass and Communion and several blisters later Breakfast held in the Boston Garden Sept. 13. The affair was sponsored by employes of the out of three thieves. Soon after retiring for Boston and Maine Railroad. Archbishop Cush- Mechanical Department members and guests present. Engineer E. E. the night he heard noises and muffled voices in ing of the Massachusetts Diocese was the By L. P. SEVERANCE Hathaway was again elected president and his back yard that sounded very suspicious. speaker. A newcomer in the Signal Department cre• Electrician G. M. Hathaway, vice president. He eased himself out of bed and down stairs Painter Merle Otis has swapped his jallopy ated by the installation of the two-way radio Among the members of the Crocker family to where he spotted the figures of three men for an automobile. is Electrician Harry L. Martin. Harry came reunion at Mattawamkeag was Road Foreman at the rear of his car siphoning gas from the Painter and Mrs. Eddie Gurski have been to the Motive Power Department two years and Mrs. A. W. Crocker. taken. He called to his wife to bring his recent anglers at Moosehead. ago and has been holding down a swing job. Talked with Charlie Leard the other day trousers and the suspicious characters must Carmen Bing Crosby and Ken Hall have.v He recently transferred to the Signal Depart• and said he still gets up early in the morn• have been suspicious that someone was sus• been substituting as car inspectors during ment as radio communications maintainer and ing. That is so he will have more time during picious of their suspicious actions, as they vacations in the Yard. goes into that branch with a vast amount of the day to do nothing. What a wonderful way left the yard on the dead run. Everett calmly Sweeper Leon Cookson Is planning to build experience. He started tinkering with radio to live. donned his street garments then took off a la a home in the country with the help of his when just a youngster and has progressed The old steam engine that was housed be• superman on the trail of the outlaws. It son-in-law. along with all the new improvements. He holds side the turntable is being retired in favor of a wasn't too long a chase before he had one in a first class commercial operator's license and modern Buda Gas Engine. The purpose of the each hand in a powerful grasp by their shirt is thereby qualified to operate any type of steam engine was to supply power to the turn• fronts. Then the slow trek back to the house equipment. We believe he is the only employe table in cases of electrical failure. It was in where be called his wife to notify the Police on the Maine Central who holds such a license its youth a valuable piece of equipment but Department. They congratulated him on his and is actively engaged in radio work. by today's standards its maze of cables and fine catch. Two for three is a good average, non-flexibility have made it practically a use• Everett. Incidentally, the culprits were grown The annual family reunion of the Hathaway less piece of equipment. The new Buda engine men, not boys as some may think, which may Clan was held in Medway August 30 with 90 is easily maintained and operated and can be be indicative that sometimes in criticizing a put into service on very short notice. Another juvenile it may be well to look deeper and BEARING the name step in the improvement program at the Ban• see what sort of example is being set for him. of his great grand• gor Engine House. father popular East• Laborer Carroll Adams, now serving in the Eastport ern Division Engineer U. S. Navy as a Fireman First Class, has just By K. O. CLINE Dan C. West is this returned from a tour of duty overseas. He Eastern Division M of W Congratulations are in order for General young railroader visited England, Scotland, Denmark. Norway, Agent Tom Burns who has been promoted to whose grandfather too Sweden and France aboard a U. S. destroyer. By JOHN MINCHER General Agent at Bangor. We will miss him. was a railroader At present he is at Norfolk, Va., and came Partitioning for new offices in Bangor Union Everyone wishes him good luck in his new Frank R. West, fire• home for a 14-day furlough. Station has been completed with a new office job. man. Danny's Dad Tourists:—Hostler F. E. Caruso and wife for Division Engineer Harry Homans, one for is James R, West, a to New York City. Laborer and Mrs. J. E. Track Supervisors Carl Davis and Maurice Congratulations are also in order for Clerk- director of the Mu• Blake to