Good morning gents … and a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my favorite bar by the tracks! Congratulations to Captain Tom and all who contribute to keep this great thread rolling. I’ll have a light breakfast please and shake loose some Michigan quarters for Her Wurlitzer for later.
Went to a meeting of the 20th Century Railroad club in Chicago last night. I’ll tell you about our speaker later. An interesting thing happened on the UP Northwest Metra line trip back to Crystal Lake last night that I’ll share now. About the time we approached the Fox River Grove stop, the conductor announced that the police had informed the crew that an individual somewhere between Fox River Grove and Cary, was attempting to commit suicide by using the train. We were directed to pull to the side at Fox River Grove and either wait until this individual was apprehended, or de-train. Fortunately for all, the individual was quickly caught, and our delay was only minutes. I was impressed that the Conductor, more than once referred to this individual as a “poor soul, who needed help.”
On another subject, I’ve put together a “little” story called Fire in Tunnel 9" for later in the day, but for now, here is an interesting poem called the REDBALL FREIGHT by H.L. Kelso
The JUDGE peered sharp at the man on trial,
A hobo, old and gray;
He sized him up from head to toe,
Then bade him have his say,
“Was passing through,” the ‘bo spoke out,
"On yonder streak of rust.
This cinder dick who hauled me here
Knows naught of wanderlust.
"I had a job like yours and his
‘Way back along the trail,
Arresting tramps and thieves and such
And sending them to jail.
And then one night from in the sky
I heard the honking geese.
They seemed to say, "Come follow us
And you will find your peace."
"A long long freight was leaving town;
Her
