WESTERN PACIFIC Mi~p'~Sls Ties ilepoSfs from little Volume X, No . 12 JULY, 1959 *Milepost No. 120 seedlings Department of Public Relations grow WESTERN PACIFIC RAILROAD SACRAMENTO NORTHERN RY . TIDEWATER SOUTH ERN RY. 526 Mission Street San Francisco 5, Lee "Flash" Sherwood, Editor A. l. Lloyd, Associate Editor HERE' S an old superstition that to "knock on wood" T will bring good luck. If true, Al Carley must be one of the luckiest men on WP's payroll. He's around wood all the time. As Western Pacific's lumber agent, Al puts around 30,000 miles on a car each year calling on timber producers in California, Oregon, and Washington, buying ties and other timber products used by the railroad. As *Milepost No. 120: in any work, there are a lot of tricks in the trade, and Straight ahead as for buying ties requires a lot more know-how than luck. as the eye can see Al works out of his home in Eugene, Oregon, but more from about a mile and a half beyond Glannvale. often than not his car is his office. It will seldom be found in the same place twice within a period of months, since AI Carley knows his travels take him to and from cities and towns, over his trees and ti,es. CONTENTS Page freeways, on country roads, and right up into the forests over logging roads which weren't designed for tourists. Ties From Little Seedlings Grow. . 3 To AI, where there's a MILL, there's a way! "Niles Railroad Days" ..... 10 A smooth riding railroad is only as good as its roadbed, and a well-surfaced roadbed depends a great deal on its How We're Doing .. 11 ties. Were you to walk along an average mile on Western Mileposts in Gold 12 Pacific's main line you'd count some 3,200 cross ties, Can You Identify These Cars? .. 13 spaced about 20 inches apart. All are standard size, 7"x9" -nine feet long. You would also step on an occasional tie Happy Birthday, Portola! ...... 14 of longer length wherever there was a switch for entering Sacramento Credit Union Awarded Plaque. ... 15 into a spur or siding. Measuring up to 18 feet in length, Caboosing ...... 16 each switch tie does the work for two cross ties, since it crosses under the rails of both main line and parallel Thanks Given for False Fire Alarm. 23 track. Ties of various sizes are also used on bridges and Railroad Lines . 24 under railroad crossings. Wooden ties are subject to decay, insect attack, check­ COVER: In Oregon, Lumber Agent AI Carley takes a last look at green ties he iust purchased ing, splitting, tie - plate cutting, and other damaging before they are shipped to a treating plant. ~ 7 (Continued on Page 6)

2 MILEPOSTS JULY, 1959 3 H~ge circular saw rips through log like a slicing machine goes through baloney, as operator runs log back and forth on a table, and flips it over for cutting on all sides. From one log he will cut ties, planks, two-by-fours, and other standard size pieces. Young oper. ator's sideburns were grown for "whiskerino" contest during Oregon's cur­ rent Centennial Fair. This giant of the forest, from which will come ties, is about twice the age of these loggers.

This Skagit loader picks up a fallen tree as Logs brought down to the mill by truck are easily as you would a toothpick, and drops it dumped into a pond for temporary storage. on a lumber truck for transport to the mill. Fore and aft are hydraulic outriggers, like one shown in front of the wheels, whi,ch give the loader stability on uneven and soft terrain. logs in the pond are steered through a shack· enclosed saw by men with long, aluminum pike poles, cut into uniform length, then hauled by escalator into the mill for cutting to size.

Tip from upright brace falls from operator's chain saw as he gets load of timbers ready for shipment to treati.ng plant on W P flat car. Gondolas and box cars are also used to ship ties, timbers.

