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Story
March 26, 1951
Trainman News
Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana
What is this article about?
Ernest P. Ouimette, 65, president of City of Homes Lodge 622, retires after 44 years railroading with Boston & Maine, plans travels with wife in new car. Career highlights include flagman duties, a tragic accident, and shift from conductor to brakeman due to injury. Family in Springfield area.
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E. P. Ouimette
Retires:
622 Prexy
Is
Going
to Travel,
But in His Shiny, New Car Now
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.—Ernest P. Ouimette has a brand new car in his garage, but it's going to get a work-out from now on.
Ouimette, 65, president of City of Homes Lodge 622, retired recently after 44 years of railroading and he and Mrs. Ouimette plan to do plenty of traveling in the next few years.
"Mother and I plan to drive up through Vermont and New Hampshire and the White Mountains. Then when it gets good and hot we'll drive to the North Shore."
He first joined the Brotherhood Dec. 22, 1907 in Lodge 238, transferring to Lodge 622 June 14, 1908. He has a 20-year emblem.
On his final run on the Boston & Maine from White River Junction to Springfield, Ouimette's train was 10 minutes late—and it's no wonder.
All along the way—at Windsor, Claremont, Bellows Falls, Brattleboro, Greenfield, Northampton and Holyoke—his friends and co-workers were lined up to wish him well and a happy retirement.
He carried the little black bag, badge of the flagman, usually containing some torpedoes, fuzees, book of rules and time card.
To a group of "rails" who had gathered to offer him congrats, Ouimette declared: "Keep an eye on that." Later, he added: "No torpedoes in there today. Carrying two fifths, and two boxes of cigars."
The veteran "rail" and Brotherhood member started railroading with the New Haven April 15, 1906 and remained in yard service until June 28, 1909 when he transferred to the Boston & Maine.
He had been a conductor nearly 30 years and held that position until last February when he was injured and became a brakeman.
As a conductor, his runs were on passenger trains to White River and on up through to Bretton Woods, N. H. He was assigned to the White Mountain Express for some time.
The most exciting happening during his long rail career, Ouimette recalled, was a tragic one when an engine plowed into the rear end of his train, killing two men. One of the victims was the fireman on the oncoming train who jumped to avoid injury and his head struck a rock, bringing instant death.
The Ouimettes have three children—Carlisle O. Ouimette and Mrs. Richard McCarthy, Springfield, and Mrs. Dorothy Ledger, West Springfield.
He is a member of the Masonic lodge at White River Junction.
How does he feel about Diesels replacing the steam locomotives?
"Diesels are cleaner, they handle the train better and they're smoother," he said. "And you don't get a cinder in your eye every time you stick your head out."
Retires:
622 Prexy
Is
Going
to Travel,
But in His Shiny, New Car Now
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.—Ernest P. Ouimette has a brand new car in his garage, but it's going to get a work-out from now on.
Ouimette, 65, president of City of Homes Lodge 622, retired recently after 44 years of railroading and he and Mrs. Ouimette plan to do plenty of traveling in the next few years.
"Mother and I plan to drive up through Vermont and New Hampshire and the White Mountains. Then when it gets good and hot we'll drive to the North Shore."
He first joined the Brotherhood Dec. 22, 1907 in Lodge 238, transferring to Lodge 622 June 14, 1908. He has a 20-year emblem.
On his final run on the Boston & Maine from White River Junction to Springfield, Ouimette's train was 10 minutes late—and it's no wonder.
All along the way—at Windsor, Claremont, Bellows Falls, Brattleboro, Greenfield, Northampton and Holyoke—his friends and co-workers were lined up to wish him well and a happy retirement.
He carried the little black bag, badge of the flagman, usually containing some torpedoes, fuzees, book of rules and time card.
To a group of "rails" who had gathered to offer him congrats, Ouimette declared: "Keep an eye on that." Later, he added: "No torpedoes in there today. Carrying two fifths, and two boxes of cigars."
The veteran "rail" and Brotherhood member started railroading with the New Haven April 15, 1906 and remained in yard service until June 28, 1909 when he transferred to the Boston & Maine.
He had been a conductor nearly 30 years and held that position until last February when he was injured and became a brakeman.
As a conductor, his runs were on passenger trains to White River and on up through to Bretton Woods, N. H. He was assigned to the White Mountain Express for some time.
The most exciting happening during his long rail career, Ouimette recalled, was a tragic one when an engine plowed into the rear end of his train, killing two men. One of the victims was the fireman on the oncoming train who jumped to avoid injury and his head struck a rock, bringing instant death.
The Ouimettes have three children—Carlisle O. Ouimette and Mrs. Richard McCarthy, Springfield, and Mrs. Dorothy Ledger, West Springfield.
He is a member of the Masonic lodge at White River Junction.
How does he feel about Diesels replacing the steam locomotives?
"Diesels are cleaner, they handle the train better and they're smoother," he said. "And you don't get a cinder in your eye every time you stick your head out."
What sub-type of article is it?
Biography
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Railroad Retirement
Brotherhood Lodge
Boston Maine
Flagman Career
Train Accident
Diesel Locomotives
What entities or persons were involved?
Ernest P. Ouimette
Mrs. Ouimette
Carlisle O. Ouimette
Mrs. Richard Mccarthy
Mrs. Dorothy Ledger
Where did it happen?
Springfield, Mass.
Story Details
Key Persons
Ernest P. Ouimette
Mrs. Ouimette
Carlisle O. Ouimette
Mrs. Richard Mccarthy
Mrs. Dorothy Ledger
Location
Springfield, Mass.
Event Date
Recently
Story Details
Ernest P. Ouimette retires after 44 years as railroad flagman and conductor, celebrated by colleagues on final run, plans travels with wife, recalls career accident and transition to Diesels.