ENGINEER JOE

When I was a youngster the word CONFERENCE was not in my vocabulary, unknown , that is, until my Uncle Joe gave meaning to it.

My mother's sister, Ellen, was married to Uncle Joe. He was a railroad engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad, with responsibility for hauling freight (mostly coal) out of Pittsburgh, Pa., where he and the family lived.

Every April, for as long as I can remember, Uncle attended a trainman's conference in Philadelphia. During those times he stayed with us to reduce the cost of the conference. I remember his genial manner and Irish wit.

I have always been interested in trains, sparked, I believe, by those early-day "seashore excursions" (MICKEY-MINNIE-PLUTO blog). Included in this interest is a funny family story that you will enjoy.

When my late mother-in-law's uncle came from Detroit for his yearly visit, they went sightseeing. On one particular visit, they attended the Ben Franklin Museum, in Philadelphia. In the museum basement was a mammoth railroad engine with a sign inviting people to step up into the cab. Inside the cab was a further sign marked "push," so Uncle complied. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD, my mother-in-law screamed, and Uncle jumped out of the cab. After moving forward about ten feet, the engine reversed to its starting position --a very realistic part of the exhibit to say the least.

So, dear readers, be selective in your pushing of buttons.

More, later.