Cherry, W T 1976-03-04

W. T. Cherry recalls his employment with the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railroad.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: W. T. Cherry

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: March 4, 1976

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Joanna Shurbet

Length: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Personal history, Early interest in trains, Family history, Family travels, Galveston flood (September, 1900), Father, country doctor, Education, Beginnings with railroad, Job description, Engines described, Cars described, Speed, Traffic, Mail rate, Government takeover during war, Naming of railroad, World War II traffic, Union membership, "Feather bedding", Strikes, Luxury Pullman cars described, History of company ownership, Job history, Duties as station agent, Anecdote about traveling to father's funeral, Family train trips, Chicago World's Fair, Lifetime pass, Financial problems of railroad, Train wrecks, Maintenance, Conversion to steam engine

Tape 1, Side 2: Advantages of steam engines, Other innovations, Laying track, Laborers, Westward movement, Effects of automobiles on railroading, Effect of depression, Wage cuts, Changes in freight, Advantages of being station agent, Changes in cars, Move to Slaton, Texas (1939), Description of changes in West Texas, Growth of Lubbock, Texas, Role of Texas Tech, Station houses described, Ticket fares, Amtrack system, Railway cutbacks

Tape 2, Side 1: Railroads, Immigrant cars, Rates, Interstate Commerce Commission, Railroad regulation, Railroad freight, Shipping rates, Insurance

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1900-1976

Bulk Dates: 1900-1939

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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