Railroaders' Nostalgia > Passing of another Pennsy Man

This morning saw the obituary of J. F. Powers age 81. Jack hired out on the PRR back in the early 50's and I worked with him during the last half of his career. Two quick stories came back on learning of his death. One thing about Jack was he took what he was told to do at its word. Jack hired out on the Pennsy at Southport Yards (Elmira, NY) and worked most of his time on the Elmira Branch. 

Back when New York State had the Full Crew Law the Pennsy had Swingmen to fill out the crew that worked from Southport to Fassett, PA at the stateline. They would swing off a moving train and wait for another train to ride back to the yards or if none were in the picture get a taxi ride. This one trip Jack was the Swingman and after dropping off at Fassett he got on the blockline to call for a ride home. At this time Fassett Tower had closed and the Operator at Kendall Tower (Southport Yard) jokingly said to walk back. Before anything else could be said Jack had hung up. He called his wife who came to pick him up. Twenty four hours later Jack walked into the yard to tie up. In his statement he was ordered to walk back. Nothing else was said.

The second one Jack was Night Yard Conductor this time under Conrail at Elmira, NY. While taking his minutes (lunch) the Yardmaster Joe Moffee (He also has passed on) came in with rest of the nights work. Joe started to explain what had to be done and Jack just keep eating his lunch as the Yardmaster was getting flustered that he wasn't getting any responds. Finally the Yardmaster said "If you are not going to do anything else you might as well go home". At that time Jack got up and without saying a word got into his vehicle and went home. At the Investigation Jack said he left on Yardmasters orders and he was cleared of any infractions. The Yardmaster did serve some time..