Quebec. Machinist L. W. Snyder and Thorne together and separate ones for Assist• Operator Victor R. Brown, who has been pro• tual Security Agency the Mrs. to Ames, Iowa. Locomotive Fireman ant Signal Supervisor Herbert Sawyer and moted to General Agent at Eastport. at Paris, France - L. J. Higgins to New York City with Mrs. Assistant B & B Supervisor Ellis Manter. Congratulations are also m order for Con• Your reporter and Higgins. Machinist Helper J. M. Blakney and A new face seen around Bangor is that of ductor Barney Rutherford who has just been young Dan's father wife half way across the U. S. then south to Harry Martin, communications maintainer, who awarded his 50-year gold pass. swiped apples together the border and finally up the East Coast to will maintain train radio systems and dispatch• Merrill Bowden, freight handler, Sea St., when Engineer Dan Maine. ers' telephones. has returned to work after a lengthy illness. was pulling ' 'scoot Locomotive Engineer E. A. Farrell, alias Teleweld, Inc.. last month completed rail Gene Hampton, freight handler, has pur• trains" between Ban• Sam Spade, made a darmg capture of two end welding on 28 miles of track on the East- chased a car and is learing to drive. gor and Old Town 21 20 em Division which makes for smoother riding foundation for installation of the new track of equipment and reduces track maintenance scales to replace the old overhead beam type. by eliminating rail-end batter considerably. Ten Broeck Corporation is contractor for the Arthur Palmer, former section foreman at foundation, difficult to install in the boggy Columbia Falls, has been awarded position as ground, the pit filling with water requiring foreman at Whitneyville. tight structural exclusion. Retired Enginehouseman G. E. Mills and Re• tired Engine Hostler D. M. Nason have recently STENOGRAPHER Shirley suffered ill turns but we are glad to report Bangor Operating both are improving. Smith, Cashier's Office, By R. G. WHEELER Enginehouse Foreman A. M. Scott has just Operator T. D. Ouellette, Bangor-Bucksport purchased a new automobile. shown with electric broiler swing, has returned to railroading after a tour of duty with the Air Force. and decorated desk, pre• While on his way to work a few days ago, Yardmaster Arnold French swung onto an sented by associates on her engine passing through Bangor Yard and in so doing his dinner pail flew open. Frenchie marriage Sept. 12 to Wil• gathered up the contents and supposedly re• placed them all and continued on his way. liam W. Wilson, Railway At supper time he discovered much to his sorrow, his false teeth were not in their usual Mail. place in the dinner pail. Next day a ,phone call to the engine house revealed that the By JOHN J. KEATING missing teeth had been found riding the en• Engineman Severy with the Mrs. and a gine. We must make arrangements to have relative made a trip by auto to Canada, a special locker installed in the new yard leaving car at Moncton, then by boat and office for storage of store-bought teeth while train to St. John's N.F. one way, mileage 550 not actually on duty. miles. Washington Jet., a spot located 30.60 miles Retired Conductor "Nick" Huston from Fair• east of Bangor Union Station on the Calias field made a trip by train to Canada, visiting branch, has been reported to us as one of relatives at St. John, N.B., Kent, N.S., and very long, and it's nice to have her back in guests at the beautiful Mackinac Island Re• the wildest and most uninhabited places in Halifax, N.S. the state. sort in Lake Michigan attending the National the state. It seems our editor was dropped Trainman and Mrs. Penney made a trip by Stenographer Shirley V. Smith, who was Treasurers' Convention. at Washington Jet. near the hour of dark• auto to Bangor, visiting his brother Ronald's married Sept. 12 to William W. Wilson of the Retired Car Distributor Harry Hubbard ness, to meet train CB-2 which was making family. They made th^ir first trip to Moose- Postal Transportation Service, reports that' wishes to extend through the medium of the the initial run with our new two-way radio head Lake. they spent a wonderful honeymoon traveling Magazine his sincere thanks and appreciation equipment. CB-2 this day, having a long train This is a little early In the season to put a through New Hampshire. Canada, and New for the gifts presented to him by many friends and many local stops, was quite late arriving plug in for a Christmas party, but the Maine York. Mrs. Christine Mayo