Way To Go
Once in a while, a story comes along with a bit of human interest worth noting. This one reminds us of the days when the guy on the train who waved at folks as his train went by was known to everybody, and liked by everybody, as his train stopped here and there, performing its chores with the personal touch making sure everything was done properly. And so it seemed appropriate that, when the railroader retired from his company, there was a crowd who showed up at the end of his career to wish him well.
Bob Dickel ended his career as Conductor on train EDWJ/WJED, which handles freight for Guilford Rail on the “Conn River” between East Deerfield, Massachusetts and White River Junction, Vermont. His last northbound run was on August 27 and when he stepped off the locomotive that night at Bellows Falls, Vermont, he was surprised to find a crowd waiting for him - a crowd that included his wife, daughter and daughter-in-law, fellow railroaders and friends. Even the local newspapers were represented, at the invitation of Green Mountain Railroad dispatcher Jim Warsher, who felt strongly that Mr. Dickel deserved to be honored for the way he had represented his company over the years. Stories of the event were subsequently published in the “Eagle Times” of Claremont, New Hampshire and the “Brattleboro Reformer” in Vermont.
Of course, Bob Dickel always liked trains and thus, while honeymooning in New Hampshire far from his native Pennsylvania, he sought railroad work, first at the Central Vermont, where he was considered “too old” (at age 30!), and then at Boston and Maine, where he entered train service 32 years ago after selling their home in Pennsylvania. He worked mostly in freight train service in that territory, although he had some time in passenger service when Boston and Maine crews manned “The Montrealer”. He evidently made many friends during his time, for in the greeting crowd were present and past employees of New England Central, the former Central Vermont, as well as the Green Mountain, all of whom had good words to say about Bob’s work and attitude.
Bob and Barbara Dickel have plans aplenty for the new life. These include fishing at a favorite spot on Chesapeake Bay, model railroading and, perhaps, driving a school bus. They’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Virginia, New Hampshire and anywhere else they choose. Bob’s friends and colleagues will be left with fond memories and the pleasure of having celebrated a railroader’s career of excellence. We congratulate Bob Dickel.