July-August, 1969 - Milwaukee Road Archive

Officers of the Veteran Employes' Association and members of the executive committee
assembled for the business meeting: W. D. Sunter (from left), J. A. Jakubec, Miss
Florence M. Walsh, Vice President F. G. McGinn, M. L. Medinger, W. C. Lummer, E. G.
Tyckoson Sr. and J. W. Macht.
as the bylaws prescribe, rather than annually,
as has been customary in recent
years. He said that the executive committee
would arrange for a reunion in
1971, and a notice regarding the time
and place would be published in The
Milwaukee Road Magazine.
The election of officers was no-contest,
both Mr. McGinn and Werner C.
Lummer, vice president of the Association,
being re-elected unanimously. The
office of secretary-treasurer is appointive,
in Milwaukee
and to everyone's satisfaction, it was
understood that Miss Walsh would
continue as such. This was the final
matter on the agenda, and the meeting
adjourned to get on with the business
of having more fun.
Again the Switch Shanty became the
hub of activity as members congregated
there through the afternoon to chat and
lounge before assembling for the reunion
banquet.
The Grand Ballroom sparkled for the
occasion, its gold decor enhanced by
floral centerpieces and the mirrored reflection
of softly shaded lights R. K.
Merrill, general solicitor of the railroad,
acted as toastmaster for the evening,
which opened with a solo rendition of
The Star Spangled Banner. The meal
was excellent, and Steve Swedish and his
orchestra entertained while the Veterans
did justice to roast young tom turkey
and the menu that went with it.
Mr. Merrill was in his best form, introducing
the speakers with amusing
anecdotes and letting the quips fall
where they might. Mr. McGinn was the
first to speak, welcoming the Veterans
with warmth. "It is a pleasure to address
such a fine group of friends," he
said, "and to see such a gratifying turnout
in our 56th year."
In his talk Mr. McGinn gave a short
resume of the business meeting and announced
that the executive committee
Lounging in the Switch Shanty are, from left, Mrs. F. R. Houston, wife of managerclaim
prevention, refrigerator & merchandise service; Mrs. R. J. Kemp, wife of assistant
to vice president-CPR&MS, their daughter Mary and Mr. Kemp; Mr. Houston; and
A. M. Detuno, retired Chicago Terminals agent, and Mrs. Detuno.
July-August, 1969
Mr. and Mrs. AI J. Dinoffria arrive from
Chicago on No. 27.
had already acted to arrange a reunion
in 1971. It will be held at the Radisson
Hotel in Minneapolis, he said, with the
date to be decided upon later.
Mr. Merrill next introduced the people
at the head table-honored among
the group were retired veterans who
have reached the senior age bracketand
then President Curtiss E. Crippen
as the speaker of the evening.
Mr. Crippen prefaced his remarks by
singling out in the audience fellow veterans
and their wives with whom he and
Mrs. Crippen had renewed acquaintanceships
in the course of the day. "It is a
distinct pleasure to join the Milwaukee
family on this happy occasion," he said;
"to meet old acquaintances, to make new
ones, and to reminisce with our old
timers about experiences we have shared
on the railroad."
Turning to the subject of his talkhow
things are going on the railroad­
Mr. Crippen said that 1968 was a relatively
good year, net income having
totaled about $6 million. He observed,
however, that owing to unusual expenses
and inflationary pressures, this year the
railroad. is hard pressed to make ends
meet.
Putting the situation in perspective, he
said that the winter of 1968·69 was the
most severe in his 40 years of experi­
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