WESTERN PACIFIC .M!,!p',~Sls

A I O·YEAR PIN FOR MILEPOSTS ileposts Volume XI , No. 1 AUGUST, 1959 ' Milepost No. 121 To all MILEPOSTS' readers:

Department of Public Relotions THIS August issue of MILEPOSTS Not only has the influence of the WESTERN PACIFIC RAILROAD marks the 10th Anniversary of magazine been widespread within the SAC RAMENTO NORTHERN RY . TIOE WATER SOUTHERN RY. its publication. During the 10-year ranks of the Western P acific family, 52b Mission Street period I feel sure that all of you wh o but it has also made a place for itself San Francisco 5, California have read the magazine as regularly outside the Company with such folks Lee "Flash" Sherwood, Editor and completely (cover to cover) as I A. l. Lloyd, Associate Editor as traffic managers, shippers, and have, have not only thoroughly en­ customers generally. In addition, you joyed it but gotten a great deal of should know that we h ave had many valuable information from reading it. compliments from people from the Generally speaking, it has certainly outside, not only as to subject material helped all of us understand Company ' Milepost No. 121 : in the magazine, but as to its general policies and projects, plans and activi­ Just beyond Phillips. make-up. Likewise, the fact that other Ten years from now the ties for the future. It has also been in­ scene will be near companies have changed their format Pulga, in the Feather formative describing various accom­ to more or less copy that of MILEPOSTS River Canyon. plishments, not only in a material way is in itself a great compliment. but also on the part of individuals. In I know that many of the readers will CO N TENTS Page addition, it has given valuable infor­ mation as to what is taking place join with me in congratulating Editor 3 To All MILEPOSTS' Readers: .... throughout the country in the railroad Lee "Flash" Sherwood and his staff, 4 A Match Can Be a D eadly Missile .... industry. Perusal of the personal notes, as well as the Public R elations Depart­ How We're Doing 6 promotions, retirements, deaths, and ment, in turning out a very fine 10- Appointments and Promotions.. . 7 family news, has helped all of us keep year performance and expressing to Dear Editor: ...... 12 in touch with each other and become them the hope that the magazine's WP Will Remember. 14 more aware of the activities of our future will be just as successful in Engine 164 Begins New Life 16 r friends and fellow employees. years to come as it has been in the past. Mileposts in Gold .. 17 Caboosing 18 Railroad Lines 28

COVER: Reproduction of MILEPOSTS' first cover, August, 1949. The California Zephyr, pictured on that cover, was then only five President months old. What will appear on the covers and in the pages Western Pacific Railroad of the next 120 issues is impossible to tell now, but MILEPOSTS is looking forwQ.d to another ten years. ~7

2 MILEPOSTS AUGUST, 1959 3 four and one-half hours after the fire's A MATCH CAN BE conception. A disaster emergency was A DEADLY MISSILE declared by County Supervisor Clair This view looking Donnenwirth, a WP locomotive engi­ west from Portola overposs shows neer, and Disaster Coordinator for the smoke from fire area. Sound trucks warned citizens to behind 50-m.p.h. be alerted for evacuation and to pre­ wind nearing out­ serve irrigation water, and arrange­ skirts of city. Portola Hospital is shown in ments were made to remove patients top center of picture. from Portola Hospital if necessary. Firefighters were brought in from several nearby National Forests, vol­ unteer fighters were dispatched to the fire lines, and the Portola Volunteer Fire Department went into action aided by two AT6 planes dropping Borate fire retardent. J. W. Kendall, communication de­ partment's general supervisor of lines, match or a thoughtlessly flipped ciga­ who watch passing trains, can aid im­ Rememw: arrived in Portola from San Francisco rette can cause loss of life, loss of va­ measurably by closely watching even about 1: 00 a. m. on July 7 and reported cation lands, and loss of timber and more than ever for sparks and over­ YOU CAN PREVENT FOREST FIRES! the ground was still too hot for a com­ valuable watersheds. August is one of heated journals, and report any indi­ plete survey. Arrangements were made the most popular vacation months. cation of danger. RAGING forest fire came perilously to get communication crews to the site MILEPOSTS urges that campers, fisher­ No good citizen wants to believe he A close to tieing up, or possibly de­ and lines were temporarily restored men, and hunters use extreme caution caused a forest fire. One sure way to stroying, a portion of our railroad last within 24 hours. Portola section men while in these areas. Train and engine eliminate such cause is to make doubly month. As it was, some trains were and Grading Gang No. 2 quickly re­ crews, and workers along the railroad sure every fire is out! delayed for several hours and the rail­ placed a number of burned-out ties. road incurred damages which will The fire was 90 per cent under con­ total nearly $4,500. Nearly 3,000 acres trol sixteen hours after its start, and of valuable second-growth timber was the emergency was lifted eight hours destroyed. later when danger to the city was past. The fire began near the settlement Were it not for the fact that much of Clio as a result of carelessness, and of the railroad's property in these dan­ was first seen by Blairsden section gerous areas had been cleaned of men shortly after 3: 00 p. m . on July grass and debris, and fire barrels on Fire destroyed many 6. Ahead of a strong wind, the fire Clio bridge were full of water, damage communication poles jumped the main line near Bridge to the railroad could have been much and trees in this area 314.36, about seven railroad miles from near Milepost 316, more severe. and blackened Portola, and burned along both sides Because of lack of rainfall, forests ground for several of the track for a little more than this year are particularly dry. A spark miles. Photos by Millers, Portola. three miles. of any kind can be a deadly missile and Live embers from the wind-swept a little bit of carelessness can cause a flames fell in Portola's city limits some great amount of damage. A burning

4 MILEPOSTS How We're Doing Appointments and Promotions

Provided the steel strike does not Railway operating revenues for Colin C. Eldridge was appointed as­ general manager in August, 1950, be­ continue beyond six weeks from the June, 1959, compared with June, 1958, sistant to superintendent of transpor­ came assistant trainmaster at Oakland time production ceased on July 15, it increased 10.12 per cent, but railway tation, effective June 1. He will handle on May 1, 1951, and trainmaster at Salt is estimated that our loss of gross operating expenses increased 14.35 piggyback matters. Lake City on , 1952. He was revenues, because of the strike, will per cent. June, 1959, net income was appointed transportation engineer in approximate $60,000 a week; more if 37.02 per cent less than in June, 1958. Colin was born in Yonkers, New York, on November 8, 1919. After the research section in January, 1955, the strike continues beyond six weeks. * * * and since that time most of his work * * * The average load on the California has pertained to piggyback matters. More careful handling of our cus­ Zephyrs in June, 1959, was 93 per cent Colin, his wife, Marian, and five tomers' products during the second of the trains' capacity, compared with children, Wendy, Mary, Carol, David quarter of 1959 reduced by about 12% 92.3 per cent in June, 1958. and John, live in Menlo Park. per cent the amount of loss and damage * * * claims paid out by the railroad, com­ W P directors authorized purchase of * * * pared with the same period in 1958. six 2,000-h.p., GP-20 diesel locomotives * * * at a cost of about $1,303,000; delivery A s a result of the recent reorganiza­ Because of a first-half improvement in 4th quarter by GM's Electro-Motive £l.. tion within Western Pacific's mar­ in revenues and in the railroad's cash Division. * * keting division, there has been created position, WPdirectors approved a sup­ * a new department to conduct research plemental budget to be used for much A new spur was completed on the into the various markets for our trans­ needed track and yard improvements, Reno Branch in July to serve Atlas portation service. As an aid to the equipment modifications, and purchase Propane and Gas Company at Panther, railroad's over-all efforts to improve of maintenance of way equipment. about four miles north of Reno. its transportation income, the depart­ ment will study the particular situ­ ation of an individual company or group of companies. The staff will recommend possible solutions to the Beams from a steel problems of equipment design, pack­ fabricating plant in Chicago, weighing aging, material handling, warehous­ several tons, are un .. graduation from college, he served as ing, distribution, marketing, etc. Also loaded at' the site of motor officer in charge of operations to be explored will be other activities a Western Pacific re­ location bridge on and maintenance of a fleet of 250 line with the purpose of establishing basic the Feather River haul military vehicles during W orId know-how which may further extend about a mile and a War II. His first railroad employment the kind or form of transportation half east of Oroville. service the railroad may offer. This The bridge will be was in the mechanical department of used when 'he rising the Burlington Lines. He left there might be termed as product diversifi­ water behind Oroville in October, 1947, to become special cation research. From this department Dam inundates sev ... assistant in the president's office of will also come reports and analyses of eral miles of track. Oroville Mercury Western Pacific, assisting with eco­ current traffic volume and revenues, photo. nomic, operational, and equipment revenue forecasting, and planning for projects, much of which related to in­ the future. auguration of the California Zephyr Heading the department as director trains. He was appointed assistant to is Geoffrey M. Bruere, who came to

