Based on the photo caption that I was able to read, these personnel photos were taken in July 1930. I have 6 of them. Beech Grove was the main building and repair shop of the Big Four. - Larry Griffey Collection.
Super, back when folks really worked hard. You have six of them? I for one would enjoy seeing the rest, Roger. :tb-biggrin:
Roger is there any indication as to which shops these folks worked in, ie forge, carpenter,upholstery etc. CT
The second photo in the series was labeled 7-7-1930, Paint and Air Gangs. That's all I have. This is the second photo.
When you think of all of the cars, engines, and everything else that the Central built and rebuilt at Beech Grove, it's amazing. Enjoying these photos, Roger. Amtrak still uses Beech Grove but they haven't done much repairing until just recently when they got a little more budget. :tb-sad:
I believe the railroad industry was the largest employer before WW-II, and from your great photos, it looks like Beech Grove certainly did their share. Even though the Central and Beech Grove were quite large, I doubt if they were the largest shops in the US during the 30's. I believe I heard that the Pennsy was the largest US railroad company at that time, so I assume the Juniata Shops were much larger, especially since most, if not all Pennsy's steam locos were erected in Altoona.
Thanks for all of those, Roger. Hank, I believe you are right, and the railroads were not only one of the biggest employers, most railroaders were looked up to as holding prestige positions, even if they were shop workers. It's a shame that we seem to have lost most of our heavy industry skills, steel, railroads, foundries, etc. I doubt we could build a mainline steam locomotive in the USA today. :tb-sad:
