From: "Settlemoir" In 1943, the single track NYC/Big 4 Cairo Line handled a massive movement of crude oil from Norris City, Illinois to various refineries, while the "Big Inch" pipeline was being completed for the war effort. This operation is well chronicled in the book "Railroads at War", by S. Kip Farrington. The congratulatory message to Cairo Line employees is from Mr. H.F. Milligan, NYC's Illinois Division Superintendent at Mattoon. CAPT Rex Settlemoir Collection
every railroader should be proud of their work heritage and the role that railroaders played in both major wars. Without the devotion of railroaders both in this country and those in the service of our nation, there could have been a very different outcome. Those were most certainly super-herculean efforts and the NYCS was at the forefront! Thank you to my predecessors! Charlie (retired BNSF hogger)
A precious item. Thankfully it survived. Too many "railroadiana" collectors, and just fans, have ignored paper or even simply discarded it. There can be some fascinating historical information in the daily memos and telegrams.
A great piece of history there, Roger. I will second what Charlie said about the railroads participation in the two World War efforts.