6 MILEPOSTS AUGUST, 1959 7 WP on March 1 with considerable engineer, respectively, with WP's re­ Morris was born at Glenn's Ferry, sity. Bob was appointed research as­ experience in the field of transporta­ search section, are now on the market Idaho. After majoring in engineering sistant for the Federal Reserve Bank tion research. He was previously with research staff. Effective May 16, Del­ and business administration at the of San Francisco in July, 1950, and in the Chicago & North Western Railway venthal became senior transportation University of California in Los Ange­ 1956 became associate economist for as executive assistant, office of presi­ engineer, and Morris was named trans­ les and in Berkeley, he became a spe­ that organization. For about the past dent. He was granted a year's leave of portation engineer. cial apprentice in WP's mechanical year he was administrator of planning absence by that railroad in January, Effective the same date, Joe Buchal­ department at Sacramento in 1942. He coordination for West Coast Elec­ 1957, to serve as research associate ter joined the staff as transportation spent three years beginning in 1943 tronics Products Department of Radio on an Army transportation survey at engineer. with the Army Corps of Engineers Corporation of America. Stanford University. His position im­ Delventhal, a native of San Fran­ and after serving in the European Papera, a native Californian, lives mediately prior to his appointment cisco, first worked for WP as a mail Theater returned to the shops in 1946. in Atherton with his wife, Sara, and with WP was chairman of the research clerk in 1934. After successive promo­ There he completed his apprenticeship daughter, Laura. committee (Mountain Pacific rail­ tions within that department, he be­ in the study of diesel engine operation * * * roads), Western Traffic Association, came a member of the research staff and maintenance. Bob became round­ Larry Moore was appointed market headquartered in San Francisco. of the president's office in 1952. Leo house foreman at Oakland in 1948 and analyst, effective July 16. Larry was Bruere was born in has worked closely with the manufac­ in 1950 returned to Sacramento as su­ born in Baker, Oregon, on December on September 15, 1919. He was a mem­ turers of freight cars and shippers and, pervisor of reclamation. He was ap­ 29, 1929. After service with the U. S. ber of the Class of 1941 at Amherst as a result, is responsible for many of pointed to the research department in Air force, he attended U. S. Naval College. During World War II he the new methods the railroad intro­ 1956. Academy and the University of Cali­ served in the China-Burma-India duced as an aid to shippers in better Bob lives in San Rafael with his wife, fornia. Prior to his employment with theater with the Air Force, and was loading techniques. He was recently Norene, and two children, Bobby and WP in 1957, Larry worked for the discharged in 1946. elected president and national director Jane. Great Northern Railway in Portland, Jeff lives in San Francisco with his for the ensuing year of the Northern * * * St. Paul, and Seattle in several posi­ wife, Patricia. California Chapter of the American tions including city freight agent and * * * Material Handling Society. Buchalter is a native of Velpen, In­ diana. He came to San Francisco as a assistant to freight traffic manager. Leo F. Delventhal, Jr., and Robert Delventhal lives in Piedmont with youth and is a graduate mechanical His first WP service was as special C. Morris, formerly transportation his wife, Eleanor, and three children, engineer of the University of Cali­ assistant-statistics. engineer and assistant transportation Burk, Kent, and Mark. fornia. He did postgraduate work in Larry is single and lives in San industrial engineering at Stanford Francisco. University. Before becoming a WP * * * employee in March, 1959, Joe was as­ Frank G. Reiff was appointed re­ sociated with Continental Can Com­ search assistant, effective July 16. Born pany and Weyerhauser Timber Co. in Varina, Iowa, on September 5, 1936, Members of the mar.. ket research staff are: Joe lives in Menlo Park with his Frank moved to California six years Robert C. Morris, Leo wife, Cecilia, and two children, Jack later. After attending Sacred Heart F. Delventhal, Jr., and Elizabeth. High School in San Francisco, he be­ Geoffrey M. Bruere, came a WP employee on May 25,1955. Betty de Leon, stenog­ * rapher-clerk, Joe He has since held a number of posi­ Buchalter, Frank G. D. Robert Papera was appointed tions in the pricing department of Reiff, Larry Moore, market economist on the staff, effective the marketing division, during which and D. Robert Papera. . A graduate of Stanford Uni­ time he attended and graduated from versity in 1949, he received his B.A. Golden Gate College's school of traffic. in economics that year, his M.A. in At the time of his appointment he was 1951, and his Ph. D. in economic re­ rate analyst in the transcontinental search in 1958, also from: that univer- pricing section.