4 MILEPOSTS JULY, 1959 N Western Pacific's main line alone I there are some three m illion cross ties. Those which h ave reached a stage of decay to a point wh ere their track fun ction no longer exists, are ch anged for new. Other new ties are required for industrial spurs, sidings, subsidiary and branch line tracks. To purchase, treat, and install new ties scheduled for 1959 will cost the railroad more th an $900,000. Based on present-day costs, Western Pacific's investment in ties just for the main line alon e adds up to an inconceivable $18 m illion! AI, in coat, frequently stops at Oregon Forest Just when wooden ties were first Research Center in Eugene to obtain information f rom, and give information to, the technicians. used on railr oads is not accurately re­ ported. However, it is known t hat effects. To prolong their service life, wooden ties were preceded by ties all ties used by Western P acific ar e mad e fr om stone. In 1832, R ob ert treated with creosote. Such a treat­ Stevens, president and chief engineer Closeup of tie ends show tree's annual growth "They always treat 'em gentle when they know of the C amden and Amboy Railroad, rings. Light ring is spring wood; dark ring is they're going to end up as W P ti.es!" ment, along with oth er protection to summer wood. 126 is tie producer's lot number. counteract mechanical wear and sea­ (Continued on Page 9) soning splitting, will give a service life of from 30 to 40 years, compared with In addition to knowing a good tree or tie when he sees one, being well versed in market condi­ an untreated tie life of from five to tions and other matters related to the lumber nine years. This is an important sav­ industry, AI, left, must be able to talk the lum­ ings to the railroad. Green ties m ust bermen's language. As he does on occasion, first be seasoned by air drying for a AI on this trip brought along his boss, Walter period of about three months. Then , C. Brunbe rg , director of purchases and stores. This retort will treat in one automatic operation, t hey are a carload of ties at one time. The hot double-end trimmed, adzed near each creosote mixture is end fo~' tie plates, drilled for spikes drawn in and out of a and dowels, incized to permit pene­ tank iust above, tration of the creosote, and branded where it is kept 0' constant required on the ends with certain tabulation temperature. information. To accomplish this, the seasoned ties are placed in a huge retort, the remaining moisture in the ties is pulled out by vacuum, and air is then forced into the open wood cells. Hot creosote under 160 pounds per square inch pressure is then forced into the cell wall for a period of up to six hours. Excess creosote is then removed from the surface by vacuum.

MILEPOSTS 6 JULY, 1959 7 After new ties have been put in place, final phase is dressing the track with good ballast. was laying a new section of track. Upright steel stakes on this W P-designed tie Stevens ordered a supply of stone ties car swing out from bottom, permitting carload from the "rock pile specialists" at Sing of ties to be dropped along roadbed where Sing prison, but deliveries were slow. needed. Thi.s method of handling is easier, fast­ "We use this one for ti.e games!1J er, safer than was previous method by hand. The impatient Stevens substituted ties hewn from logs, and when his 10-ton After new tie is guided into place, jaws of locomotive, the "John Bull," began "Smokey" says Matisa tie inserter-remover compress on sides hauling trains over the line, he dis­ forests are dry of tie, revolve, and shove tie under tracks. In­ covered that the wood ties provided a sert shows closeup of jaws against a tie. smoother ride. Since that time, rail­ roads have also experimented with ties made from iron, steel, concrete, and combinations of steel and concrete, and some of these are in use today. Tests are also being made in the use of pre-stressed concrete ties. Lumber Agent Al Carley first be­ came interested in the lumber busi­ ness while attending the University of Oregon at Eugene. Much of his vaca­ tion time was spent in mills and camps. During the past thirty years his career has taken him from sawmill and plan­ ing mill, through retail and wholesale lumber yard operations, to buyer and sales management. He became a West­ ern Pacific employee on May 1, 1956. Knocking on wood may bring good luck to some people, but Al Carley has found that good ties from little Remember-Only WU can seedlings requires a lot m:ore than luck. Prevent Forest Rres!

8 MILEPOSTS JULY, 1959 9 ---- ~------

How We're Doing

Beginning July 8, California Zephyr Total operating revenues for the About 300 passen- passengers will travel by motor coach month of May, 1959, were 13.44 per cent gers rode the special between Third and Townsend streets more than for the same month in 1958. from Oakland and rather than the Ferry Building in San For the first five months of 1959 a 13.25 another 100 got on at Fremont. Many Francisco, and WP's coach yard rather per cent increase over the same period others were on hand than Third and Washington streets in in 1958 is reported. just to look over Old Oakland. 94. S,tation sign has read Fremont since During the first five months of this January 18, 1956, year the movement 'of various house­ Whirlybirds in your wallet when Niles and five other nearby towns hold appliance items has increased 50 Whisking air travelers by h elicopter were incorporated per cent over last year. between downtown and airport in sev­ into one. But to eral large U. S. cities is an impressive many natives it * * * still is Niles. At the annual shareholders' meeting show for everyone but the taxpayers. on June 24, 88.2 per cent of the share­ If proposed legislation passes Con­ holders were represented in person or gress, taxpaying citizens are going to by proxy, the highest representation have to pony up $5,100,000 next year yet attained. Incumbent directors were to continue this swank service ex­ "Niles Railroad Days" re- elected and they in turn at a sub­ clusively for the b enefit of air passen­ sequent meeting that day, re-elected gers in just three cities-Chicago, Los all incumbent officers. Old 94, which brought Western Pa­ Section Foreman and Mrs. Manuel Olivera are Angeles and New York. cific's first passenger train into Oak­ very proud of the First Place Ribbon they won * * * But that $5 m illion is a drop in land on August 22, 1910, made another for dri ving a W P " Hy .. Railer" in a special divi.. The average number of California the bucket, when you consider Uncle sion of the parade. The machi.ne will operate on Zephyr passengers during May was Sam's cash subsidy to the airlines to run on June 7. Occasion for the run, any road or, with retractable wheels, on track. sponsored by the California-Nevada 63.2 per cent of the train's capacity, help them fly their jets and turbo­ Railroad Historical Society, was cele­ compared with 65.5 per cent during props in 1960 is proposed to be a whop­ bration of "Niles Railroad Days," com­ May, 1958. ping $57 million! memorating the railroad industry in that community. " Niles Railroad Days" county through your participation and She did a little puffing during the in terest in the festivities. Thank you to the railroad. It is a convenient gate­ run over Altamont Pass to Carbona again for your assistance." and return to Niles. But she had a way for passengers and shippers in chance to rest her drivers while pas­ the Santa Clara and Salinas valleys, sengers went up town by bus to enjoy Monterey Bay area, and the Peninsula Railroads aid blind south of San Francisco. one of Niles' largest parades and a American railroads have received a barbecue dinner before returning to A letter received by Western Pacific from Fred S. Bennett, secretary, Niles Certificate of Merit from the American Oakland. Foundation for the Blind in recogni­ On June 4, Corporate Secretary Lo­ Chamber of Commerce, said: "May we tion of assistance given blind travel­ gan Paine "kicked off" the celebration offer your organization our sincere ers. Blind persons may travel with a speaking before a large group at Val­ appreciation for your help with the sighted companion for a single fare, lejo's Mills School. The audience 'Niles Railroad Days' celebration on learned of the railroad's history, its June 5, 6, and 7. We were fortunate and no additional charge is made for modernization, and Niles' importance in receiving the maximum amount of trained guide dogs who accompany publicity for the community, city and their blind masters. (Conlinued on Page 11) 10 MILEPOSTS JULY, 1959 " MILEPOSTS IN GOLD

