One of the things I regret is that I did not take the time to learn more about my family history from my parents when they were still living. Now I have a lot of questions and it is too late to ask. One of the best ways to learn about earlier times is to talk to the people who lived through them.
A while back, John Springer, who is a regular contributor the The Trackside Photographer, phoned me and said that he knew of several retired railroaders who had worked at a time when telegraphy and morse code were still in use by the railroad. A few weeks before Christmas, we had the opportunity to record a conversation with three “old-timers” and listen to their stories. This is history—living history.
Their stories are fascinating, and provide a vivid glimpse into a time when railroad operations were more akin to the 19th than to the 21st century.
Edd Fuller, Editor