8 MILEPOSTS AUGUST, 1959 9 Frank lives in San Francisco with office will be located at 1514 Terminal and was employed with L. H. Penney his wife, Rose, and they are expecting Tower Building, Cleveland 1. & Co., certified public accountants. their first child this month. Carr is a native of Newark, Ohio. He Prior to his employment with the rail­ * * * entered the railroad field with the road he was in-charge accountant for During the recent reorganization of Pennsylvania in September, 1912 and, the firm of Haskins & Sells. the railroad's marketing division it except for 21 months' World War 1 Tom and his wife, Muriel, live in was found necessary to expand the service as quartermaster sergeant, re­ San Francisco. scope of training its personnel. To mained with the railroad in various ~- * * carry out this responsibility, Bernard capacities until June, 1922. He was ALBERT D. HACHQUET became district E. Pedersen was chief clerk for the fi special agent-claim agent at Elko, appointed personnel Southern Pacific at effective June 1. He succeeds Robert F. planning supervisor, Cleveland from Stenovich, now superintendent of the a newly c r eated June, 1922, until Nevada State Highway Patrol. position. July 31, 1923, when Al was born at Eureka, Nevada, on Barney's back­ he became traveling May 23, 1921. His first employment ground and training freight and passen­ Thomas G. Page William D. Brew were developed ger agent at , through experience Michigan. uation from the University of Utah in in sales, sales man­ He joined West­ 1950. He then became a traveling ac­ agement, and sales ern Pacific as traffic countant and, in 1951 was appointed training, with such companies as In­ representative at Detroit on May 16, to position as assistant to general ternational Harvester, Pacific Inter­ 1928. He became traffic representative auditor-taxes. mountain Express, Transcon Lines, in Cleveland on November 1, 1933. Bill's father, Dan, is agent at Gar­ and the Automobile Club of Southern Vincent lives in Cleveland with his field, Utah, and brother Bob is assist­ California. wife, Lunetta. ant staff specialist in WP's operating Pedersen was born in Kenosha, Wis­ * * * department. Bill and his wife, Alma, live in Red­ consin, and graduated in 1940 from the William D. Brew was appointed au­ Albert D. Hachquet Ange lo L. Santino University of California. He received ditor of miscellaneous accounts, suc­ wood City with their four children, his discharge from the U. S. Navy with ceeding Henry C. Wendt, who retired Caroline, Bill, Jr., Elaine, and Debra, born on . with the railroad was as special agent­ the rank of lientenant commander on May 31. claim adjuster on October 1, 1952. after serving five years during World Bill is a native of Shelley, Idaho, * * * Al lives in Elko with his wife, Beth, War II. and began his Western Pacific em­ Thomas G. Page succeeds Brew as a daughter, Jacque, and a son, Mark. Pedersen, his wife, Kathleen, and ployment as a stenographer at Elko assistant to general auditor-taxes. * * * two children, Patricia and Dwight, live following his graduation from Grants­ Tom was born in Pitman, New Jersey, Angelo L. Santina on June 1 suc­ in Orinda. ville High School in Utah. Bill entered and is a graduate of Temple Univer­ ceeded Al Hachquet as special agent­ * * * the Air Force in 1943 and was dis­ sity. Prior to his entry in the Army claim adjuster at Elko. charged from the service with rank Air Force in 1943 as a B-24 navigator "Pete" was born at Carlin, Nevada, Vincent J . Carr was promoted to the of lieutenant after serving as a combat in the Central Pacific, he was em­ on , 1928, and attended gram­ position as district sales manager, ef­ bombardier on B-24's in the South ployed for two years with the U . S. mar and high schools in Elko. He fective May 1, with the establishment Pacific. He is still active in the Air Treasury Department, Bureau of In­ served for two years with the U. S. of a district sales office at Cleveland, Force Reserve. Upon his return to the ternal Revenue. He was office and Navy, and for the past eight years was Ohio. Carr, formerly sales representa­ railroad he worked as trainmaster's general manager for an Atlantic City, a member of the police department tive in the Cleveland area, will be clerk, first at Portola, and then at Salt N. J., automobile dealership until the for the City of Elko. assisted by a sales representative and Lake City where, while still employed, business was sold in 1954. Tom re­ "Pete" lives in Elko with his wife, a chief clerk yet to be appointed. The he completed his education with grad- located in San Francisco in 1955 Elaine, and a son, Maynard.

10 M IL EPOSTS A UG UST, 19 5 9 It Henry C. Wendt, auditor of miscellaneous ac. WP Will Remember counts, retired May 21 after 46 years with the railroad. His first W P employment was in July, "When a man has devoted a career to an industry, he has 1913, in the freight accounting department. He truly paid that industry the greatest compliment possible." spent three years with the Army in World War I and re-entered WP service in 1919. After sev­ eral promotions he became auditor of miscella­ In behalf of all employees of Western Frank O. Williams, switchman, Sac­ neous accounts in 1941 . Henry married Adah M. Pacific and its affiliated companies, ramento. Oellerich in 1921, who was then a passen,ger MILEPOSTS extends sincerest best William R. Woodall, locomotive en­ accounts clerk. Mrs. Wendt is well known in the East Bay for her many charitable activi.ties. wishes for future happiness to the fol­ gineer, Salt Lake City. Henry is a registered public accountant, and an lowing railroaders whose retirement expert in raising roses, fuchsias, camelli.as, and has been officially reported: pelargoniums. He is most proud of his wonderful William H . Barnett, locomotive en­ family who, in the picture at the left, are son Bob and his wife Gertrude, Adah and Henry, and gineer, Stockton. grandsons Bruce, David and Bob, Jr. Joe Barton, B&B miner, Western * * * Division. John J. McNally reti,red on as assist­ John L. Berschens, passenger ticket ant superintendent, and No. 1 engineer on the clerk, San Francisco. western division's seniority roster. The record Peter G. Casey, car inspector, Oak­ shows he had 45 years' service, but that's not land. quite true. At the age of 15 John was too young to go to work in 1911 I so he used another Oliver J. Crowe, conductor, Oroville. name which he has since forgotten. As John James B. Currey, sales and service McNally he hired out as a laborer at Gerlach in clerk, San Francisco. his native state of Nevada. The railroad had Anthony Day, chief yard clerk, been in operation about four years. After mov .. B. i. ng to Portola he worked as laborer, machinist Oakland. helper, hostler helper, and as watchman and Demetrio Garcia, extra gang laborer, fireman on ditchers and steam shovels. He be­ Western Division. came locomotive fi reman in 1916 and two years later was promoted to engineer, about the time Rafael Garibay, Central California he married Thelma Irene Taylor of Stockton. He Traction Co. section laborer, Stockton. was night roundhouse foreman at Portola in NO?'man Lackey, relief section fore­ Mary and Jim Duhig at retirement party 1921 and 1922, and became road foreman in man, Halls Flat. 1941. Following promotion Adolph Loser, locomotive engineer, to trainmaster in 1943, he Commissary Buyer James H. Duhig retired May became assistant superintend­ Elko. 30 after more than 39 years with W P. While ent in 1952. The McNallys John Moran, brakeman, Portola. booming around lumber camps as a youth he have one daughter, and three John W. Mulford, passenger depart­ worked on a logging train pulled by a Shay of four sons are W PernO' ployees. At his reti.re ment ment relief clerk, San Francisco. locomotive. In 1915 he was a fireman on the Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railroad. He dinner John was presented Edmond G. Parrott, conductor, worked for Wells Fargo Express Co. before going with a "Book of his Life" drawn. by Alice Angiulo, Stockton. overseas with the 915, Division j,n World War I. secretary to division engineer. Jim then worked for Railway Express Agency Agostino Sei, section laborer, Por­ In the picture, John chuckles and on March 1, 1920, became assistant store .. tola. at one cartoon displayed keeper in W piS commissary department. Fo r a by Superintendent Christy Alfred L. Truckey, car inspector, short while during the depression he worked as and retired Superintendent Portola. night cashier-waiter at the Gerlach and Wend­ Curtis, as Mrs . McNally joins Herbert E. VandervoQ?·t, locomotive over hotels. He then became linen clerk and i,n the fun. John thanks all later secretary to W. P. Stiles, superintendent of engineer, Stockton. employees and W p IS man­ dining cars, one of four superintendents under Ruth A. Vette?', chief clerk, Detroit, agement for the splendid whom Jim worked. He also worked in four dif.. cooperation received Michigan. ferent commissary buildings. during his service.

