All train service employees and many others carried one of these keys. Beside the brass key is a home made key made from a piece of tubing. The origin of this key is unknown. This book described all the railroad signals and specified the action to be taken by employees in virtually every conceivable situation. Every train service employee had a rule book and knowledge of the rules was essential to safe and efficient operation of trains.
Similar books are still in use.
Also on this shelf is a small flambeau, a torch used by engineers in oiling around the engine at night on the road. A wick was stuffed in the end of the long spout. The handle of this flambeau has been damaged. On the bottom shelf is a field telephone used by making a temporary connection to a telephone line anywhere along the tracks. Donated by Bill Norman.