I came across this gem on Wikipedia yesterday…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Breuning
Hired on with the GN in 1913…he would have some stories to tell.
Make no mistake here - he’s still alive, as of last report. States he said he had to dodge James J. Hill - the Empire Builder himself - for a while, who didn’t want employees under age 18 on the property, as Breuning was 17 when he hired on. Can you imagine - someone who might have actually met and spoken with that great man ?
[:-,] But Ulrich - this is kinda ‘old news’. Also from that article -
"The BNSF Railway named the west end of its new Broadview Subdivision, where it meets the ex-Great Northern Laurel Subdivision near Broadview, Montana, Walter Junction after Breuning. He was present at the dedication of the new line, which serves the Signal Peak Mine, on Septembe
you’re right…old news…but still… would love to meet him. I live 20 minutes from JJ Hill’s old homestead in Rockwood. I have done some research but nothing like first hand accounts from former railroaders who lived through those changes…I remember meeting WWI vets and hearing them tell about the Great War…that’s something we will never again be able to hear as these guys are all gone now. And so too shall it be about early 20th century railroading…when Walter is gone that’s it…We will only have books…no more first hand accounts.
I like Mr. Breuning’s quote where he said, if the Great Northern knew I was going to live this long, they might not have had such a generous pension plan.
Bruce