MILEPOSTS congratulates the following railroaders who will be eligible for Service Pin Awards during the month of July, 1959:

40-YEAR PINS William S. Thompson ...... Locomotive Engineer ...... __ .. __ .... Eastern Division James F. McElroy...... __ ... Agent...... Elko 3S-YEAR PINS Asa W. ArnalL...... Conductor ...... Western Division Vurnis E . Emerson...... AgenL _____ . __ ... __ ...... Herlong, California L eo E . Ennis...... ____ . Claim and Industry Clerk ...... __ ...... Oakland James R. Hillam...... Signal Supervisor...... Elko Can gou identify these cars, Patrick Kearney...... Captain ...... Marine Department Anne E. Lapham...... General Bookkeeper...... San Francisco MILEPOSTS will pay $10 to the first Francisco about forty years ago. ~:;~O~d ~~~~~~~ ~~ ':::::::::.:::::: ~~:oa!~i~~ ~~~i~·~·~~ :::.·.· :::::::::::::::::__ .- ____.·.· __. ·____ . ~~~~:~eDti~ision reader who correctly identifies these What's your guess? Henry W . Steinert...... Locomotive Engineer ...... Eastern Division Lillian Swartz burg ...... Agents' Account Clerk...... San Francisco cars. As a clue, this rolling stock was To be eligible for the award, your reply must be made by U. S. mail. 30-YEA R PINS in operation at a location near San Ernest O. Dart ...... Carman ...... Mechanical Dept. Talbot Kelly...... Passenger Sales Representative ...... Oakland .. . George L. Merchant...... Track Laborer...... Western Dlvislon James F. Murray...... Conductor...... Western D~v!s~on William T. Kennedy ...... Switchman ...... Western DIvlslon Sacramento Credit Union Alfred T. PenzeL...... Sales Representative ...... Oakland John C. Sterner ...... District Special Agent & Claim Agent .... Special Agent's Dept. awarded plaque ZS-YEAR PINS First place was awarded the WP Raymond C. Stith ...... Switchman...... Western Division Sacramento Employees Federal Credit Wilbur Stubblefield...... Conductor ...... Western Division Walter A. Theobald ...... Claim Clerk ...... San Jose Union in an educational material con­ ZO-YEAR PINS test held during the Northern Califor­ Harry R. Loyer...... Clerk ...... Western Division nia Area Educational Conference at Lino Micheli...... " ...... Clerk ...... Eastern Division Dewey C. Staggs...... Brakeman ...... Western Division Hoberg's, California, in April. According to Howard Brecht, assist­ IS-YEAR PINS Barbara L . Bergman ...... Clerk...... Western Division ant roadmaster, who supervised the Mark E . Dockendorf ...... Carman...... Mechanical Dept. winning exhibit, "The theme of the F rancis W . Gorder .... Telegrapher...... Western Division James Hurley...... Patrolman ...... Chief Special Agent's Dept. exhibit (Informed Leaders Insure Effi­ J oe Mackey...... Chair Car Porter ...... Dining Car Department Norman E. Ross...... Carman...... Mechanical Dept. ciency) was carried by a Western Pa­ Harold A. Su11ivan ...... Telegrapher ...... Western Division cific freight train. The board displayed IO-YEAR PINS the educational material prepared and Lester W. Breiner ...... Trainmaster...... Stockton Yard used by the Credit Union during the Richard F . Carter ...... Electrical Engineer .Sacramento Helen R . Enke...... Steno-Clerk...... Western Division (*) past year. The results of this program Roy R. Gifford...... Asst. Signal Supervisor ...... Wells, Nevada J J ohn V. Herron ...... Relief Section Foreman ...... Eastern Division are indicated by assets of $260,000, and Larry L . Lawson ...... CTC Maintainer...... Signal Del?a~t.ment total loans to members, since organi­ ating on the Western Division. Andres J. Norgaard...... Clerk...... Eastern DlVlSlOn Arthur J . Sciotto...... Communications Maintainer.. Communications Dept. zation, of one million dollars." In winning the award, Sacramento Harry F . Simon...... Relief Signalman ...... Signal Department The benefits of credit union mem­ competed against such organizations (*) Received pin in June, but was not reported. bership and service are further evi­ as the East Bay Railway Credit Union, Oakland, and the Aerojet Credit Un­ The average man doesn't want to paddle his Have you heard about the big Texas oillion­ denced by the fact that foul' prosperous own canoe these days. He wants a motor on it. aire who had well to well carpeting? Western Pacific credit unions are oper- ion, Sacramento.

