BRAKEMAN VENTRILOQUIST FOOLS BOY SCOUTS How fifty-six San Francisco Boy Scouts, traveling home on the Southern Pacific from Weed, spent an entire day in a frantic chase after a "hobo" that wasn't, is told by Sam S. Folk, veteran brakeman of 29 years service on the Western Division. Sam S. Folk Mr. Folk is a natural ventriloquist and when the youngsters began to show signs of weariness he undertook to amuse them. He was on the rear platform with a group of the boys and all of a sudden a groaning noise was heard coming from under the platform. The boys were startled and when Folk tapped his foot on the platform the noise was heard again. "It must be a hobo," he told the boys. Soon the whole crowd of youngsters was trying to get out on the rear platform to hear the hobo let out his wails and answer the questions directed to him by Folk. "Just try and find me," the ghost hobo exclaimed as the train slowed down for a station. If there had been a tramp there he would have stood a mighty slim chance of surviving the welcome the Scouts planned for him. No sooner had the train stopped than a small army of boys carrying sticks and other properties swooped down toward the place where the tramp's voice had come from. There was no tramp. "He's a slick one," Folk told the boys, "I've been trying to catch that same fellow for two weeks now." When the train was under way again the same tantalizing, challenging chuckle came from underneath. At the next stop the boys were again off the train. Again they found no tramp, but about 100 feet from the track an innocent "bo" was seen. "There he is!" went up the cry and had the brakeman not called out "All aboard" the poor "bo" would probably have suffered serious consequences. All the way in the boys continued to wonder about the tramp and where he could have escaped them. Before they left the train at Oakland Pier they were let in on the secret of Folk's ventriloquism. Mr. Folk's unusual gift is well known among his many friends on the Western Division and while he has never appeared as a professional he has furnished many entertaining hours to employes and passengers. SACRAMENTO DF&PA OFFICE IN NEW LOCATION Effective September 1, the offices of District Freight and Passenger Agent C. E. Spear, will be located at 1115 Ninth Street, Forum Building, Sacramento, moving from 801 K Street. L. H. LONG, RETIRED S. P. de MEX. VICE PRESIDENT, DIES Louis H. Long, formerly vice president of Southern Pacific of Mexico and Arizona Eastern Railroad, and one of the best known veterans of Southern Pacific's Engineering Department, died at his home in Santa Barbara July 6, at the age of 63 years. Mr. Long retired from active service in February, 1922. after more than 36 years with the Company. When he was 24 years old he went to work in the Engineering Department as a levelman and transitman in September, 1885. He worked on various construction jobs over the Pacific System advancing steadily through his ability and earnestness until he was appointed assistant engineer and finally assistant chief engineer under Chief Engineer Wm. Hood. In February, 1909. Mr. Long was appointed chief engineer of the Southern Pacific of Mexico and Arizona Eastern and in September, 1911, was appointed assistant general manager of those lines. In July. 1913, he was promoted to vice president under President H. B. Titcomb, in which position he was retired. S. P. MAN WRITES PLAY FOR BOHEMIAN CLUB OF S. F. After the annual Bohemian Club play had been given early in August in connection with the club's annual jinks at the Bohemian Club grove near Monte Rio, California, it was discovered by the Southern Pacific family that the play was written by R. M. Neily, an assistant engineer in the office of W. H. Kirkbride, Engineer Maintenance of Way and Structures. The Bohemian Club of San Francisco is one of America's famous clubs, and the annual play given in their redwood grove is an impressive dramatic spectacle. R. M. Neily WIDOW EXPRESSES THANKS FOR S. P. INSURANCE The group insurance plan of the Southern Pacific Company, which has been in effect since January 1, last, for the benefit of all employes, has proved a timely aid to the families of a number of men who have died while in the service of the Company. On August 10 Mrs. Elizabeth Elliot of San Luis Obispo, wrote a letter of appreciation to Superintendent F. M Worthington for prompt payment of insurance following the death of her husband, R. W. Elliot, a locomotive engineer. The letter stated that "words can not express the feeling I have for the