July-August, 1969 - Milwaukee Road Archive

President Curtiss E. Crippen: "It is a distinct
pleasure to join the Milwaukee family
on this happy occasion." Seated is
General Solicitor R. K. Merrill, toastmoster
for the evening.
4
Banquet scene in the Grand Ballroom; Steve Swedish and his orchestra in
the background.
THE convention of the Veteran Employes'
Association in Milwaukee
the Saturday 'Of July 12 had just about
everything going for it to guarantee success.
Certainly, if fine weather, a large
turnout, congenial companionship and
an excellent program count as factors,
the 1969 reunion of the veteran members
of the Milwaukee Road family will
be remembered as one of the best in the
organization's 56-year history.
The place was the Hotel Pfister, famous
for Old Milwaukee hospitality and
headquarters for many Veterans' reunions
in the past. More than 500 attended,
counting wives and husbands of
members and people from the retired
ranks.
The opening session was devoted, as
usual, to signing in at the registration
desk, looking up friends, and getting
into the swing of things. By ten o'clock
the reception lounge was buzzing with
chatter. Activities were under way also
in the Switch Shanty (Imperial Ballroom).
For music, dancing and midmorning
refreshments, the Switch Shanty
The Veterans Meet
was the place to be.
A musical trio entertained also during
lunch, a delicious and lavish buffet
served in the G rand Ballroom.
After lunch the members convened in
the Hall of Presidents for a business
meeting and discussion period called to
order by Vice President F. G. McGinn,
president of the Veterans. The session
was fast-paced, starting with a summary
by Mr. McGinn of the Association's financial
condition and state of the membership.
According to the report of Miss
Florence M. Walsh, secretary-treasurer,
the membership as of the meeting was
approximately 4,100. However, Mr.
McGinn remarked that, gratifying as
this number is, a membership drive is in
order and urged those present to sign
up their co-workers now eligible to join
by reason of having reached 20 years
of service.
Among other matters taken up, Mr.
McGinn announced that rising costs of
hotel accommodations, entertainment
and the like made it advisable to resume
the practice of meeting biennially,
The Milwaukee Road Magazine