There was rule in the book that stated passengers under the influence were
not to be allowed on a train.
It's Oct 17,1932 and train #233 has just backed down from 14th St for
departure at 8:47PM. This train typically had a short window in CUS of about
15 minutes after backing down. The Condr( R.J. Densch) walks the platform
shooting the numbers and goes back into the relay office to register and pick
up orders. Meanwhile the flagman and brakeman are at the train assisting in
loading this dinkie. Since the train backs in close to departure many
passengers are loading at once as soon as the train stops. The flagman of
course is busy with markers,etc. Long and short of the story,no member of the
crew notices a certain large man and his equally large male companion board.
As Densch collects tickets passing Western Ave he notices these 2 in the
"ladies" car and advises the more sober of the 2 that he should move the oth
er very drunk guy into the smoker so that if he gets sick the mess will be in
there. The drunk takes great exception to this and attempts to strike Densch
and the "body guard" wrestles the drunk back in his sit.The drunk threatens
Densch every time he passes down the aisle.
At La Grange the 2 move to the smoker which is occupied by many Q employees
D.H. ing home to Aurora.Included is a special agent and a couple painters
from the General Office.The verbal threats again are directed toward Densch
each time he passes by. The drunk attempts repeatedly to hit Densch and the
"body guard" has him corralled in his sit.At Fairview Densch is in the
"ladies" car and unloads from there. Upon leaving he starts thru the car
toward the smoker but the drunk has broken free of the restraining arms of
his companion and is charging for the "ladies car". Densch sees him coming
and reverses direction toward the east end of the car.The drunk sways his way
across the open platforms and into that car. He hunches over into a football
linemans stance and charges Densch.
Now the D.H.s are on their feet after the drunk but they can only watch thru
the doors as they're too late.
Densch doesnt stand a chance as the guy outweighs him by 100 pounds or more
and is drunk and fighting mad. So...........
Densch grabs the ventilatory stick and when the drunk gets in range he clubs
him across the forehead. Down he goes and then the "body guard" picks him up
and assists in getting him off at Downers Grove main. The drunk is taken to
the company doctor there for the gash in his brow.
The investigation is lengthy and Densch is questioned extensively about
knowing the rule about carrying intoxicated passengers,why didnt he call for
help at any station to get the guy off,etc,etc. Densch states he didnt know
the guy was aboard until Western Ave or so and then felt that the body guard
was keeping him under control and they'd get him to his destination w/o
incident.
The outcome for Densch will forever remain a mystery because there is no
further correspondence in the file.
Leo
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