12 MILEPOSTS JULY, 1959 13 Storekeeper Jack Mil· ler, who sent in pic­ ture on opposite page, thinks Portola has resemblance to San Francisco. Cali. Air photo of Portola fornia Street could be taken by Hal Wright Marke t Street; over­ of Loyalton Booster. pass could be Bay Bridge; and W P depot if a little to the east could be San Fran­ cisco's ferry bui.lding. Diagram by Franklin louie, engineering department.

There'll be a big time in Portola this was later named Mormon; then Imola. pleasant and friendly family town. It organizations, the schools, and the month, and its some 2,000 residents will It would later have been named Re­ boasts of modern stores, paved streets, churches, of which there are six. The have good reason to celebrate. Golden posa, but the post office department and a water system comparable to number of juvenile delinquent and Anniversaries come only once! rejected the name as being too similar the best in the State. Portola Junior­ and other forms of crime are among Portola and Western Pacific have to Represa, the name of the post office Senior High School is one of the few the lowest in the state for a general law been closely associated during the past at Folsom Prison. Virgil G. Bogue, in Northern California accredited to city. A recreation park is under con­ fifty years. The railroad, too, will cele­ vice president and chief engineer for the University of California. struction adjoining the municipal brate a fiftieth anniversary just a few the railroad, suggested the name of Located at the head of the middle swimming pool. months hence, in commemoration of Portola, as his daughter, Virgilia fork of the Feather River, Portola is Of the city's present population, the driving of the last spike on No­ Bogue, was Queen of the Portola fes­ the center of recreation for those who nearly 400 are employed by Western vember 1, 1959, on a trestle at nearby tival in San Francisco at the time. enjoy summer and winter sports. Pacific who receive an annual payroll Keddie. Virgilia, in the Feather River Canyon, Some of the finest hunting and fishing totaling about $2% million. There are The present site of Portola was noth­ was later named for the same girl. may be found in Plumas National For­ also a number of residents from Stead ing more than tree-covered land in The only incorporated city in Plumas est. Nearby Johnsville, a gold rush Ail' Force Base neal' Reno. 1905. The Boca & Loyalton Railroad County, Portola was once the largest ghost town, is now in the State Park In behalf of the entire Western entered the area in 1902, a part of town in northeastern California. With System, and its Eureka Ski Bowl may Pacific family, MILEPOSTS extends to which was purchased by Western Pa­ the loss of lumber through over-cut­ some day become the ski bowl center Portola hearty congratulations on the cific in 1908 to complete its main line. ting during the 1940's, and mining not of the West. occasion of its Fiftieth Anniversary, Construction workers began to arrive, having recovered since World War II, There are continuous activities for best wishes for a greater Portola in the and it was only natural that the site b e the city has transposed from a rough the youth of Portola, sponsored by Girl 50 years ahead, and a most successful named Headquarters. The community community to its present state as a and Boy Scout movements, fraternal Golden Jubilee, -26!