S. P. Co., that made the insurance money available promptly at a time of need.' FLAGMAN BEAUTIFIES CITY The Livingston "Chronicle" calls attention to the fact that E. E. Bang, Southern Pacific crossing flagman, is doing his bit toward helping to beautify the city and has planted a circular garden near his crossing station. Many valuable suggestions for accident prevention work were offered by employes of the Western Division at the meeting of the safety committee at Oakland Pier July 24. Those shown in the picture are, front row, left to right: L. G. Eby, agent, Richmond; J. J. Murphy, supvr., water service; T. W. Bratten, supvr., B. & B.; M. Meehan, master car repairer; J. Craig, boilermaker; G. N. Humphreys, conductor; L. T. Wallace, engineer; F. F. Shively, gen'l yardmaster; W. H. Neff, signalman; Miss Jane Christie, stenographer; J. B. Monahan, supvr. of safety; D. Blake, chief dispatcher; M. Prendeville, section foreman; J. Gill, supervising accountant; F. S. Starratt, signal supervisor; Len Mayrisch, asst. chief clerk. Rear row, left to right: L. Van Buskirk, lineman; J. Prindiville, special agent; L. E. Sewell, brakeman; H. R. Gernreich, and F. E. Yoakum, trainmasters; H. L. Kent, gen'l yardmaster; V. B. Dimmick, yardman; C. W. Perkins, divn. examiner; B. A. Campbell, assistant superintendent; F. C. Keim, master mechanic; J. B. McQuinn, roundhouse frmn; C. L. Gibson, asst. master mechanic; D. A. Porter, div. engineer; B. F. Harris, gen'l mach. shop frmn; A. E. Kennedy, car builder; J. F Mulqueeney, F. Mederios, clerks; W. E. Moore, machinist; E. W. Jackson, and R. A. Rapp, firemen. Park Street Station Warehouse employes at Portland are taking active interest in careful and proper handling of freight. NEW UNION DEPOT AT OGDEN NEARING COMPLETION By H. C. SPRACHER Bulletin Correspondent, Ogden Construction of the new Union Depot at Ogden, to replace the one partially destroyed by fire last year, is progressing rapidly and present indications are that it will be ready for occupancy far in advance of the contemplated date. Early in the month it was expected that the Superintendent's office force would be ready to move in during the latter part of the month. The new home will be christened by a dance the evening before moving the office. Preparations for the event have been under way for some time and it is expected the affair will be one long remembered. VETERAN ENGINEER DEMPSEY RECOVERS FROM ILLNESS D. J. Dempsey, veteran engineer of the Portland Division, has returned to his duties on the northern division after about four weeks spent in the General Hospital at San Francisco recovering from a serious illness. Mr. Dempsey has been with the Southern Pacific almost 37 years, all of which time has been spent on the Portland Division where he entered the service as a fireman. He was one of the fireman on the first special train to enter Grants Pass, Ore., described in the August Bulletin. Also in 1891 Mr. Dempsey acted as fireman for two engineers on the President Harrison special train between Ashland and Portland. The locomotives wood burners in those days and Mr. Dempsey says the fireman had plenty to do to keep steam up. were The ex-gob, now the father of triplets, proudly displayed his offspring to his bashful buddy. "What do you think of them?" he chortled. "Well," replied his buddy doubtfully, "if I was you I think I'd keep that one there."-Exchange. C NORRECT method of handling freight was the general subject discussed at a well attended meeting of warehouse employes at Park Street Station, Portland, July 17. Various phases of freight protection were discussed and Chairman W. E. Burks of the Division Loss and Damage Freight Committee, spoke on the necessity for proper protection of freight as a means of meeting competition and preventing freight claims. A synopsis of what is being accomplished on other divisions in this important work was given. Essential points brought out covered the prevention of errors with the vericheck system now in use at the Park Street Station and the importance of individual effort and attention toward accuracy and care in the handling of freight and waybills. These meetings which are held every month have been effective in stimulating interest in careful freight handling and many employes are availing themselves of this opportunity to offer suggestions and to discuss methods now in operation. Those present at the recent meeting were: R. A. Martin, agent; B. D. VanCourt, asst. agent; W. E. Burks, agent, Brooklyn; D. L. Green, gen. foreman; W. F. Klineman, whse. foreman; Geo. R. Hutt, J. L. Higgins, Nick