12 MILEPOSTS 13 MILEPOSTS IN GOLD

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

40-YEAR PIN Loren W. Ames ...... Chief Clerk to Superintendent...... Eastern Division - Fred Stindt photo 3S-YEAR PINS Lee V. Classen...... Head Clerk, Miscellaneous Bureau...... San Francisco Spencer H . Lewis ...... Asst. Chief Clerk, Transportation...... San Francisco Engine 164 begins new life Carl R. Nipper...... District Sales Manager...... San Jose James A. Potter...... Chief Clerk, Agents Accounts Bureau...... 8an Francisco Albert C. Thomas.. ... Valuation Mech. Engineer~Accountant ...... San Francisco July 4 this year was the 183rd anni­ She showed her age when selected Philip L. Wyche ...... Assistant to Vice-Pres. & Gen. Mgr...... 8an Francisco versary of this country's independence. for her new role, but Roundhouse 30·YEAR PINS Frank P. Bravo ...... Telegrapher...... Western Division Appropriately, the day brought inde­ Foreman Ray Ronan and his crew Carl Flaig...... Cashier ...... San Francisco pendence to one of five Western Pacific gave her a beauty treatment which is Sam S. Gibson ...... Carpenter ...... W estern Division I Nathan Johnson...... Hostler Helper...... Mechanical Dept. steam locomotives still in existence. certain to attract a whistle or two. Mack McDaniels...... Chef ...... Dining Car Dept. As a climax to a colorful, but fire­ P resentation of 164, in behalf of 2S-YEAR PINS cracker-less, Fourth of July program Western Pacific, was made by Gilbert Peter Del Moro ...... Assistant Accountant ...... Mechanical Dept. Leo F . Delventhal, Jr ...... Senior Transportation Engineer...... San Francisco in Oroville's Hewitt Park, Western H. Kneiss, assistant to president-pub­ David W. Harris...... Foreman, Section & Extra Gangs ...... Western Division Pacific presented as a public service, lic relations. 20-YEAR PINS engine 164. She now stands proudly Dominic W . Goodmann.. "' .... Switchman ...... Western Division Calvin P. Hoctor...... Asst. Mgr. of Passenger Sales ...... San Francisco for all to see, a dignitary in her own William G. Reynolds ...... yardmaster...... San Francisco rights, on rails embedded in concrete. Railroaders Honored IS-YEAR PINS The old girl was built in Schenec­ Clifford G. Garvis...... Machinist...... Mechanical Dept. Henry P. Donnelly (l eft below) and John C. Ster­ Richard L. Hussey...... Fireman...... Western Division tady by the American Locomotive ner, district special agents-claim age nts at San Harry Kilcrease...... Chair Car Porter...... Dining Car Dept. Francisco and Stockton, were prese nte d w ith Shirley F. Lee...... Telegrapher...... Eastern Division Works in 1919 for the United Verde Joseph D. Locati...... Brakeman...... Western Division Copper Company's railroad, operated Clarence McAfee ...... Waiter...... Dining Car Dept. Jack A. McPherson ...... Baggageman-Janitor.. __ ...... Western Division at Clarksdale, Arizona, as No. 18. Lawrence E. Moe...... District Sales Manager...... __ .. Detroit Jewell Pearson...... __ ... Kitchen Helper, Medica] Dept...... Portola Hospital Western Pacific bought her for $16,- Albert B. Tedd...... Baggageman-CaUer...... __ .... __ .. __ ... __ ..... __ ...... Western Division 000 from a used locomotive dealer in IO-YEAR P I NS San Francisco at the age of eight. Be­ Martin J . Etchemendy...... Fireman...... Eastern Division fore retiring in October, 1953, a victim John A. Johnson ...... Asst. Section Foreman...... Western Division John K . Johnson ...... __ ...... Carman...... Mechanical Dept. of dieselization, she rolled up three­ Henry D. Reitz...... Carman ...... Mechanical Dept. Mary Soohodolsky...... Steno-Voucher Writer, Overcharge Claims ..... San Francisco quarters of a million miles switching John L . Studebaker...... CTC Maintainer...... " ... Signal Department in the Oroville yard limits. She had a 'I brief return to action the next year '1 when needed by the United States I ~ A Te xan who owned a la te model, small-sized A San Francisco columnist recently w rote s ports car was asked jf it w ere air conditioned . about a Mrs. Alma Rigg, 99, who took her first Gypsum Company at Gerlach, Nevada. Life Memberships in the Peace Officers' Associa­ II No," he replie d, " but I always keep a couple airplane flight from De nve r to San Francisco for For this job she went proudly up and tion of the State of California at t he Associ a ­ of cold ones in the refrige rator!" down the Canyon under her own tion's rece nt annual convention in San Jose . . . . the ninth birthday of her great-grandson, David steam, and then was shoved out on a Th ey each have been me mbers for twenty years. Grandma (looking a t her granddaughter'S McCracken. TWA me n, pe ncils poised f or Mrs. spur track behind the Oroville round­ Henry entered W P service a s a patrolman on new bathing suit): " If I could have dressed like Rigg's comments, were chagri ned . " Wish I'd September 17, 1936. John hired o ut as patrol­ that whe n, I was a girl, you'd be six years older taken the train," piped Grandma Rigg. "I'd li ke house to dream about her past. man on July 24, 1934. today, Missy." to have see n the scenery."

