Jackson Advocate

Pennsy Railroad Appoints First Negro Porters Supervisor

Philadelphia, Pa. - The appointment of the first colored supervisor of station porters for the Pennsylvania Railroad system has been revealed in the naming of Peter J. Washington, of Philadelphia to the post. The selection of Mr. Washington for the job was made by H. L. Nancarrow, General Manager of the lines Eastern Division, who believed that this step was warranted.

In his new capacity, the 34 year old executive will have direct supervision of some 70 station porters who work out of the Broad Street, 30th Street, and North Philadelphia stations of the system. He replaces assistant station master Harry Welte, who previously carried on the responsibilities of the task, until it was discovered that the job required closer attention. In view of the service record of Washington, he was shortly named to the job, and assumed his duties, effective July 1.

The new porter head entered the employ of the Pennsylvania railroad on March 3, 1937 as a station porter, during which time he saw service in all three stations of the company at Philadelphia. Because of his lack of seniority, there were several occasions when forced reductions in personnel involved his furlough. However, because of his desire to stay with the company, he took any job that would become available to him, and at various times he was a laborer at the 46th St. Engine House; a trucker at the Philadelphia Transfer; and an extra cleaner at 30th Street Station.

It is believed that this diligence is largely responsible for the decision nominate him for the supervisory job. According to officials for the company, his performance has been more than satisfactory, and there is no regrets that a Negro has been given the job. His first major assignment was for the recent Democratic National Convention just concluded here, and during that period not one place of baggage was lost, according to company spokesmen.

Mr. Washington, a native-born Virginian, lives with his wife and 5 children at a local housing project, and is active in the civic affairs of the community.