Railroading

LaMar Belnap shares his memories of working on the railroad as a fireman and an engineer. The interview took place on July 26, 1973.

Orlen Francis Fackrell describes moving from Eaton, Utah to the Bridger Valley in Wyoming with his family while a young boy. He discusses his life in southwestern Wyoming, homesteading, his service in the Army during World War I, and his work on the railroad. The interview took place on October 28, 1976.

Edward Joseph Hancock discusses working for the Southern Pacific Railroad during the Depression, building the LDS Fourth Ward with volunteer labor, and the building of the North Canyon Road and the El Monte Golf Course. He also talks about entertainment during the Depression. The interview took place circa 1960s.

Angus Hansen discusses his life and his career on the railroad. He shares his experience starting out with the Pacific Fruit Express Company as an iceman, then becoming a laborer for the Union Pacific and eventually becoming a carman and welder. The interview took place on July 6, 1973.

Roger Kingsford talks about his experiences working on the "maintenance away" for the railroad around mining and aggregate operations, as well as in Ogden. He also recalls community entertainment, including outdoor movies and sing-alongs in bars. The interview took place on June 25, 1974.

Oakley McCarthy discusses his experiences and knowledge of the railroad business in Ogden, Utah. The interview took place on July 5, 1973.

Thomas Nelson describes fifty years working on railroad gangs and as a supervisor, in several western states including Utah. The interview took place on March 5, 1973.

Irwin Ruth describes his experiences in communications as a telegrapher for Western Union and others during the early 1900s, and his work as a train dispatcher for the railroads, particularly Southern Pacific. He describes a train robbery, his experiences in France and Belgium during World War I, and the increase in railroad traffic during World War II. He also discusses labor/management issues. The interview took place on July 14, 1974.

Jack Steele discusses his career in railroading and his opinion on the decline of the railroad in Utah. The interview took place on August 19, 1971.

Raymond S. Wright discusses his experiences as an LDS bishop and as an employee in the engineering department of the Southern Pacific Railroad during the Depression. He describes helping needy people, ward programs to provide employment, food, and clothing, and efforts at the railroad to keep people employed. The interview took place circa 1960s.