Railroad memories
Toolbox
Published: November 7, 2009
I was about 10 years old and coloring on the floor of my grandparents' Crescent Street apartment. A knock came on the door. My grandparents were busy in the kitchen and didn't hear the knock so I peeked and answered it. It was two gentlemen in grey suits asking about my great-grandfather, David Keefe. I said, "He died last year in the nursing home." They said they were from the Railroad Association and wanted to give him a pin for service. I said I would get my grandparents. I went to get my Grandpa Jim. He worked for the Rutland Railroad for 25 years, so I knew he wanted to talk with them. I ran in the kitchen and said, "Grandpa, Grandpa, the railroad people are here!" He and my grandmother ran to greet them. They explained to them, as I listened. They had a 60-year pin for service to the railroad and wanted to present it. My Grandfather was the oldest son and said he would take the pin in his dad's memory. It was in a box with blue velvet. It looked special and was. We all smiled. He was a hard-working, great man. We wished he were there with us.
As I read in the Herald about the Rutland Railroad car they want to refurbish and put by the train station downtown, this memory and more came back to me. There are many relatives of these men up and down the corridor from Bellows Falls to Rutland and other places. They no doubt have memories, too. The railroad was a big part of our history, locally and nationally. What good thoughts!
All my best wishes on this downtown project. I would love for the history to be known.
DEBBIE KEEFE TYLER
Bellows Falls
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