Costa, L. J. Berke, A. M. Fitch, M. L. Madigan, G. W. Winn, and Geo. Sanford, gang foremen; E. L. Baker, clerk; J. M. Bean, OS&D clerk; J. P. Kenny, chief clerk; L. C. Newell, Jas. Barr, H. B. Isom, P. L. McGrath, Ed Sheets, Fred C. Shinn, A. H. Partridge, E. E. Makinster, H. T. Huff and J. W. Sweeney, rec. clerks; E. P. Mertz, claim clerk; E. J. Armbruster. revising clerk; Geo. Treherne, Mike Bo, L. M. Rhoads, James Ray, Ray S. Edwards, Henry Martin, Jay Booth, H. T. Getty, Wesley Miller, W. Norman, J. S. Bubb, F. P. Cross, S. Geoanites, and N. W. Nute, truckers; H. H. Bailer. chief stower; C. Rohwer, Paul Scheider. Thos. J. Fox, J. C. Latta, C. C. Jones, Wm. Brown, Chas. Danielson, A. E. Richardson, T. J. Gordon, and E. H. Cherrington, stowers; Fred Olson, Bert Stewart, E. Lundstrom, L. Mitseff, F. H. Hahnfeld, R. D. Gross and C. L. Carper, callers; C. S. Vaughn, team track foreman; Louis E. Haysany, sealer; Jim Blair, tractor operator; Herbert Hawkins, del. clerk. SACRAMENTO APPRENTICES IN EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS By R. P. PEEK Supervisor of Apprentices, Sacramento The Southern Pacific Apprentice Club of Sacramento General Shops held its second educational meeting July 16, in the local Y. M. C. A. auditorium. The International Correspondence School picture of five reels, entitled "Heads Win," was shown and enjoyed by all. An interesting talk was given by District Attorney J. J. Henderson of Sacramento County on: "What the Railroad Man Means to the City and Community." Mr. Henderson Chief Clerk to Superintendent of Sacramento Division before taking up the practice of law. was E. E. House, railroad representative of the International Schools, gave a short talk on "Educational Needs of a Railroad Man." Mr. House was also a former employe of the Southern Pacific Railroad. He is now on the pension roll. The remainder of the evening was given to vocal and musical selections and numbers by the following: Vocal selection by Mr. Nuttall and M. Ridley, accompanied by Mr. Fisher at the piano; selections on the Hawaiian steel guitar by C. A. Mott. The Apprentice Club has arranged for several social and educational evenings in the near future and promises to become an active body. S. P. ENGINEER HONORED BY SPANISH WAR VETERANS Frank E. Russell, mechanical engineer of the Southern Pacific Company, with headquarters in San Francisco, was elected Department Commander of California, United Spanish War Veterans, at the annual convention of the organization held at Chico, July 7 to 12. Later in the month the new commander was tendered a reception by Camp Bartlett at Alameda, at which the new state leader was presented with a fine fountain pen. These are a few typical scenes photographed at the picnic of Portland Division employes and their families at Albany, Oregon. WORE than two thousand people, M Southern Pacific employes and their families from the Portland Division, attended the annual picnic held in the beautiful grove at Bryant Park, Albany, Saturday, July 26th. Two special trains were necessary to carry the merry-makers from Portland to Albany where automobiles furnished by citizens of Albany met them and transported them to the picnic grounds. Ice cream was distributed free of charge on the special trains and the passengers were delightfully entertained every minute during the ride. Featured in the entertainment were songs by choruses of small girls with band music accompaniment and short snappy talks, with "inappropriate" gestures by "Jimmie" Ruddiman. At the picnic grounds novelty events of all kinds, including prize athletic contests and swimming events, were in progress during the afternoon after the many small parties had enjoyed their lunch in the shade of the big trees. Music for dancing was furnished by the Southern Pacific Company orchestra under the leadership of Albert Kropp. The affair was unanimously declared a complete success by all who attended and many comments were heard in commendation of the snappy businesslike manner in which the various committees handled the events. Everything went through with clock like precision. Not a complaint was heard and not an accident marred the day's pleasure. The committees in charge were as follows: General Committee-J. Marsh, chairman, A. C. Littig, sect'y; W. R. Ayers, Guy Hill, H. L. Walters, Walter Harris, E. Stroud, G. W. Monroe, D. S. Weir, L. B. Moore, A. C. McClellan, C. P. Davis, F. Gerlinger, A. B. Wilson, A. L. Clem, C. R. Nokes, F. C. Smith, Norman