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I greatly enjoy talking with former Rock Island employees in Arkansas and hearing their stories of what it was like working for this once great railroad. In recent years I've driven around the state, looking at the places where it ran. Hearing first-hand accounts of things that happened in those places is extremely interesting for me. Also, anyone who has spent much time working for a railroad is typically full of amazing stories, experiences and occasionally even near death experiences. Or they've seen horrific things that sometimes happen. Below are three people who I've interviewed over the years who worked for the Rock Island in Arkansas. I've made a page with MP3 files for each that can be downloaded and listened to. I think anyone interested in the Rock Island or of trains in Arkansas might enjoy hearing their stories. |
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From 1942 to 1978 L.T.
Walker worked for the Rock Island out of Little Rock, eventually becoming
a conductor. I recorded an interview with him in 1988 while researching
a high school paper on the railroad. There are 11 MP3 cuts available for
download. |
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Al Dodson serviced air breaks,
oversaw the cleanup of wrecks and eventually became head of the union
in Arkansas. He shares good details about the labor disputes that were
the final blow for the financially crippled railroad. There are six MP3
files available here for download. |
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Joe Rook, who worked as
a conductor, witnessed the slow demise of the railroad until it was shut
down in 1980. He also shares his futile efforts to keep the old Rock Island
tracks in use in Arkansas. There are seven MP3 files available for download. |
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