14 MILEPOSTS AUGUST, 1959 15 MILPITAS Philip Hazlett John Theobald, son of Clerk WALTER THEOBALD, graduated from James Lick (1aboosing High School June 12. Besides giving the valedictorian address for gradua­ tion, he had distinguished himself many times during his high school RICHARD D. HAGEN, secretary to A. H. as with retirement coming up this days. He was associated student body LUND, sales manager, Central Region, fall, he plans to do nothing but live president of his class, as well as head starts off MILEPOSTS' second ten years easy and cool his heels. of Dist. 7 of the California Association as correspondent at Chicago. You'll Newest member of our staff is E. P . of Student Councils fQr two years. enjoy reading his interesting comments "GENE" SCHMITTGENS, who hails from During his junior year John was about our railroaders in the "windy St. Louis, where he worked under JACK elected vice president of the State city." McKENZIE as chief clerk for a couple C.A.S.C. This past year J ohn brought of years. Several months ago Gene was even more honor to himself and James CHICAGO promoted to sales representative in Lick High when he was elected presi­ Richard D. Hagen this office. He resides with his family, Bill Woodall completes his last run dent of the State C.A.S.C. and, as such, consisting of wife, Mary, two sons, The following W P railroaders here Salt Lake City. He became a WP fire­ attended the national conference in Gene and Danny, and newly arrived Ferguson, Mississippi. This past sum­ today were here 10 years ago: R. A. daughter, Teresa, in Park Forest. man on October 10, 1918, and was LUPE, G. K . WENIG, J . B. WARREN, G. T. promoted to engineer on , 1920. mer John was the recipient of the GEORGE WENIG spent a week of his Alum Rock Lions Club Scholarship COFFEY, J . C. RIEGEL, J. H. EPHRAIM, vacation in May in Hot Springs, Ar­ He has been engineer on the California F. L. SWEENEY, and J. M. BOQUIST. Zephyr and the Zephyrette for the awarded to him at kansas. Told that the hot springs would the annual Honor Others now in Chicago with service do wonders for his figure, he took ad­ past five years. records better than 10 years are A. H. On completion of his last run, Bill Day assembly. He vantage, looks fit and rested and is 17 also obtained Life LUND and W. B. COOK. pounds lighter. said: "I sure will miss all the fellows Messrs. RANK, MCGRATH and BAKER, I have worked with, as I don't know Membership in the We wish a very belated welcome to California Scholar­ now in general office at San Francisco, MARIE SHIPLEY, who joined our Com­ where you could find a nicer group or were here then, and so was R. B. a better railroad to work for." ship Federation, pany January 1 as WARREN BROWN's and was voted the RITCIDE of New York City. MARIE secretary. Bill intends to get in a lot of fishing LIBBY, secretary to sales manager, and hunting, two of his hobbies. most likely to suc­ ceed by his class. now retired and enjoying life in Chi­ SALT LAKE CITY Stenographer MARJORIE DAVIS, em­ cago, was also here to receive the first ployed in H. R. COULAM'S office, has Thomas Dusek, dean issue of MILEPOSTS. J. B. Price been away because of illness and we of students, honored John when he BILL COOK returned from California Nearly 43 years of railroading came wish Marjorie a speedy recovery. said: "John has won the hearts and recently where he gave his daughter, to a close on May 30 when Engineer Mrs. B. B. Perri is now well on the respect of all of us at James Lick. H e Barbara, away in marriage to Law­ WILLIAM R. WOODALL retired. Better road to recovery from major surgery, represents to us the epitome of right rence K . Wormer. Bill claims he made than 40 of those years were spent on and we sincerely hope that she will thinking and fine character. We wish it down the aisle without incident, but WP. soon be able to resume all of her ac- him the best of everything." he looked haggard the first day back. Bill was born in West Jordan, Utah, . tivities. Mrs. Perri is the wife of Con­ Michael Baptist, son of Switchman JOHN C. RIEGEL, the Isaac Walton of on May 2, 1894. Here he grew up and ductor BILL PERRI. RICHARD BAPTIST, was given Block "B" our office, took a week's vacation in received his education. He hired out Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. For­ awards for basketball and , July to complete his summer lake as a fireman on the Michigan Central rest H. Lessley and family, whose home and a student council award at the home in Wisconsin. John wants all the in Detroit in August, 1916, resigned was saddened by the sudden death of close of the term at Berryessa School. work out of the way by next summer, in February, 1918, and returned to Conductor F. H. LESSLEY. Michael was also on the Honor Roll.

16 MILEPOSTS AUGUST, 1959 17 Ray Tidd, J r., son of Conductor RAY rush to see this "curiosity" for the first PORTOLA TIDD, graduated from San Jose High time, not even realizing how important Louise Wilks School and has enlisted in the U. S. steam was a scant ten years ago. Congratulations MILEPOSTS on your Navy and is now at San Diego. 1959-A test made of the new EMD 10th Anniversary! To ROGER VERHAEGE go our very 2400 h.p. locomotive on our line. Type Portola also celebrated an anniver­ Sharon Storey, best wishes for his success in his recent of power changing again! sary, its fiftieth, with a three-day daughter of Engineer appointment as assistant trainmaster and Mrs. Maurice And in the car department: celebration July 24-26. Western Pa­ at Stockton. At the same time, we all Storey, i. Worthy Ad· 1953-First assembly line-con­ cific's Golden Jubilee was also com­ say "hello" and welcome to JIM BREN­ visor of the Order structing 102 standard 50' flat cars on memorated. of Rainbow Girl •. NAN who will succeed Rogert as assist­ prefabricated underframe from Con­ A large group gath ered at the Log ant trainmaster at Milpitas. solidated Western Steel Company, Los Cabin to wish a long and happy re­ SACRAMENTO SHOPS Angeles. tirement to AGOSTINO' SEI, who retired Marcella G. Schultze 1955-0ur first ten piggyback flat after 40 years in the maintenance of cars-hardly realizing then how im­ way department. Twenty -three of Looking back on the past ten years- pOltant piggyback movements were to those years were spent as section fore­ 1949-so many changes occurring in Mrs. EARL FIGHTMASTER; from Chico become. man at Loyalton, where "Gus" and the shops. The road diesels have ar­ State College were Tom Pearson, son 1956-35 new-style cabooses, Mrs. Sei will make their home. "Gus" rived! Methods of work, types of em­ of Fireman and Mrs. OVA PEARSON; equipped with electric generators. was born in Lucca, Italy, and came to ployment, everything altering! Many Leland Jones, son of Trainman and Short gondolas fitted with steel coil the United States in 1913. He started of the men not even sure they can Mrs. LEE JONES; and John Sypher, son racks. working as a section foreman at Cal­ change from steam engine overhaul to of Engineer and Mrs. JOHN SYPHER. 1957-An experiment-sandblasting neva in 1922, worked at Anderson, this modern diesel electric locomotive. Little League baseball is claiming covered hoppers for bulk rice loading. and Reno, before transfer to Loyalton. 1951-Sacramento Northern con­ the spare time of many railroaders this So successful these hoppers now used Graduating from the University of solidates its shops with the WP; and summer. In the league are five teams, for bulk beans, corn grits, walnuts, California this spring was Marin we welcome a number of their em­ one from Sierraville, one from Loyal­ almonds. Fightmaster, daughter of Engineer and ployees into our ranks and, again, ton, and three from Portola. The Por­ 1958-Building of ten 17' gondolas bring in a new type of work-electric tola Yankees are managed by Signal for wood chips; 15 more planned. Mod­ locomotives equipped with panto­ Maintainer LARRY LAWSON, and ernizing compartmentizer car gates. graphs. Today, just three electrics left coached by Trainman HARLEY SILER. 1959-Not only a basic repair point, -SN 652, 653 and 654-used only in The Portola Giants are coached by but a construction center, converting switching service in Marysville and Lineman BARNEY GUZENSKI and Track standard cars to fit the many special Yuba City. SN has graduated to Maintainer CURTIS WEAVER. Special needs of our shippers. Presently con­ Cooper-Bessemer's 700 and 720 h .p. Agent Loy HIBBS and his son, Loy, Jr., structing special bulkheads for plaster­ and EMD's 1350 h .p. purchased from coach the Portola Tigers. One Babe board loading. the New York, Ontario and Western Ruth team is managed by Foy COLE of and now used on the steel trains to Time has seen us change from waste­ the perishable department. Pittsburg. packed journal boxes to journal pad Yardmaster and Mrs. CHARLEY BEEM, 1951-Last of the steam engines, WP lubricators; from lubricators to the and Trainman and Trainmaster's 486, leaves us. Nostalgic feelings among roller bearings. Now under test, fric­ Clerk PAT and GLADYS LARGAN, at­ the old-timers, and the Shops look tion bearings. tended a family reunion in Mt. Car­ bare without "her" sitting on the track! Future promises changes in the re­ roll, Illinois. 1953-1955-Bring us the 701 Class pair tracks and lengthening of the Car Inspector FRED TRUCKEE retired locomotives, or the "Jeeps." switching yard when the new Sutter­ from Portola rip track after 23 years 1958-Brings in a steam engine for ville Road overpass is constructed, of service. Fred expects to spend his light repairs before going on a His­ with both WP and the City of Sacra­ summers in this area, but will migrate torical Society trip. Young apprentices mento sharing building costs. Gus Sei and Loyalton Branch milepost sign with the birds in the winter.

