Issued by the Chicago Great Western Railway Co.
Oelwein, Iowa
Volume 14
FINAL ISSUE
V. Allan Vaughn, Editor G.L. Vargason, Ass't Editor
June 30, 1968
Kansas City, Missouri
TO ALL GREAT WESTERNERS:
When the clock passes midnight on June 30th, a new era in transportation will begin
as the Chicago Great Western Railway Company, through merger, combines its
properties and operations with those of the Chicago and North Western Railway
Company. The combined companies Will span a 12,000 mile network from
Chicago to the Dakotas, and from St. Louis and Kansas City to the Canadian
Gateway at Duluth-Superior.
The Great Western enters this merger not only with its rolling stock and properties,
but with its people, the heart of any company. When I think of the Great Western
family, I cannot find words to describe the teamwork which has always
characterized our Company. No task too difficult, no problem left unsolved, the
team spirit has always been "give us results."
Good will between a corporation and the members of its family is a valued and
respected factor, and the Great Western brings to the merged company the
immeasurable experience, skills, spirit of cooperation and determination of each of
you.
I know that the sincere trust and ability you have shown me will receive equal
appreciation from the officers and staff of the merged company.
A LOT OF BUILDING.....
1854-Charter issued to Minnesota and North Western Railroad.... And A Few Abandonments
Epilog
As you read this shortened issue of the SAFETY NEWS, our last presentation, history has already begun to pen the first few pages of the merged company.
History teaches us that when a period of change occurs, such as that fleeting moment at one minute past midnight July 1st, we are seemingly between two epochs; the dying culture and familiar sights of yesterday and the coming challenge and unknown of tomorrow.
The darkness between the two has lifted and we are now in the light of that tomorrow-we have come face to face with the future and it is ours to record in the pages of time.
What then of yesterday and its sights and sounds, its memories and accomplishments? Are they gone, are they filed away with the records marked "CGW" and like the familiar emblem of black and orange, a part of history on which the ink is dry?
I think not. What do you remember?
Memory lane is a pleasant and comforting path, but one must not tread its maze too long - just enough to give depth and insight to the broad avenue of the future.
I remember many things, and many sights, and many people. Mr. Reidy spoke of the Great Western family in his letter-a hardy race of railroaders and dedicated to the task of moving freight and, in another era, people as well.
I remember the motive power which evolved the task of moving steel over steel-the mighty 2-10-4 Texas, the undisputed lord of the iron. The CGW is far from one of the largest railroads entering Chicago, the World's Railroad Center, but its 800s were never challenged as the biggest steam power operating in and out of Railroadtown.
I remember the first maroon and chocolate brown Diesels, at first a sheet metal monster along side the mighty 2-10-4. Progress being what it is and always will be, gave the steamer her deserved niche in railroad lore and crowned the Diesel king-and who knows, the King may yet fall to progress again.
I remember a 1500-mile hauler of meat and packing house products, a hauler of ore and ingots, a hauler of lumber and grain-the harvests of an abundant Mother Nature.
I remember stories of a man with a flaming red beard who roared and built with James J. Hill and other tycoons--a man with vision and the first of the line of Great Western leaders--Alpheus Beede Stickney--a man who left his image in those who followed as CGW chief executives.
I remember the "varnish era" which I saw only the final days-days of; the "Old Elm Club" and "Interlachen Club"-remnants of the ghosts of another age, like 'Legionnaire" and "Great Western Limited"--another chapter of history inked dry and faded but a stop on memory lane.
I remember a legion of Great Westerners spanning the half-century mark in cab and caboose, in office and section gang. Such a tribute to one's company is a record any railroad accepts as honor indeed, that its men devote their entire working days to its service.
I remember the railroad itself, winding through hill and farm, along river and streams of Iowa and the other states served by the Great Western. Winston Tunnel, Nerstrand Hill, the bluffs along the Missouri, the lakes and forests in Minnesota, and the little country stations with their distinctive CGW depot design which dates from the standard design of the old M&NW -and the towns with the puzzling names I've always intended to investigate such as Virgill, Sugar Loaf, Palsville, Skyburg, Barney, Myrtle, and a couple of others.
I remember my first job, in the Accounting Department, opening mail "and such other duties as may be assigned"-it was a challenge to open the pouches, as you often found various bugs and other creatures which inhabit baggage wagons on platforms awaiting trains.
I remember snowstorms and floods-nature's jokes against man and machine which slowed down the CGW team but seldom stopped it.
I remember many other things, but it's your turn-my last memory I save for you readers, and also my thanks for support of Galen, Lana, and myself. I'm sure Bob Bedgood, George Kellogg, and the late Walt Murphy chime in, too.
We remain and the name goes --but what's in a name? Plenty.
VAV