substituted for on his retirement. at the Junction, and upon arrival found a Association of Railroad Veterans are working Mrs. Wilson in the Assistant Treasurer's Office man, very hungry, cold and worried, pacing hard at this time to make this coming one the during these two weeks. The Wilsons are now the ties with only a large barnyard lantern best you ever attended, watch for more news living at 12 Deane Street, Portland. for a companion. The instant the train came on this party, Comptroller Horace Woodbury and Mrs. to a stop, this man boarded the engine and no Retired Station Agent Alfred Guimont was Woodbury enjoyed a five-day vacation trip to amount of talk could convince him to again a patient at the Maine General for observation. Quebec, around the northern part of Maine, set foot on the ground until he was safely in Engineman Chester Winslow and the Mrs. covering about 1,100 miles during that time. Bangor, He reported hearing many strange made a trip to Boston to visit their daughter, Bookkeeper Ernestine Grimes made a flying noises during his long wait, and we are now then to Burle, Idaho, to visit Mrs. Winslow's trip through the White Mountain area on her having the surrounding country thoroughly relatives, vacation. While the weather was unsettled searched to see if any of the cougars pre• Sympathy is extended to the relatives of and the rains came down in barrels, it was By IRENE EL WELL and JACK HAYES viously reported near Lambert Lake have mi- Retired Engineman Roderick who died Septem• still a grand trip! Mr. Charles Earley motored to Orono re• grated to Washington Jet. Another matter J ber 14 at Wiscasset. Lena M. Hodge, stenographer to the Comp• cently to deliver his son Dexter back to the which is being investigated centers . on what Yours Truly and the Mrs. along with Boston & troller, spent two weeks touring Cape Cod. University of Maine. finally became of the lantern. Maine Engineman Howard Burnham and Mrs. As this was her first visit to that section, she Dispatcher Hayes has been on vacation. Burnham paid a visit to ex-Maine Central had an interesting and enjoyable trip. We understand that he has renewed acquain• Engineman and Mrs. Sam McDonough at Stenographer Katherine Duff also had a few tances with Tip Foster while going through Rangeley, Russells Camps, also called on days holiday in September. Bartlett, N. H, Vanceboro Retired Conductor Joe Cote, who has a Sum• It was quite obvious when the men's bowl• Operators Mason and Marston enjoyed a mer home at Oquossoc. ing season started—the fellows were limping fishing trip to Moosehead Lake. By H. D. DAVIS Engineman Frank Borden is still confined at around the office for days, complaining about Operator Wellander has completed a very Engineman and Mrs. H. D. Lounder, while the Veterans Hospital, Rutland, Mass., please their aching muscles. General Accountant Vir• enjoyable summer on the Twin Mountain run. on their vacation, visited their son Laurel, drop Frank a card. I know he will love it. gil Hawkes states these Tuesday night sessions George Rollins is back on the Waterville- and family at Espanola, Ontario. They also Retired Conductor Tibbetts was a patient with the bowling team will be the ruination Portland run. after being on the Quebec job visited the Thousand Islands where they en• at the Maine General Hospital, for observation. of him before the season is over! What's the all summer. joyed a boat trip among the Islands, the Par• matter, you guys—not so young as you thought "Pop" Goddard was down to Portland gar• liament Buildings at Ottawa, and the walled you were? age recently visiting with us all. Pop looks city of Quebec. Mr. and Mrs. James Hayes also attended the well and seems to be improving all the time. Retired Operator Fayette Crandlemire died 70th Anniversary of the founding of the Broth• Operator Arthur Bennett is back from his very suddenly at his camps on Spednic Lake, erhood of Railroad Trainmen in Oneonta, vacation after spending three weeks lobster Sept. 7. Funeral was held at the home, with N. Y., the week of Sept. 21. fishing in Harpswell. burial in Vanceboro cemetery. Bill Harvey, former clerk, Freight Claims, Among those on the sick list was Gill Following have enjoyed vacations since last called the office recently and his many friends Gill Powers, who had been out with strep issue: Clerks A. R. Blanchard, C. W. Beers. ^General Offices will be glad to know that he is safely home throat. Yardmen K. C. Mclver and A. R. Tracy. Clerk