The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1917-12-18
WOMEN DO WELL
AT RAILROADINC

experiments conducted in the
Sparks shops, as well as in the
Southern Pacific shops at Ogden. show
that women are proving highly ell
Gent substitutes for men in many
branches of railway service. A month
ago. the only woman employed in the
SPARKS yards and shops were used in
coach cleaning and similar work. To
day. the women are being used al
some of the lighter employments
about the shops, and three women are
performing work which requires a
nigh degree of skill in the operation
OF lathes in heavier work and in turn
ing out small brass pieces.
With the next draft, if more men
should be drawn from this section.
there will be number of young men
from the Sparks yards who will be
called, leaving places open which will
probably be filled by women.
With the experience so far" said
J. M. Fulton, assistant general freight
and passenger agent, I'VE are highly
pleased with what women can do.
They are showing themselves TO be
very capable in many branches of the
railroad service.
To encourage the employment of
women to fill vacancies caused by the
departure of the young men who are
serving with the flag, the Southern
Pacific Company has established a
school for women and girls at San
Francisco, where several branches of
railroad work are taught. The young
women get small salary while at
tending the school, where they are
taught telegraphing, accounting and
various kinds of shop work requiring
highly trained employees.
I'm line with the plan of assuring
the best working conditions for the
companys employees. special dressing
rooms, with showers and wash rooms.
are being provided for the women.
Every effort to give them the best of
working conditions is being made.
"One is quite likely to see a we'll
dressed, neat-appearing young lady
turn in at the shop gates. under sign
employees only A few moments af-
terwards, the same young lady, in
heavy canvas blouse and overalls, and
with her hands encased in heayg
gloves, may be standing at her lathe.
turning out metal pieces. and per
forming work which heretofore has
been done by the men.
In IL
branches of work at which the women
were at first used exclusively, they
have attained a degree of proficiency
which few of the men employees show
ed. II seems TO be a woman's work
10 keep things looking spic and span.
The cars under the care of the women
coach cleaners are noticeably well
cleaned, busted and kept looking trim
and neat"
Asked as to the qualifications neces-
sary to join the school at San Fran
cisco. and whether the institution was
open TO local women, Mr.. Fulton said
the Southern Pacific Company. in ope-
rating it's training school. insisted on
young women. who are healthy, bright
and ambitious He said local women
could take up. the work as they desired
training for the departments requir-
ing trained workers.
"Of course the company is partic-
ular about the persons it accepts in
the training school," said Mr.. Fulton.
Quite a bit of time and money is
spent educating the women to be use
| full in railroad work, and before ac-
cepting a woman for the training, the
company wants TO feel certain that
she will be worthy of the attention
which will be given to her education
| in railroad work.
"If a young woman is capable and
ambitious. the company will be glad TO
have her enrolled in the school, and
will give her every advantage to learn
the work in the particular branch in
which she wishes to take up her
work. Reno Gazette.