The ideal complement to the new railroad diorama exhibit is the donation of a conductor’s uniform received from Oregon resident, Dick Richardson.
Dick Richardson and his father, Merle, both worked for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. Merle received a deferment from service in WWII because of his job with the railroad. The railroad was considered of major importance during the war effort. Merle worked for the railroad for 34 years.
The conductor was the train’s “bookkeeper.” At the end of their trips, the conductor on a passenger train was responsible for reporting to company officials, informing them of the number of passengers, arrival and departure times. They also collected tickets or cash for fares and provided passenger with information.
Read about the Railroad Coming to Oregon.