18 MILEPOSTS AUGUST, 1959 19 Recent arrivals are a granddaughter, LONG, has earned his Eagle Scout badge pin for ten years' service on the Laurie Donnenwirth, for Engineer and at the age of 12% years. He is the E.J.&E. Mrs. CLAIR DONNENWIRTH; and a youngest in this area to achieve this Visiting at the home of T&T Lineman granddaughter, Colleen Rae Wilks, for top Boy Scout rank. THOMAS SHEA and his family was his your correspondent. Yardmaster T. J. LoNG is still con­ sister, Mrs. Elizabeth McNulty of fined to the Oroville Community Hos­ Grand Junction, Colorado. NEW YORK CITY pital. Signal Maintainer THEAS N. GAR­ Ja mes B. Hansen Ray Harvey Scott, Jr., son of Section FIELD and his wife, ESSIE MAE, waitress, A welcome return to PERL E. WHITE, Foreman and Mrs. RAY SCOTT, has left had as their recent guests Essie Mae's eastern regional sales manager, fol­ to attend the University of Mexico in brothers and their wives, Mr. and Mrs. lowing recent surgery. It's good to Mexico City, and will visit his uncle, N. E. Hawkins of Sun Valley, and Mr. have the "old pro" back on the job. Conrad B. Sprott, retired U. S. Navy and Mrs. A. J. Hawkins of Tooele and JACK EDWARDS is vacationing at Lt. Commander, now living there. He her son, Mr. Frank Wilkins and his home, recuperating from surgery, and will visit Veracruz and cross the Bay wife of Salt Lake City. trying to keep cool. Conductor and Mrs. O. J. Crowe of Campeche to Merida before return­ Switchman and Mrs. EUGENE T. LA­ GORDON KEYSER, from San Francisco, ing to Stockton where he will teach VELLE, after attending the Switchmen's Brakeman R. B. REYNOLDS, a Merit is with our staff as stenographer. school next year. Convention in Buffalo, N. Y., took their Award from the WP presented by ALAN HUDSON, sales representative, Brakeman and Mrs. L. C. ADAMS vacation and visited relatives and left us July 7 to join the Burlington Trainmaster R. B. REDUS, and a cash have moved to Oroville from Portola. friends throughout the New England Truck Lines. Al had just completed ten gift from friends presented by Brake­ They also previously lived in Keddie. states. years with Western Pacific. To Alan, man A. E. J ONES. DON E. MONTE is a new employee at his wife, Dorothy, and their ten won­ Russell Reynolds, of the Navy, and Oroville, working as extra relief clerk. STOCKTON derful children, go our best wishes for son of Brakeman R. B. REYNOLDS , traveled many thousand miles to see Elaine Obenshain a new and prosperous career. his father who is recuperating from WENDOVER On the occasion of MILEPOSTS 10th C. BEADLING replaces Alan in cover­ Esther Witt Anniversary we recall these highlights, ing the Philadelphia area, and your serious leg injuries suffered in a fish­ ing mishap. "Bruce," who has been which appeared in previous issues: correspondent becomes the neophyte If you are vacationing in the Pacific assigned with Conductor O. J . CROWE, 1954- Towers received and placed sales representative. Northwest, why not drop in at 4546 was unable to attend the ceremonies for installation of floodlights, and RICHARD TRACY, our senior steno­ Washington Street, Martin Heights, crossing gates were installed by W P clerk-ticket clerk, becomes chief clerk. so had Russell substitute in his place. Milwaukie, Oregon, and call at the At latest reports, "Bruce" is much im­ home of retired Engineer and Mrs. and SP at Main, Market and Weber proved. Mrs. R. B. Reynolds also had HARRY H. FULLER. A visit would be crossing. Fireman ERNEST MANCUSO OROVILLE been a hospital patient, but is now most welcome. brought home a 317-lb. buck, largest Helen R. Small home and recovering. Telegrapher ANNA BELLE ALBRECHT deer shot in Colorado up to October of Donald Frank Morford, son of Retired Conductor and Mrs. A. W. is vacationing at her home, as she be­ that year, and won third place in the Switchman and Mrs. DONALD E. MOR­ DRYDEN announced the arrival of a lieves a good rest is better than travel 1955 North American Big Game Com­ FORD, and Mona Lee Hays, were mar­ second grandchild, a daughter, born during hot weather. D . CRAWFORD petition in New York City. ried in Oroville during June. June 1 to their son, Charles and wife ROBERTS is protecting her assignment 1955-Team track on Charter Way Conductor O. J. CROWE retired after in Kingsville, Texas. during Anna Belle's absence. spur completed to replace burned 35 years' service on the eastern divi­ Dale Turner, son of Engineer and Waitress IRENE CHARLES hied forth warehouse, and a 541,000-lb. trans­ sion. He made his final r un on the Mrs. W. R. TURNER, and Joyce Annette to Grand Junction, Colorado, to spend former, destined for Bombay, passed Calif01·nia Zephyr on , and Mayfield were married in the First vacation with her mother, Mrs. Mary through the yard. CONDUCTOR SPRY and many were on hand to meet him at Assembly of God Church in Oroville. Fitzgerald. SWITCHMAN DUNCAN retired with 42 the end of his run. He was presented Dale is a new employee with WP. A letter from former telegrapher and 38 years' service. Nosebag No.3, with a rod and reel from the Zephyr Tommy Long, son of T. J . LONG, JR., CLARENCE "C.O." LoRENZ of Gary, Indi­ held at Stockton Municipal Audito­ porters by Russell Reynolds, son of and a grandson of Yardmaster T. J . ana, states that he received his gold rium, piggyback track and ramp put

