I was just singing the song that my aunt and I wrote about my Grampa…her father. She wrote the lyrics long ago about her Dad and many years later I was given permission to put melody to it and change a few words to make it my own story about grampa. As I was just singing it I got to thinking about the railroad.
My Grampa kept tracks clear and lights working so everyone in the Newport, Maine area stayed safe. Who were the people that road these rails I wonder? I am thinking that many of my aunts and uncles and cousins were on the trains. Perhaps even my Mom and Dad. I recall it being an old stream engine with coal smoke burping from out the stack, with the most interesting whistle that made my sister run to Mom in fright. It never scared me! (smile)
I am thinking that many Hobos were on it as well. Did you know that Hobos helped lay the lines? Well they did. Along with building bridges and highways. The American Hobo of old helped build America. Don’t doubt it now. It is true.
Yes, there were other men that lived in the area hired to do the work that was being done. Many such things were being built but think about it for a moment. Hobos would travel to where the work was. Before the tracks were laid they had to walk. This labled them “tramps’ for they tramp tramp tramed wherever they went. They “tramped” and were hired when they got to their destination. After the trains were coming thru then they could catch a ride to the next area in which another set of tracks were to be laid. Now, are you wondering if every word I am typing is copied from history books? Well, no….it isn’t. It is just my thoughts of the day. I would like to be able to thank all the men and women that built the railways for giving all they had to keep loved ones safe. Wouldn’t you?
Till next time,
JudyLynn