Nostalgia & History > Working the Birthday . . .

It's been too hot to go out and chase trains this week for current photos (still 100* heat index in Tulsa at 1101p tonight), and today would have been my Dad's 97th birthday, I thought I would just get into his Conductor's Books and see if he worked any July 21s

His first book, his 7th trip after being a promoted Conductor July 21 1954.  Even back then the older hogheads had to deal with young Conductors, but at least they had nearly 7 years seniority before being a promoted Conductor

Called for 1000a
Power on 1033a---he didn't indicate the engine but I am assuming it was steam UP #477 (that sits in the park in Salina) based on his trips the previous days
Depart Salina KS 1045a Trn #158 east with 66 cars

At Solomon MP 172  1110a-1201p---set out 5 cars and clear up for #79 and #17

At Abilene  MP 164 1225p-435p---set out 10 cars, pick up 3 and clear up for #39 and #70 and also go to beans and take on water

Arrived Junction City KS  515p 50-4-3609 and tied up 535p for a 7'35" on duty trip

1954 was before any kind of hotel agreement so the night was spent in the caboose with a bedroll on a spring frame awaiting call time the next morning.

Thanks for looking
Brian Stevens

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Really cool recollections. There is not a railroader alive that has not worked his or her birthday, unless a very new hire.
JB

When I first hired in at Penn Central your birthday was a holiday. You could work it for time and one half. Most people did. We traded the birthday holiday for another holiday later on, perhaps Christmas Eve.

Interesting narrative Brian. We got paid time and a half for birthday.

Larry

Interesting, now that it has been mentioned, I "believe" on Santa Fe we got time and a half for our birthday as well or day off with pay?
JB