J. Normile. Program J. Ruddiman, chairman; C. P. Davis, B. D. VanCourt, H. R. Singhofen, B. Roberts. Refreshments-J. Davis. W. Harris. Transportation-Guy Hill, W. R. Ayers and Publicity-W. R. Ayers. Winners of the various events, prizes for which were cash and merchandise orders, were as follows: Baseball Game--Brooklyn Shops. Horseshoe Pitching-Albany. Tug-of-War-Portland Team. Girls' race, under 12 years-Miss Nadine Riley, Albany. Boys race, under 12 years-Leland White, Albany. Young Men's race, Clarence Carnida, Portland. Young Ladies' race, Ethel Lopuson, Albany 3-Legged race, boys', R. Hoopes and J. Miller, Portland. Fat Man's race, Sam Stichler, Portland Fat Womans race, Mrs. E. Averhoff, Albany. Shoe race, Ethel Lopuson. Albany. All-four race, boys', Sam Beckman, Albany Sack races, boys' and girls', Ethel Lopuson, Albany. Ball throwing, ladies', Mrs. E. Averhoff Albany, Ruddiman and C. P. Train Entertainment--T. C. Lewis. Music-A. Kropp, W. B. Medill and W. H. Siegfried. Safety-A. L. Downs and J. Ruddiman. Pie Eating contest, Elbert Hanson, Portland. Hundreds of "applause cards" from radio fans on the Pacific Coast and from other points in the United States and Canada have been received by KGO, General Electric Company, Oakland, in appreciation of the program recently broadcasted by Southern Pacific employes of the Western Division. While most of the fans applauded the program in general, many of the individual artists were praised for their vocal and instrumental efforts. The following typical excerpts are from some of the applause cards: Greenleaf, Ore., "program fine;" Tucson, Ariz., "enjoyed program especially saxophone solos and readings;" Aberdeen, Wash., "congratulating Mrs. Porter's voice;" Red River Lumber Co., "S. P. should be proud of that bunch;" San Diego, "excellent program;" Moscow, Idaho, "whole tamily enjoyed S. P. program;" Albany, Cal., "like everything Southern Pacific, whole program was perfect, interesting and entertaining." BAYSHORE TEAM WINS GAME FROM STOCKTON CLERKS Warm weather agreed with the Bayshore Yard Clerks' baseball team on the recent trip to Stockton where they defeated the Freight Office team by a score of 18 to 12 in a return game. The Bayshore sluggers knocked one pitcher out of the box and smothered the relieving twirler with hits galore. With the score 15 to 3 in the seventh inning Stockton boys rallied, but not enough to top the big lead which was increased by three more runs in the eighth. Whiting and Tully of Bayshore featured with their heavy hitting. Batteries were: Bayshore-Lawlor and Tully; Stockton-Brennan, Cornell and Maycox. THREE TRANSFERS IN ASS'T Three transfers in assistant superintendents were announced effective August 1. J. C. Goodfellow, formerly assistant superintendent of the San Joaquin Division, has been transferred to the Tucson Division, where he relieves W. H. McBean who has been transferred to the Portland Division. Mr. McBean relieves D. S. Weir who has taken up the duties of assistant superintendent of the San Joaquin Division. S.P. & W.P. Using Joint Track Two Lines Start Double Track Service Aug. 1st T Over 183 Miles In Nevada HE Southern Pacific and Western Pacific on August 1, began the use of each other's line for double track service between Alazon near Wells, and Weso near Winnemucca, Nevada, a distance of 183 miles. This follows agreement reached between the two companies in March last. President William Sproule of the Southern Pacific Company said July 31 in this connection: "This agreement together with the double track construction under way in the Sierra Nevada and east thereof will give the Southern Pacific 550 miles of double track between San Francisco and Ogden, leaving only 204 miles of construction to complete double track for the entire distance between these points-aside from the 14 miles of track across Great Salt Lake. "The arrangement made effective at this time will enable the Southern Pacific to move the peak of traffic with greater expedition than heretofore. "The contract with the Western Pacific provides for reconstruction of that company's line between Weso and Alzon to standard suitable to very large increase in traffic that is to move over it and Western Pacific has been engaged in the work of reconstruction accordingly. Double Service "The Southern Pacific line between Alazon and Weso will be used as the westbound track and the Western Pa cific line as the eastbound track. As the lines are closely parallel except at Battle Mountain the communities FATHER AND SON AGENTS AT