Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-09-12
Letter from Washington


Editor TlMES:-Once more l take
pleasure i'll writing you a few lines
and to let our friends know that we
are still on cart
None of us have travelled out from
here any since our arrival except Fisk.
He took to the sea some three weeks
ago; went aboard steamer as cook.
but last heard of him had located in
Everett, Wash, about 20 miles north
of here. Have no news of any special
note to mention.
From the 14,h to che Gath the Elks
Carnival was held, and must say that
there was "hot time in the old
town" 1t was simply immense! The
town was profusely decorated in pur-
pie bunting and banners of the order,
and Elks heads, horns and stuffed
Elks to be seen on all sides. Elks of
the fraternity were present from all
over the country. They had the Grand
Army band of Canton, Ohio, during
the festivities. This band is great;
consists of some go pieces. These Elks
when they undertake to make dis
play it is up to the top notch. With
one exception everything went we'll,
one man was killed in saloon rob-
berry; numbering has been in fashion
for about week; three in about eight
days. Rather quiet since the carni
val.
Labor Day was observed yesterday
without any mishaps by the different
unions of the city, giving nice par
ade with some 500 men in line. One
of the features was wooden locomo-
tive of standard size, completely equip
ped, built on street car trucks and run
over the principal streets of the city.
Will mention few of the acquain-
tances we have made for the benefit
of the old timers of the e. & NV,
and the shops at home. While we were
in st. Paul, at the Como shops, we met
Mr.. ID. Z. Horn, an old Northwestern
conductor; found in him real COM
panionable and sociable gentleman; he
has been with the Northern Pacific %
years, and enjoys the dis tinction of
being the oldest man in that branch
of the service. AT Spokane, or near
there, met q Mr.. Campbell, an old
Northwestern man, in the train SER
vice, has train on the Northwestern
now. A few days ago l was in the
coach shop and CHANGED to get into
conversation with James II. Brown,
who tells me he began railroading in
Missouri Valley. Well, l had to tell
HIM everything knew about Missouri
Valley. and the old times about the
shops. He was enquiring about them
all, Ramseyer, Weston, Billy Harmon,
Billy Heron and Capt. Brown; besides
about some of his relatives that he
left there. He is foreman of the coach
work here; has been with this COM
pany ever since he left Missouri Val.
ley, over 90 years ago No doubt would
be pleased to hear from some of you.
A few words about the equipment
here and then am done; these shops
are built on the most modern plans
we'll ventilated, lighted with electric
lily, equipped with all kinds OF
machinery needed to carry on the work
of this kind. Floors are either paved
with cedar blocks or cement. They
can build locomotive, coach or freight
car. There are at present about $50
men working. Will confess now that
we have to work q great deal harder
than at the Valley, and if jack hap.
pens to fall on your foot you don't get
to pull off your shoe aud show all the
boys how it was done. l will bid you
all good bye for this time, hoping to
have something of interest to write in
q few weeks. w. ID. PARR.
L