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R&LHS presents achievement award to Jim Scribbins
That’s wonderful! I’ve always admired Mr. Scribbins very much.
Jim Scribbins is a man of great good will and generosity. I was fortunate to make his acquaintance in the 1970s when I was working for the Soo Line in Chicago. Years later, I requested his assistance when I was working on a book about the Milwaukee Road. Not only did he provide several valuable photos, but he also read a draft of the manuscript and offered numerous corrections and suggestions that helped make it a better book than it would have been otherwise. He did likewise when I was developing a book about the C&NW. Having come from a North Western family, Jim knew as much about that railroad as he did about his long-time employer, the Milwaukee Road.
If Jim’s only legacy were the books and articles he wrote about these two railroads and the many photos he took, that would be enough to put him in the highest rank of railroad historians. But his contributions go far beyond that. Congratulations, Jim!
Mr. Jim Scribbins is as fine a gentleman as anyone would ever wish to meet. Many years ago I had occasion to ask him details of where the Milwaukee and the Burlington began their joint trackage in Minnesota up to St. Paul, and of course he immediately drew a track diagram for me. I suspect he has the complete Milw. (and perhaps the CNW) committed to memory. Jim, if you happen to read this: “Best Wishes.”