W. C. Duden along the line will have access to the service in both directions. At Battle Mountain a bus line will be operated without charge to make connection between the two lines. "Unquestionably this arrangement will facilitate the movement of traffic at all times of the year to enable us better to take care of the great increase in traffic that is coming through development of California and Oregon." At the same time the double track agreement was entered into, an agreement was made whereby the Southern Pacific secured another facility, namely, of the Western Pacific track as a bridge for the Southern Pacific between Chico, California, and Weso, Nevada. The Southern Pacific pays the Western Pacific a certain sum for each loaded car to handle traffic between those two points for account of the Southern Pacific. Under this arrangement, the Western Pacific track will be utilized by the Southern Pacific to carry its loads to a minimum extent of one half of the traffic to and from Oregon each year and this minimum may be increased whenever conditions are such that the Southern Pacific can further use the Western Pacific line to mutual advantage. Contemporaneously with the development of the Western Pacific for double track service, the Southern Pacific has been carrying on extensive double track work in the Sierra Nevada between Blue Canon and Truckee over the most difficult section of the Sierra and through this work completing its own double tracks between San Francisco and Sparks, Nevada. Development Continues These 1924 steps in the development of the Ogden Route of the Southern Pacific to take care of the growing traffic are part of a series that began more than sixty-one years ago when the first transcontinental line was started on January 16, 1863, at Sacramento eastIward and which reached a connection with the Union Pacific at Promontory, Utah, May 10, 1869, thus completing the first transcontinental railroad. Hardly a year has passed without some additional development of this line either in the way of added tracks or reconstruction raising the standard of the line. By 1888 the line had been double tracked between Oakland and Port Costa and these double tracks were extended to Sacramento by 1912. In 1907 the line was double tracked between Sacramento and Roseville and in other years various sections have been given additional tracks. In 1904 the remarkable Lucin Cut-off across Great Salt Lake was finished shortening the distance between San Francisco and Ogden by 43.8 miles. It is probable that the next few years will witness the final evolution of the line into a very high standard double track road all the way between San Francisco and Ogden. Mr. Duden is still a young man and is not retiring from the service but has been appointed agent at Fair Oak, the next station to Latrobe. Following a two weeks' vacation Mr. Duden took over the duties at his new station and expects to represent the Southern Pacific many more years in that vicinity. Veterans of Southern Pacific service who were retired as pensioners at meeting of the Pension Board July 28. Photograph of Manuel Silva did not arrive in time to be included with this group. Applications of Mr. Lohman, Mr. O'Connor and Mr. Hughes were approved at the June 25 meeting of the Board, their photographs not appearing with the group last month. GORDON, agent Mtelegrapher at Montpellier, Cal.. heads a list of eighteen veterans who have just been retired as Southern Pacific pensioners. Mr. Gordon entered the service in May, 1876, at Mojave. He had worked as agenttelegrapher on the San Joaquin, Sacramento, Western and Stockton Divisions, retiring from the service April 1, 1924, with 47 years 11 months service, at the age of 68 years 8 months. Howard J. Pereau, conductor, East Bay Electric Division, entered the service in February, 1877, as car repairer, Western Division. In July, 1877, he became brakeman in which capacity he remained until January. 1884, at which time he was promoted to conductor and has continued in that capacity until his retirement April 1, 1924, with 47 years 2 months service, at the age of 66 years 6 months. John Garcia, apron tender, Oakland Pier, entered the service in July, 1881, as track laborer, Western Division. In June, 1882, he was transferred to Long Wharf, as coal shoveler where he remained until June, 1884, at which time he became mail and baggage handler at Oakland Pier. From June, 1903, to date of retirement, June 1, 1924, he has been acting as apron tender at Oakland Pier. He has been in the service |