14 MILEPOSTS JULY, 1959 15 with their son and daughter-in-law, we're happy to rep::>rt she is back at Brakeman and Mrs. DON WOODS, JR. , work and doing well. and family, before returning to their Beverly Ann Carroll, daughter of home in Salt Lake City. Sales Representative JOHN CARROLL, 6aboosing Rail welding started again in Win­ was married to John Ahearn at St. nemucca on June 1. Welding Foreman Leo's Church in San Jose on May 2, A. S. CHARLESWORTH and his gang with 250 guests attending. moved in the latter part of May. There Welcome to DICK LAWLER, new chief OROVILLE Boilermaker ROBERT L. BLISS passed will be approximately two months clerk in the marketing department. Clerk MAGGIE MILLER is on a year's Helen R. Small away . "Bob" was born in Fort welding of 78-foot rails for eleven Thomas, Ky., on August 4, 1900. He curves, 5.95 miles at· Ronda, and 1.38 leave of absence. We hope she doesn't About 2,200 persons, including mem­ had been with Western Pacific more miles through Elko. forget to return. bers and their wives of the Oroville than 20 years. Relief Roadmaster FRED REITH is Trainmaster and Mrs. PHIL PRENTISS and Marysville-Yuba City Chambers vacationed in Southern California, Las Yardmaster T. J. LONG, SR., became doing work for Roadmaster W. L. of Commerce, Butte County Super­ Vegas, and the Grand Canyon. seriously ill while on duty and is in CHAPMAN while on vacation. visors, and Oroville City Council, en­ Oroville Community Hospital. His con­ Fireman and Mrs. SAMUEL A. SEALS joyed a recent rail trip to Feather SACRAMENTO STORE dition is fair. are the parents of a son, born Falls and a point near the future site at Humboldt General Hospital. The Irene Burton of Oroville dam. Part of the tour over WINNEMUCCA little fellow has been named Samuel GEORGIA CHINDAHL was called to the Feather River Railway was on Ralph. He is the grandson of Brake­ Spokane due to the serious illness of the last 100 per cent steam operated Ruth G. Smith man SAMUEL F. SEALS. her father, and we were sorry to hear common carrier in California. Lunch Retired Engineer and Mrs. DON Roadmaster DAN LAUGHLIN has that her father had passed away be­ was served aboard the train by Oro­ WOODS, SR., recently arrived in Win­ moved his family to San Leandro, fore Georgia and her brother arrived. ville Chamber of Commerce members. nemucca from Arizona. They visited Calif. He sold his home in Winne­ It is good to have BETTY LATINO, fur­ Another recent successful event was mucca to Engineer FRED ELWELL. loughed clerk, back working with us the three-day 14th Springtime cele­ during vacation. bration, "Feather Fiesta," sponsored by SAN JOSE the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Philip Hazlett Events consisted of parades, dancing, Engineer and Mrs. LES SEYFORTH selection of "Miss Oroville" at a water celebrated their 25th wedding anni­ show, beef barbecue in Hewitt Park, versary , and were surprised shows, carnival, grand ball, and fire­ with a party by their children, Harold works. and Betty Seyforth, and Dick and Carman CLARENCE R. BRANDT was Marna Stansbury. A gathering of 35 appointed to the Feather River Recre­ old friends made it a very happy ation, Park and Parkway Board by occasion. the Butte County Supervisors, to fill Yardmasters M. J . McDONALD and the vacancy created by the death of A. H. HARPER went east on vacation. Morrow Steadman. "Mac" wanted to see the Giants trounce Mrs. Joe Washburn called on old Milwaukee while visiting in Wiscon­ friends at Oroville. She is now living sin, and Al went to Indiana to visit in Antioch where her daughter resides, relatives. HERB SINGH went to Portola moving back there from Oregon after to see if the fish were biting. her husband, Brakeman JOE WASH­ Traffic Clerk ABBIE ABBOTT was in Tony Villegas, Oakland store, receives 25-year BURN, passed away. "You need a rest!" the hospital for slight surgery and Service Pin from Manager of Stores H. J. Madison.

