Friday, January 28, 2011

TRAINS NOT PLANES

Hey, trains and streetcars are coming back. If you lived in a family like mine where your father-in-law and his father were engineers on the railroad and my husband wanted to be, and loved trains and passed that on to all his sons, you would be elated. My husband even proposed to me beside a railroad track and on our engagement night he went to pick up his dad and his crew as they were deadheading back to town!

The way the airlines are treating us these days, causes one to think back on the comfort and the amenities of a good old train ride. It also reminds me of the first time I took a train ride. It was during WW2 and I was at school in Chicago during the Christmas Holidays as I had no money to go home. I, along with other students from California and Massachusetts, was working at the Chicago Post offices as part time Christmas rush help. When I arrived home from work one day on the EL (elevated train in Chicago) and the streetcar, I had a message to see the President of our college. He asked me if I wanted to go home for Christmas. He told me the person who had given me my scholarship had given him money to give to me to go home. I was thrilled.

I also was a little nervous about taking a train for the first time, so I went down to Union Station the day before I was to leave and took a sort of 'dry run'. In 1943, Union Station looked almost like an army and navy base for it was fraught with soldiers and sailors. They were mostly a serious lot, anxious to get home on a long awaited leave before being shipped overseas they knew not where. Once you were sent over, you didn't come back except in a body bag or injured. Not until the war was over. I bought my ticket and found the proper gate and watched the very train I was to take leave at 6 P.M. sharp. My brother Paul always thought this dry run was so funny and frequently told the story and laughed.

The next day the train was loaded with military personnel. It was so crowded I did not think I would be able to get on, but some of them hoisted my suitcase up the steps and me also and there I sat for part of the journey---on my suitcase. As we continued on our trip, some of the congestion was relieved and eventually I ended up in the aisle on my suitcase. Later a soldier got me a seat. It was on an old car as they had scared up all the old cars for use during the war. The seats were stiff and straight and were actually benches that faced each other.

As the night progressed, I ended up sleeping on the bench with some soldier's heavy overcoat over me. He was so nervous and paced the aisle smoking one cigarette after another. The train plowed through snow and we were diverted to a side track also and we did not reach Ironwood, Michigan (in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) until 12 noon the next day. Reunions with family were a sight to see. There were no social divisions here as everyone, rich and poor alike, had someone in the service. We had two stars in our window for my two brothers . We were glad that they were blue and not gold.

As for streetcars, how much fun we had jumping on the Kedzie Avenue streetcar in Chicago near our college hanging on to the rear platform bar and sometimes extending way out into the street! I just read where they are going to put some l950's streetcars into use in Milwaukee. And they are in great shape--albeit l950's shape. They use them in some cities in Europe and the strange thing is that though bus companies are competing sometimes on the same route, when the people have a choice, they pick the streetcar to ride.

It is a freer more open kind of transportation. Easy on and easy off with more room to move. In Portland and New Orleans here in the U.S. they have put the streetcars back and the people love it. And according to this report, more cities are looking into it. Man, how I loved to hear the clang of the bell in the Spring from our dorm from Kedzie Avenue. It is the same when I hear a train whistle in the night.

Trains and streetcars--some of my most favorite things in this world.

17 comments:

Gail said...

A wonderful story.

My husband's father worked for the railroad and that was the main transportation they used.

I look forward to witnessing the rebirth of this transportaion.

Freda said...

I got taken round London on trains and trams by my Dad who worked for London Transport - he was a fount of knowledge. Great fun, good times. Thanks for sharing your memories.

Joey said...

Bernie,

I loved this post! It was as if I had stepped back in time with you. Please... write more about your life. I want to read about it!

I'd give anything to ride a train.

Love,
Joey

Deb Shucka said...

I just love your stories! There is something really magical about riding a train. I grew up with train tracks in our back yard, and the sound of the whistle and the wheels is one of comfort and a call to adventure to me.

Barb said...

I enjoyed your story/memory, Bernie. I grew up around train tracks, too - I would fall asleep to the muted whistles.

yaya said...

Growing up in Chicago I loved the el! My Grandkiddos loved it too when I took them downtown last summer. I took a train once to Chicago from Ashland and I really liked it. When we were in Alaska we traveled by train and that was a blast too. I hate flying and would take a train ride any time..Great post Bernie!

Pat said...

What a great story! I've ridden on the "EL" and the train into Chicago. The "EL" is much bumpier!

Bernie said...

What a wonderful post. Both my dad and my grandfather worked and retired from the CNR (train in Canada) after 35 and 40 years of service. I loved the train and still do.
You have a wonderful way with words my friend, each and every post is so enjoyable as well as filled with great knowledge of a life that was rich and full. You are one special lady....:-)Hugs

Anita said...

Many thoughts came to my mind as I was reading.

When I was in college, my freshman year in particular, I had to ride the Greyhound bus "back home." It was crowded,too, with nearby soldiers. We were all so desperate to get on the bus, and it seemed that no consideration was given to the girls. I sat on my suitcase in the aisle a few times, too.

Your WWII mention makes me think of a book on tape that I'm listening to - The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw. I'm really beginning to love history and you've just contributed with your stories of trains and trolley cars.

Thanks. :)

The Book Nut said...

I have always wanted to take a trip by train! I love trains and have been a model railroader all my life! My kids love them too! :)

By the way, if you're interested in this kind of thing, I gave you a Stylish Blogger Award! :) If you would like to accept it just stop by my blog for the details. If not, that's OK, I still think you're a great blogger! :)

Jane said...

What a great post. I remember the EL in chicago,years ago.You sure have a way with words!I am following your blog, you are welcome to follow mine as well.oh, thanks for the cat widget, Blessings jane

Kesha Tickets said...

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Susan R. Mills said...

Very nice story. It takes me back in time. Well told!

June said...

I rode on a train one time, when I was about five years old. All I really remember was that the seats were a dusty red velvet-ish material, and that the backs of them were hinged, so you could face forward or backward. I spent quite a lot of time amusing myself with flipping the back of one seat...

Your comment at AG about Family Circle made me laugh. I know just what he meant about his fingers being able to stay together!

Wanda..... said...

Beautiful post Bernie, you have given us so many great stories. I have wonderful memories of waving to the man in the caboose as the train passed through our town. Hearing the whistle in the far off distance is something I miss. They removed the rails and it's now The Little Miami Bike Trail here in Ohio!

Angie said...

I really enjoyed that post ...loved the 40's memories.

microsoft outlook exchange said...

Wonderful post! Keep writing!

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