Leo,
My folks had a coal furnace in Downers Grove until 1977. As a kid in the '50s, I used to shovel coal into the Ironman stoker that fed the furnace with a CB&Q coal scoop. At the time, it was almost new, but some relatives used it to scoop snow so it is somewhat worn along the front edge. I still have the scoop in the garage . It belong to my dad's cousin who was a Q fireman on commuter trains in the '40s and early '50s. It is clearly stamped "CB&Q RR" where the handle is mounted to the scoop. I also have a CB&Q long spout oil can from the same source. Prized possessions, both.
Bill Barber Tue Feb 28, 2012 2:35 pm (PST)
Ah the memories. My parents house was coal furnace heated until the early
60s. Watch for an upcoming Zephyr article on how my Dad and Uncle put my
brother and I to work for a couple heating seasons reducing the coal bill with
"Free Fuel from the RR". No it wasnt coal from the RR.
I think everyone will enjoy the story.
Leo Phillipp
Ps-As a kid I shoveled snow for many years using a BR marked coal scoop. In
fact I grew to love that scoop so much I even sand blasted and painted it.
But then I dont know what happened to it. Seem to recall it was a #4.
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