16 MILEPOSTS JULY, 1959 17 Convention of the Railway Business Flavia Robison, daughter of LAVON WASHINGTON, D. C. Women's Association in Philadelphia, ROBISON, furloughed clerk, and Deanna JOHN P. CONGER, district sales man­ -22, were EDNA SPRATT and Floyd, stepdaughter of CHARLES REID, ager, was elected president of the MAXINE NAISBITT. Maxine succeeded were in the graduating class of the Traffic Club of Washington, Inc. The Edna as president of the Sacramento Hiram Johnson High School, one of the local group, with more than 800 mem­ Chapter at installation ceremonies on new high schools in Sacramento. bers, is an affiliate of the Associated June 10. Vacationers include G. M. KAYS , Traffic Clubs of America. CLAUDE CRANE and family, and ED OAKLAND ENSELE and family. Their respective SACRAMENTO SHOPS Betty Hill travels took them east, south and Marcella G. Schultze Roadmaster DAN J . LAUGHLIN took north. Our best wishes go with DON J. AL­ vacation the end of May to attend the WENDOVER BERTSON, who left railroad service to graduation of his twin ' sons, Danny become Reverend of the Trinidad Re­ and Jimmy, from Winnemucca High Esther Will vival Center in Colorado. Trinidad has School. Jimmy was awarded the Ath­ ANNABELLE ALBRECHT covered for me a population of about 12,000 people. letic Award for the outstanding athlete this month while I was on vacation in The Revival Center is non-denomina­ of the year. The day following gradu­ Missouri, and I am most grateful to tional, but in the Pentecostal Move­ ation, Dan moved his family to their her for her assistance. Agent Bill Graham, Warner, pins 3S-year Service Pin on shirt of General Clerk Harvey L. Naylor. ment. Don and his family left Sacra­ new home in San Leandro. The boys Congratulations to WALTER PARKS on mento Memorial Day with all their plan to attend college in the Bay Area his election as Commander of the Pin in April. He began work at the age belongings behind them in a 16-foot this coming fall. Wendover American Legion Post! of 14 on a section gang at Burmester, trailer, and the firm and unswerving Three colonels and two majors of ANNABELLE ALBRECHT'S uncle, Mr. worked as a clerk there, then at Elko faith that the Revival Center's congre­ the Chinese Nationalist Army were Wetherington, is recovering from a until 1929 when he moved to Oakland gation will and can be increased to the Western Pacific visitors on June 16. second eye operation and doing very and worked at San Francisco. He later point where the church will be self­ Accompanied by a U. S. Army Trans­ nicely considering his age of 88. worked at the Oakland depot and as supporting. portation Terminal Command escort JOE HERNANDEZ won first door prize, cashier at the Fruitvale freight office Recent delegates to the National officer, the group inspected the Cali­ a whole dressed lamb, at the Cancer until returning to Utah. fornia Zephyr before it left on its east­ Drive party. Armed Forces Day open house, held bound run that day, the Oakland coach SHIRLEY "COOKIE" LEE was a recent yard and freightyard, and WP's piggy­ shopper in Salt Lake City, and IRENE at the Tooele Ordnance Depot on May back operations. Western Pacific was CHARLES, DC&H department, went 15, was again a wonderful success. the only railroad on their two-day there for a doctor's appointment. One of the special features again was itinerary before leaving for Washing­ Mr. and Mrs. ALBERTSON spent their the operation of WP trains to carry b n, D.C. 40th anniversary on a wonderful trip visitors without charge between Tooele to . They recommend the trip City and the D epot. Train operation as an ideal vacation, and reasonable was made possible through the co­ When airplane travel becomes a little more considering all the tours included to operation of Western Pacific, Tooele popular, train travelers will be able to see the the other islands. Valley Railway, Brotherhood of Rail­ scenery better than ever. The billboards will then be laid flat on the ground. MASIE HUCKABY spent part of her way Trainmen, Brotherhood of Loco­ vacation visiting in Salt Lake City and motive Firemen and Enginemen, Order in Elko. of Railway Conductors and Brakemen, Nero was talking finances with one of his and the local organizations of the Rail­ officers in the amphitheatre in Rome. "We aren't Recent visitors from Loyalton were making much money from this building," Nero Mr. and Mrs. FORST. road Unions, International Melting & said. "Any idea why?" HARVEY L. NAYLOR, general clerk at Refining Company, and the Anaconda "Ever since I was a kid I've Jiked to take "Yes, I know," replied the officer. "The lions Warner, received his 35-year Service Copper Company. things apart." are eat'ing up all the prophets." JULY, 1959 19 18 MILEPOSTS PORTOLA She has been appointed new Rebekah Venice and Florence, Italy; Monte IMARR IAGE LICENSES / Louise Wilks district deputy for this area. Carlo; and Paris, France. Bruce says Linda Thill, daughter of Fireman it was still good to be back in the Janet Neilsen, and Mrs. PETER THILL, has been chosen U.S.A.! daughter of to represent Portola High School at Trainman and , California Girls' State on the Davis STOCKTON Mrs. E. L. NEIL­ Campus of the University of California. Elaine Obenshain SEN, was named Sandra Powers, daughter of Car Fore­ Congratulations to Switchman JAMES Portola High man and Mrs. H. O. POWERS, was E. FUQUA and Patricia Ann Lackey, School winner of chosen alternate. Both girls will be who were married May 2 in Fowler, the Bank of seniors next year. California. America trophy Engineer BRUCE VANCE, complete Recent visitors at Stockton yard /STOP/ plaque for her with French beret, returned from a were Water Service Foreman DAVE LOOKI excellence in the month's tour of Europe, visiting ten COONS, who retired in 1944, and Line­ I field of Liberal countries. A true railroader, even on man HOMER SMITH, who retired in LISTEN Arts. Selection was made by a faculty vacation, Bruce visited with an engi­ 1937. committee on the basis of high school neer on a switch engine while waiting citizenship and scholarship. Janet, a Best wishes for a long and happy for a train in a London station. He retirement to Engineer WILLIAM H. life member in the California Scholar­ boated from Harwich, England, to the BARNETT, who retired with ship Federation, expects to attend the Hook of Holland; bussed through Hol­ University of California next year, nearly 33 years' service with Western land and Belgium to Coblenz, Germany; Pacific. participants gun safety and shooting majoring in languages. rode steamer up the Rhine River, past "Hawaiian Holiday" was the theme We also wish Conductor EDMOND G. techniques. Allen was also honored at Schloss Rheinfels, the Lorelei, and the PARROTT a long and enjoyable retire­ a Stockton PTA meeting, receiving for the annual Fashion Tea sponsored Pfalz to Bingen, which he claims was by the Western Pacific Hospital Aux­ ment. He retired May 31 with nearly recognition for his work as a traffic the highlight of the entire trip. The 31 years' service. boy, physical education equipment iliary. The 300 ladies who attended remainder of the trip, by bus, took him were presented with leis and orchids Our spelling champ, Gene Moore monitor, and cafeteria worker. His to Heidelberg, Germany; Lucerne and grandfather is retired Conductor C. A. as favors. Among those modeling Geneva, Switzerland; Austria; Rome, (May, 1959 MILEPOSTS), son of Teleg­ were Hospital Clerk IRMA RAY, the rapher A. W. MOORE, made the Stock­ BURKETT, SR. ton Record headlines again, this time wives of Trainmaster L. E. THOMAS SAN FRANCISCO and Conductor C. W. FREEMAN, and as sixth grade first-place winner in the first annual arithmetic competition held George Bowers, Doug Bru ce, Elizabeth Fagan, the daughters of Trainman RAY Pow­ Lawrence Gerring, Carl Rath, Frank Tufo ELL, Division Surgeon C. W. BROWN, by Lincoln Unified School District. He and his nearest competitor, a girl, For the first time a grandson is a and Assistant Division Surgeon W. R. member of the family of WILLIAM A. BROSS. Proceeds will go to provide scored 100 per cent in the written ex­ amination, but Gene won out in a RACINE, chief clerk- auditor of reve­ easy chairs for hospital patients and "sudden death" test to break the tie. nues department. Thomas Sabin, 8 lbs. lawn furniture. The Auxiliary com­ 9 oz. arrived at Fresno on June 2. The pletely refurbished four private rooms Another son of a WP railroader family includes four granddaughters. made the paper, too. Allen Burkett, this past year. LARRY SHAUGHNESSY returned to his son of Conductor CHARLES A. BURKETT, Recent visitors to the Hawaiian Is­ JR ., received a trophy for his marks­ desk in the auditor's office last month lands were furloughed Clerk FLORENCE manship in a small-bore shooting in­ after a leave of absence to attend HUGHES and Mrs. W. R. BROSS. struction course, with a 58 per cent Golden Gate College. Hospital Nurses Aid CLARA KNOX average over 350 rounds for boys in The auditor's office will miss VERNA attended the Rebekah Grand Assem­ NEIL, on leave of absence. Best wishes " . .. a nd frankly, I'm not too satisfi ed with the 12 to 15 age bracket. The course, bly at Long Beach as local delegate. your attitude either!" conducted by Jack Diven, taught the are extended her for a speedy recovery.

