- Home
- California State Railroad Museum Library and Archives
- Arthur F. Smith interview
Arthur F. Smith interview
- Metadata
Notes to User
Due to original recording: Program Distorted at Times
Static on Tape
High Background Noise on Tape
Static on Tape
High Background Noise on Tape
Title
Arthur F. Smith interview
Series Title
Created Date
February 4th, 1976
Description
An audio interview lasting slightly over an hour. Interview with retired railroad engineer, Arthur Smith about his experiences on the job. Smith talked about the unique and unusual things he had seen on the job, seeing the “Freedom Train” that toured the country as part of the 1975 Bicentennial, and seeing his first diesel powered train in California. Smith and the interviewer frequently discussed the schematics and specifications of various trains that they had either worked on, or known about. They further talked about other California railroads before the interviewer turns to the main question of finding artifacts and information in the Central Pacific Railroad and Smith attempts to answer any questions he can. The two men exchanged stories about long trips and encountering “hobos” and runaways during their travels. There is reference to various locations throughout California (from Folsom and Stockton, to Riverside and Willets). Both mentioned “railroad bulls,” which are special agents. Smith and the interviewer talked at length about hobos, and even mentioned a “hobo convention” in Iowa where most of the espoused hobos were actually hippies. The interviewer then shared his experiences working on the Ohio Railroad as well as other railways in the American Southwest, although he doesn’t mention any specific companies.
Item or Container Annotations
Written on note with tape: Arthur F. Smith, Retired A.R. Engineer age 75 2/3/76; 45 yes a vanhooder(spelling?); Western Pacific; Rock Island; Southern Pacific; Missouri Pacific; talking to Hood River Blackie; Ex Hobo
Creators and Contributors
Subject Topic
Genre
Language
Media Type
Format
Audio cassette
Extent
1
Tape
Generation
Original
Stock Manufacturer
Sony
Copyright Statement
Copyright status unknown. This work may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, its reproduction may be restricted by terms of gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. This work is accessible for purposes of education and research. Transmission or reproduction of works protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user. California State Railroad Museum Library and Archives attempted to find rights owners without success but is eager to hear from them so that we may obtain permission, if needed. Upon request to Library.CSRM@parks.ca.gov, digitized works can be removed from public view if there are rights issues that need to be resolved.
Country of Creation
United States
Contributing Organization
Call Number
AC 5
Contributing Organization Contact Information
Email: library.csrm@parks.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 323-8073
Phone: (916) 323-8073
Organization Websites
Link to Internet Archive
Additional Technical Notes for Item
Quarter-Track
Duration
01:04:17