Louis:
Here is my first E
L Potarf story. A R MacDonald (Art) told me this story in the early
1970's. Mr. Potarf VP-O, Art (who was an operating officer by this time
but do not remember what his title was when this occurred) and J W Terreill
(Divn. Supt.?) were high-railing on a Nebraska branch line probably in
the early 1960s. ELP had just bought a new camera and suggested to Art who
was driving that when they saw some phesants to blow the car horn and he (ELP)
would get some photos of the birds in flight. They tried this several
times but the birds would not take flight. ELP then suggested that Art
continue to drive slowly, JWT would sit on one fender and throw rocks at the
birds and he would sit on the other fender and get his photos. They tried
this plan but the birds still would not take off. The birds would run
ahead and then turn into the ROW grass or corn fields. ELP was getting
frustrated and with a few well chosen words wondered why the birds would
not take off. JWT suggested that it was obvious the birds were not aware
that Mr. Potarf was Vice-President. More later. You can forward on
if you want.
Fred Crissey
- - - -
What a GREAT story! I remember both A.R. MacDonald
and J.W. Terrell (I think that's the correct spelling). Arthur
"Art" MacDonald was train master at North LaCrosse, WI, during the
time dad was assistant superintendent there in the late 1950s. Art and
dad became personal friends and stayed in touch throughout his lifetime. I
well remember that Mr. MacDonald had a copy of Lucius Beebe's "Mixed Train
Daily" that he loaned me to read. This, I think, was the first railroad
enthusiast book I had ever read. This inspired me to have my own railroad
books and over the years I have accumulated more than a hundred volumes. J.W.
"Johnny" Terrell was, as I recall, a Lines West division superintendent. I can
remember his name being spoken by my mom and dad, so they were all
acquainted. I'm looking forward to Fred's next ELP story -
Louis