20 MILEPOSTS AUGUST, 1959 21 in service, and we survived the big Our best wishes to Conductor ED­ OAKLAND tola from Keddie, are now living in flood. MOND G. PARROTT who retired on May BeHy Hill Oroville. 1956-Taking retirement were CON­ 31, with nearly 31 years' service with Conductor CLAUDE STRAHAN was a Coach Cleaner WILLIE BUSH became DUCTOR JORDAN, CAR INSPECTOR FINCH, WP. When he began his career in 1917 patient in St. Joseph's Hospital re­ the proud mother of a baby girl born SWITCHMEN CALHOON, COSGROVE, and on the Louisiana Long Leaf Lumber covering from surgery. He has not yet June 5, weighing 5 pounds 9 ounces. POTTER, CLERK BEATIE, MOTOR CAR Co., a chartered railroad, he recalls returned to Keddie but last reports are The baby was named Antoinette. There MAINTAINER FLEMING, and CARMAN using link and pin couplers with no that he is improving. is one other child in the Bush family­ BROWN. Gravem-Inglis Sunbeam Bak­ air, hand brakes, and that locomotives We will miss Assistant Superintend­ a boy, Andre, aged 10. ing Co. spur put in service. were old "cabbage stacks." ent JOHN J . McNALLY, who has spent Congratulations to LELAND D. MI­ 1957 - J ohns-Manville and John Retiring on June 30 with our best much time in and around Keddie. Our CHELSON on his appointment as assist­ Deere spu rs in operation, and freight wishes were Engineers H. E. VANDER­ congratulations on his retirement, and ant superintendent with headquarters pool operating out of Stockton yard VOORT and H. W. VAN HOORBEKE. Both best wishes for a most wonderful at Sacramento. "Mike" will be greatly split. Telegrapher EDNA SCOTT retired. began their service in mid-1925. future. missed around the Bay Area. 1958---Mechanical icing machine in­ We wish speedy recoveries to re­ Conductor MEL STRANG reports an stalled at Valley Ice Co., and Mohawk Welcome to VrnGIL H. EDWARDS who addition to his "family." Their mare tired Clerk W. H . HARRIS and Switch­ replaces "Mike" as terminal trainmas­ Rubber Plant Co. plant completed. man C. E. HAMBURG, who recently had a colt, and from what was learned ter. "Virg" comes to us from Stockton Yardmaster's tower completed and underwent surgery, and to Clerk G. B. it was really excitil1g. and before that was at Portola. Trainmaster LES HENRY retired. SRILL who has been ill for some time. Agent and Mrs. PETE HANLEY have Dale Campbell, daughter of J . E. Today, we find "SPOT," "assistant Our deepest sympathy to Engineer purchased land and are building a CAMPBELL, general supervisor-MW&S yard checker," waiting for a ride to the and Mrs. J . C. CURRIER, JR., whose 13- home where I understand they plan to west end to deliver a list. "Spot" also welding department, graduated from live after retirement. year-old son, Richard, passed away on Acalanes High School in Lafayette in . Also, to the family of FRANK Track Laborer and Mrs. A . F. Tos­ June. Also, son Jack, Jr., graduated CANI, residents in Keddie for several BOISSERANC, car foreman, who passed from Stanley J r. High School in La­ away quite suddenly on . years, have moved to Blairsden where fayette. Dale plans to enter University he is now working. Congratulations to Fireman D. L. of California this fall, and Jack, J r., HECKETHORNE upon his marriage to the will enter Acalanes High. Jack, Sr., former Roberta Ezell on J une 11; to was one of the hosts at his daughter's ELKO Fireman and Mrs. H . E. LOOPER, on the Senior All Night P arty held at the John L. Murphy birth of their second daughter on June Claremont Hotel in Berkeley. Congratulations to S. L. "STEVE" 27; and to Hostler H elper and Mrs. WILLIAM J . POWELL, former crew HERNANDEZ, assistant timekee)"er, who PHIL GOMEZ on the arrival of a son, dispatcher, is now commissary buyer has been rewarded for his fine Nork in Richard, May 18. in the dining car department, succeed­ connection with the Veterans of For­ Elnora Burrows, wife of Conductor ing JIM DUHIG, now retired. Bill's for­ eign Wars by having been elected to JAMES BURROWS, returned to WP as mer position is now being handled by second in command for the State of trainmaster's clerk while ELAINE ED SCHOPPE. Nevada. OBENSHAIN was on vacation in Elko. Our thoughts are with those who Now back at work, Elaine wishes to KEDDIE have lost members of their families re­ accompanies the yard checkers on their thank PBX Operator - Typist M. A. cently. DORIS THORNE, secretary to di­ Elsie Hagen walks through the yard. When her LEACH for assisting with this column. vision engineer, lost her mother not boss, Yardmaster L. P. HAMILTON , Conductor and Mrs. HERB WOMICK long ago due to complications of old completes his shift at 2: 30 p. m., "Spot" have moved to Oroville as it was felt age, and her father over the Fourth is waiting on the porch of the yard At a Communist gathering, one comrade ad .. the lower altitude would be better for of July as a result of an automobile office for a ride home. She did have dressed the chairman. IIComrade, there is one Mr. Womick. accident. FRANK OLDHAM, accountant, thing I'd like to know. What happens to my Trainman and Mrs. L. C. "BLACKIE" suffered the loss of his father during a little trouble when Stockton went on unemployment check when we overthrow the daylight saving time. capitalist government?" ADAMS, who recently moved to Por- the month of June after being confined

22 MILEPOSTS AUGUST, 1959 23 in the Elko General Hospital only a WINNEMUCCA Two employees retired on October June 12, is now Walter's secretary, short time. Ruth G. Smith 1, 1958: Motor Car Maintainer AL TON­ and a new employee, TANIA ANDREWS, It was suspected we had some new KIN and Section Laborer "LUPE" VAR­ is order-steno clerk. Since August, 1949, there have been faces about the office recently, but GAS, both employed over 20 years, A son, Daniel Adren, arrived July many changes at Winnemucca. The 40- they turned out to be none other than much of the time in Winnemucca. 11 at the home of Clerk and Mrs. FRANK hour week was inaugurated on Sep­ Superintendent JAMES F. LYNCH, As­ Forces were increased in the me­ DAVIS. Daniel has one brother, Michael tember 1, 1949, which increased forces sistant Superintendent W. G. HOWELL, chanical department in November, Kenneth, 14 months of age. Frank slightly. Roundhouse forces were re­ and Division Engineer H. H. ELLIOTT. 1958. Mechanical Foreman WILLIAM J. works in the treasurer's office, and duced, and the roundhouse office was They returned after considerable duty LEAVY and Laborer ANDY ROBERTS wife, VICKI, is on leave from the audi­ moved into an enlarged yard office in along the roadway where a new type were added to the night shift to take tor of revenues department. the depot, between then and March 1, roadway plow was being used in con­ care of the increased fueling necessary MARY "TONI" MCCLURE is now em­ 1951, with dieselization. ployed in the public relations depart­ nection with the 1959 ballast program. because of running diesels through On , 1951, we were sad­ Elko and Portola for fuel. ment as public relations clerk, suc­ dened by the death of Roadmaster ceeding BONNIE BARNHILL who bid in LOS ANGELES Because of the increase in business JACK O. GOODWIN from a heart attack in 1959, partly due to piggyback a position in the auditor of revenues Frank Sell while on duty. freight more train and engine crews department. Congratulations from everyone in On July 1, 1952, Section Foreman are employed here now than at any Los Angeles office to MILEPOSTS on its SAM COLLETTI retired and was given a time since the war. STORE DEPARTMENT 10th Anniversary. We all like to feel dinner by Winnemucca employees. Irene Burton that our agency has grown, progressed, A new diesel house was built just SAN FRANCISCO Around the store in the past ten and improved right along with our east of the depot, replacing the old years- magazine ... but- roundhouse. The rail welding plant George Bowers, Doug Bruce, Elizabeth Fagan, Lawrence Gerring, Carl Roth, Frank Tufo One of the most modern railroad was built on the site in 1955. "Ribbon store buildings completed in 1953 at a Hey there, do you remember when rail," welded here, in 78-foot lengths, EARL BROWN, car inspector, an­ cost of $150,000. The Zephyr was new and fine nounced the arrival of his first grand­ is used all over the system. WP Sacramento Employees Federal son, Michael Lang Price, born May 26. Back there in Forty-nine? Credit Union organized in 1953, and Switchmen's quarters were moved in Grandfather Earl and baby are doing DF's? We didn't have any; we're happy to report that within a 1956 from the "switchmen's shanty" in fine, as is the mother, Mrs. CAROL Piggybacks were on a pig's spine. very few weeks we will be a $1 million the yard to a room next to the yard PRICE, former WP employee at Sacra­ Credit Union. Tell us, do you remember back office. In May, 1958, the freight office mento. was moved from the freight ware­ HARRY MESSER, retired billing clerk, Before IBM was planned? Belated congratulations upon the ar­ house into the roadmaster's office, so and Mrs. Messer celebrated their 50th And there was no Disneyland, rival of Katherine Hyatt, a five-pound Remember? If you remember that now we have all department of­ Wedding Anniversary in 1954. fices under one roof. 10-ounce daughter born April 7 to New store and mechanical office Your seniority's about like mine. Assistant Scale Inspector and Mrs. Mechanical Foreman LEONARD WIL­ building remodeled in 1956, following FRANK HYATT. Also, do you remember when LIAMS retired April 30, 1957, after completion of a new warehouse for The Headlight changed its name; working in that capacity and as round­ WALTER C. BRUNBERG, director of the store and signal departments. MILEPOSTS then came to fame? house foreman since January 1, 1926. purchases and stores, was named edu­ The boys on the scrap dock received LA Dodgers were Bums GEORGE P . LAMBERT came here from cation chairman of the Northern Cali­ their mascot "Bicka" from a mainte­ fornia Chapter of the American Ma­ But they didn't play such a bum game. Portola to take Leonard's place. nace of way gang in 1958. In 1958 we lost one conductor and terial Handling Society for the ensuing 1959-ERlc BORG, locomotive crane And do you remember when three brakemen by death, all within year. operator, received his 15-year Service We didn't all have teletypes? two and one-half months' time: Con­ Walter's former secretary, FRANK Pine recently There were no transload gripes, ductor M. R. MINOR, two brothers, GABBERT, is now assistant price clerk, Chief Clerk AL MADAN and family Remember? If you remember Brakemen ELMON and PAUL GRIFFITHS, and GERTRUDE POHNDORF is now price spent a few days at Bijou, Lake Tahoe. You've come a long way-like I. and Brakeman LARRY J. ROBERTS. clerk. Mrs. MARVEL WALT, married on (Continued on Page 27)

