The timetable as period literature
A quick shout-out to the local seed harvesters with tails: our transport system is back in place. Pre-boarding snacks will be provided, and a new neighbourhood is assured, once your personal trip is over. Today’s passenger seemed a little reluctant to quit the comfort zone, but gravity helps in getting that four-paw grasp to loosen.
And now back to regular content. Actually, today’s point of interest also involves transport. Back about a half-century ago I was tightly linked to the rail system. Lived beside it and watched the comings and goings with the intent gaze of a child unfamiliar with the alternatives. Planes were something that flew overhead, nothing more. Anyhow, I didn’t come from a house with lots of books, and so I clung to the updates of the system timetables. Technical literature of the period, with all sorts of information for the growing mind.
Consider it: maps, place names, schedules, an introduction to time zones. Equipment lists, ads mentioning mysterious things like the “teletype”. Phone numbers, in a world of the crank and operator. And so much more. Why, I was there when the green and gold leaf logo gave way to the white noodle (CN, son). This afternoon, online, I found the two timetables from the period in question.
Many more trains. Many more places. Travel from coast to coast (including the Rock). Almost gone; my children will never know the thrill of watching a long train pull in to the station, signalling the start of another on-board adventure. I’m sorry about that, kids. Seriously.
