Track walker

From: "Wendell Huffman" wwhuffma@clan.lib.nv.us

I had a question from a friend about the track walker. I know such individuals existed, and I imagine the position is as old as railroading. But I realize I know little of the matter.

I presume he was assigned to a section crew. Did he walk halfway to the next section and then walk back (so two walkers would cover a full section)? How long was they typical section? The track walker was essentially an inspector of the fixed railroad property. Was it considered a position of responsibility and (some) rank, or was it the lowest rung on the totem pole? Did he carry any tools, or just (perhaps) a flag, torpedos, and maybe a lantern. Was it a position given to a greenhorn, or was it given to a railroader otherwise disabled from his customary calling?

—Wendell

Question: Sacramento Valley RR - SP Placerville Branch History?

From: "Bill Anderson" bill@fedshra.org

I'm forwarding this message, which relates to the Placerville Branch of the Old Southern Pacific line from Folsom, CA to Placerville.

----- Original Message -----
Do you know of any sources, especially on the web, that chronicle the history of the line? I am especially interested in the post WWII to the end of service era. I lived in Folsom from 1975 to 1978 and was fascinated with the old, and then still active right-of way area and still remember walking home from Theodore Judah School hearing, but not seeing, the trains as they rumbled on their way up the hill to Placerville. I recall very clearly that it was very loud.

—Charles Evans, Las Vegas NV

Question: Somerville Railway Accident 1913 - Boston & Maine RR

From: "Gerry Cullen" execpress@primus.com.au

I am hoping you may be able to help me or at least direct me to an appropriate contact for relevant information as I am not having much luck with my quest for information so far.

My aunt, Annie Cullen, immigrated to Boston in 1913 but died a few week later (full story in attached files):
Girl Gives Up Her Life for Baby. The Boston Post. June 5, 1913.
Doomed Girl Saves Child. The Boston Daily Globe. June 5, 1913.

I was wondering if you might be able to help me to get:

Any subsequent enquiry reports that were carried out or any relevant info that was filed as a result of the accident.

I would presume, even in those days, the incident would have to be recorded, and I would be very grateful if you could locate any old files that related to the incident.

I am trying to piece together our family history and was sent the attached newspaper articles which give the exact details of the time and area where the accident took place.

While the wording is word for word from the two newspaper microfilms, I have just set it up to look better.

I WAS ALSO HOPING TO FIND A PHOTO OF NORTH SOMERVILLE RAILWAY STATION TAKEN IN OR AROUND 1913 OR A PHOTO OF THE TYPE OF TRAIN THAT STRUCK HER FOR MY RECORDS.

Her death certificate lists the place of death as Somerville, Ma. No. Somerville Sta. B&M RR (what is this?)

I would be very grateful if you could please help me as I have emailed dozens of random email addresses found on the internet and nobody so far has had the courtesy to reply to my query.

I am in Australia which makes it very hard for me not knowing the correct departments to contact.

—GERRY CULLEN

Central Pacific worker Wages

The following is a transcription of CP wage information, and Chinese vs White employment.
 
Central Pacific Labor
 
Testimony of J. H. Strobridge, US Pacific Railway Commission, pp. 3139-41, as printed in Stuart Daggett: Chapters in the History of the Southern Pacific, p. 70n.
 
[See table.]
 
Kyle K. Wyatt
Curator of History & Technology
California State Railroad Museum
111 "I" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
My work address is: kwyatt@parks.ca.gov
My personal address is: kylewyatt@aol.com