after long service in Korea with the National Mechanic Harold took his vacation the week and Mrs. A. R. Blanchard, while on vacation Guard. Bill and his wife are leaving soon for of Sept. 28 to attend the Cumberland Fair. visited many points of interest—while Messrs. By ERNESTINE GRIMES, MARY MORSE, El Paso, Texas, where he will be stationed Home town boys must support town affairs. K. C. Mclver, A. R. Tracy and C. W. Beers, LILLIAN SMALL and DORIS THOMAS for awhile. Garageman L. Moore took a trip up to Ban• accompanied by retired CPR Engineman Ferd Mrs. Mary Mingo, stenographer, Traffic gor and points north during his vacation. His Eales, of McAdam, N. B., made that famous Best wishes go to Clerk John Ball, who is re• Dept., has returned from an enjoyable two- car runs beautifully, he says. trip around the Gaspe. turning to his college studies in Nova Scotia. weeks' vacation, Mrs. Hollywood substituted. Mechanic Pozdziak says that he did nothing Cashier W .E. Beers has been absent from See you next summer, John! Accounting Department Clerk Charlie Hagar unusual on his vacation. Rested mostly. After duty since Sept. 1 due to illness. He is im• Former Clerk Grace Thompson visited the is beaming all over these days. The reason? all, isn't that what a vacation is for? proving under treatment and rest and we sin• Accounting Department crew recently and tells A nice new son at his house, born Sept. 27. Mechanic Scott worked through his vacation cerely hope soon to see him back at his desk. us she is now living in South Portland. We This is the Hagar's second child. barbering. Did you know that we had a Work has commenced in railroad yard on knew she couldn't resist Maine's appeal for Treasurer and Mrs. Ralph Lunt were recent barber in our midst? 22 23 The development of a good public relations program calls for teamwork. And the more extensive the teamwork, the greater the results. The average railroad differs from most other industries. Its em,ployes are widely scattered. Substantial numbers of them come in contact daily with the public, and each contact helps create good-will or ill-will for the railroad. To a great extent, the public forms its opinion of the railroad as the result of employe contacts. Whether these opinions are favorable or un• favorable depends upon the attitude and action of the employes. . To be helpful to its employes, the railroad must have some practical method of communication with them. One of the most successful and effec• tive tools is the employe magazine. It enables management to discuss the importance of good personality traits . . . and to show how they contribute to the happiness and welfare of the employe himself and to the railroad. ... The employe magazine is an excellent and effective medium for manage• ment to use in explaining and interpreting its policies, its plans and its operations. . . . Although the company magazine is an important tool in the development of good employe and public relations, it is but ;one of the methods which can be used in such a program. Of itself, the magazine can do little. It must have substantial personal support. The officers and supervisors must demon• strate by their actions that they believe in . . . and support . . . the policies and philosophy discussed in the magazine. Acts must square with words. . . . W. G. VOLLMER, President, The Texas and Pacific Railway If the railroads had to pay their taxes in silver-dollars, thirty-seven express trains, each made up of 20 ears—each car loaded with 50 tons of silver dollars —would be required to carry the coins. Last year federal, state and local taxes paid by the railroads amounted to $1,262,000,000. One thousand silver dollars weigh 58.93 pounds, avoir• dupois measurement. Therefore, 1,262,000 thousand silver dollars weigh 74,369,660 pounds. This amounts to 37,189 tons of 2,000 pounds each. Loaded 50 tons to the car, a total of 744 cars would be required to carry that much silver. This would make 37 trains of twenty cars each. The balance in the unemployment insurance fund administered by the Railroad Retirement Board was $692,000,000 on June 30, 1953. This fund has been built up entirely from payroll taxes levied against the railroad com• panies, plus interest earned thereon. Approximately 12,000 different items are required to be kept on hand at railway shops for diesel locomotive repair work. Storerooms and storage yards are usually located centrally in the shop grounds, often adjoining the main shop building.