20 MILEP OSTS JULY, 1959 21 F. B. Stratton, director of industrial develop .. Thanks given for false fire alarm ment, third from left, was recently elected "Report to forest service. A fire is Western Pacific crews are constantly president of the starting near the Clio trestle." on the alert for fires, an d work closely American Ra ilway Deve lopme nt Associa­ So said a note thr own by an un­ with the U. S. Forest Service and State tion. Others in picture known employee from a passing train Division of Forestry. In many in­ are K. C. Lewis, D&H , one day recently. The note landed near stances fires of a more serious nature sec reta ry-treasu re r; than the one mentioned above have J. W. Ewalt, PA., 1st a golfer on the Feather River Inn vi.ce president; F. E. course, who promptly complied with been prevented or ch ecked in time to Wolff, CP, past presi­ the instructions. avoid serious destruction as a result dent; L. B. Horton, of our railroaders' actions. Milwaukee, second The alarm resulted from activities of vice pre sident. Warner Brothers in film ing a forest fire for th eir picture, "Guns of Timb er­ How About Penny Pinchers? A lumber dealer had tried for many years to land," starring Alan Ladd and J eanne Amid much talk, maps and confu­ figure out a way to collect long overdue accounts KEDDIE Crain, being filmed near Blairsden. sion, YEN LOUIE left her desk in the without coming right out and saying "pay or Elsie Hagen Considerable smoke, chiefly faked, and else." Finally he hit upon the following idea auditor's office for her first long trip Conductor and Mrs. HERB WOMACK some flame resulted, all u nder th e which is reported to have worked rather welL by auto, bound for Southern California In letters which he sent out wi.th requests for have moved to Oroville. Herb will con­ supervision of the forest service. points and Las Vegas. payment of accounts over six months old, he tinue to work in the Canyon. D istrict Ranger Edwin Angwin, in wrote: SAM RAZZO, typist-personnel depart­ Trainman WILLIAM D. BENEDICT and expressing his th anks for th e action on li lt has been said that a man who squeezes a ment, has been showing everyone color dollar never squeezes his wife. In looking ove r Gladys M. Flippen, of Carlsbad, New the part of the unknown r ailroader and slides taken with his new camera dur­ your account, it has occurred to us that your wife Mexico, were married at Las Vegas on golfer, said : "The forest service per­ ing vacation spent in New York, De­ is not getting the attention she deserves!" May 31. Gladys was a resident of sonnel are more than willing to check troit, Niagara Falls and other Eastern * * Keddie before moving to Carlsbad. out all reported smokes and fires. They points. An irate chief engineer was inspecting a new The couple w ill make their home in depend on the combined cooperation stretch of roadbed, accompanied by the gang As steno-clerk, ANGUS H. HALVERTON Quincy. and h elp of all persons working on or foreman. The chief pointed out that shoulder beds were off, curves banked wrong, foundation is temporarily assigned to the desk of Our graduates this year include Judy visiting the area to protect the natural JOSEPH VALERGA, secretary to chief not right, and leveling far from perfect. After Heckela, daughter of E ngineer BILL resources." the avalanche of criticism, the foreman spat on engineer. Joe is acting chief clerk HECKELA, from grammar school ; Rich­ the g round, gave his superi.or a blank look and during the absence of SIDNEY HENRICK ­ ard B. Kenney, son of Yardmaster asked, " Well, how is it for length?" SEN, recovering at home from a recent BARNEY KENNEY; Thomas M. Keith, CABOOSING ... heart attack. Sid sends greetings to all son of Roundhouse Foreman BOB (Continued from Page 22) his many friends and says he is ready KEITH, from high school; and Marilyn to return to work but his doctor says Stubblefield, daughter of Conductor has been named Theodore Brennan. not just yet. BILL STUBBLEFIELD, from junior high Mrs. BOB HOLT worked as clerk in JAMES B. CURREY, head file clerk­ school. Congratulations to all! the roundhouse while CLAUDE EDWARDS marketing department, left the rail­ Mrs. Laurel Fisher, wife of Section was on vacation. road June 19 on a disability retirement, Foreman LAUREL FISHER, lost her JOHN C. LUSAR, road foreman of en­ taking with him the best wishes of his mother in death on , at the age gines, attended classes at General Mo­ many friends, an ever-ready smile, and of 85. She was a native of Livermore, tors Electro-Motive Training Center his ever-present good nature. California. in La Grange, Illinois, in May. In ad­ FRED TEGELER, budget officer, accom­ Operator JACK BRENNAN is the father dition to the educational program, panied ten Boy Scouts on a weekend of a new son born in Quincy District John made frequent visits to the plant pack trip back of Blairsden last month, Hospital on May 20. The new arrival manufacturing areas to observe con­ highlighted by some good fishing. (Continued on Page 23) struction of the diesel engine. IIF or the last time, Harold, . . . NO!"