MILEPOSTS AUGUST, 1959 25 Am sending addressed-stamped en-l How to win passengers velope. Thank you. The tardiness of this letter in no way Merle Reese deflects from its sincerity bu t is due Box 951 entirely to the pressure of activities on Monterey, California my return to B attle Creek, Michigan. Recipe was sent to Mr. Reese. On May 20, 1959, my daughter and ::J)ea,. Cdito,.: I were returning to Michigan with a * * * friend by automobile from San Fran­ CABOOSING .. • cisco. My daughter was in the early stages of convalescence from a very (Continued from Page 25) serious illness and soon found auto­ luggage was extremely appreciated by Al is also a grandaddy now; his daugh­ mobile riding beyond her endurance. both my client and myself particularly ter, Claral, presented him with a 5- . We stopped at noon on that date in because it was fairly late in the eve­ pound boy, Brian Albert. the town of Wendover, Utah, went to ning. DALE ROBINSON, store helper, and the railroad station where a very kind You can better understand my grati­ R. G. SLACK, store laborer, returned and efficient agent, one Anna Belle tude when I tell you that my client from two weeks spent between Camp Albrecht, immediately recognized our was a Navy wife who had traveled Roberts and Camp Liggett with the plight, arranged for the California from the East with four small boys National Guard. Zephyr, No. 18, to pick us up and had and, of course, was extremely fatigued MARY Lou STOCKARD is working with two roomettes reserved for us. upon her arrival in San F r ancisco. Leo Mason, 1919-1959 us for a few days starting on the typing We want to commend you on the J ean Burnham of master copies for the Stock Control wonderful personnel on that train. The Caseworker dispatcher, too. On Page 11 of Clerk's files. conductor, a Mr. Boyd, was extremely Travelers' Aid Society issue I read where Hiram ALTON DABBS is spending a week at courteous and considerate and this of San Francisco speaks of the RAM, so La J olla on vacation, and he hopes the was deeply appreciated by us as we * * * he might like to know one in fish are not. certainly were under stress. The porter Anna Belle Albrecht is telegrapher­ too. Hope you are fine, Lee, on Car 15, where our roomettes were, clerk, Wendover; Mr. Boyd is Pullman dear book arrived today. My was likewise very, very considerate of Conductor H. L. Boyd; Porter is S. could wait. I read the MILE- GROWING our needs as was the "Zephyrette." I TOTAL TAX BURDEN Pringle; Zephyrette is Charlotte Alt­ PER CAPITA am sorry I do not know their names. man; Anthony Kenny is WP Redcap. a telegram today from Besides naturally enjoying the lux­ MILEPOSTS commends these railroaders Welk telling me he would ury of that train, we shall always feel for their excellent public relations, so house at 8: 00 p. m. the deepest respect for your company 1946 very important to those who ride our with 100 musicians. Law- due to the kindness of all these people. trains. is a dear friend of mine. Mrs. Rose Salter Leo Mason Rt. 4, Box 554 1501 E. Market Street Battle Creek, Michigan Train dispatcher-1919 I am sending you an account of the Pekin, Illinois * * * presentation of a 50-year Certificate I would like to express my appreci­ from the Royal Arch Masons by the French Toast • • • Um, in~ mr ation to Mr. Anthony Kenny for his Grand Lodge officers at my home, Having taken four trips on your able assistance to me and my client June 13. There were 15 men. Our Sen­ wonderful California Zephyr in the Growth o·f the per capita tax burden (Federal, while he was on duty during a recent ator Dirkson from Illinois couldn't state and local) from 1946 to 1959 is indicated last year, I do wish you would send me evening. make it. Also some other photos. Lots above. In 1946 a I-year-old boy had a tax load your recipe for the best French Toast The efficient, courteous manner in and lots of the WP men knew I be­ of $36B. When he reached 14, in 1959, his esti­ I mated tax burden had nearly doubled to $635. which Mr. Kenny handled my client's longed as the dispatchers knew I was have ever tasted. 27 AUGUST, 1959 '6 MILEPOSTS Sec. 34.&&. P. L. & R. WESTERN PACIFIC MILEPOSTS U. S. POSTAGE 52& Mission St., San Francisco 5, Calif. PAID Return Postage Guaranteed S~n Francisco, Calif. Permit No. 5371

Form 3547 Requested

Nickel Plate is latest railroad to join Trailer Train Co.'s piggyback flat car pool. • • • Illinois Central, Burlington, Milwaukee, and Indiana Harbor Belt, have ICC author­ ization to operate over discontinued Chicago, Aurora & Elgin tracks.

Bill S. 5 repealing 10 per cent fare tax, sponsored by Senator George Smathers, passed by Senate on . • Transportation of missiles by Flexi-Van being tested by Lockheed.

Maine Central, and Bangor & Aroostook, will soon request Maine PUC for permis­ sion to stop all passenger train service after September 12 because of lack of patronage. • • Country's newest railroad, Great Southwest, opens in Texas, serving Great South­ west Industrial District and Distribution Center midway between Dallas and Fort Worth, reaching all other eight railroads serving area from connections with Texas & Pacific and Rock Island . • Forty-mile Gainesville Midland Railroad in Georgia bought by Seaboard Air Line Railroad, who announced the tiny road's five working steam locomotives will be replaced with diesels.

Southern first railroad to extensively use aluminum in freight cars.