22 MILE POST S JULY, 19 5 9 23 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, Calif. Permit No. 5371 THE WESTERN RA ILR OAJER . P.O . BOX 668 SAN MATEO . CiLIF.

Form 3547 Requested

Georgia & Florida first railroad to get ICC okay for government-guaranteed loan. Baltimore & Ohio puts three more Siumbercoaches· . . into service between Baltimore- Washington, Cincinnati and St. Louis. Japan's new "super-railway" due for· completion. . in five years, will use radar­ operated brakes; will reportedly permit train speeds up to 156 mph. • • • ICC suspended Cotton Belt's passenger service abandonment notice to further investigate proposal for discontinuance because of continued losses. New York Central has developed nuclear· . tie. tester for probing with gamma rays hidden flaws in crossties. Toledo, Peoria & Western presented its seventh "Man of the Year" Awards honor­ ing 25 civic leaders from on-line communities. Soo Line and Great Northern plan to· coordinate. . use of 47 miles of parallel track in North Dakota. Santa Fe treating about 25 miles of roadbed with asphalt covering to st!Jdy effect on wear and upkeep costs. .. By this autumn Canadian Pacific will· have . largest. trailer flat-car fleet owned by an individual railroad, a total of 951 cars. . New York Central asks for government guaranty of a $40 million loan. Lack of corporate funds brought suspension· . of. operations for the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin on June 10.