The Oregon statesman. (Salem, Or.) 1916-1980, March 25, 1955, Image 21

Historic Oregon Newspapers

The Oregon statesman., March 25, 1955, Page 21, Image 21

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Newspaper Page Textn ;t .SfattWrian? SaleraOrev Friday,' Mtrth- 25 l955SaC 2H9-- 7- r' 9 o V -Sr- - noia fail rii TglSlpw jDown Oldest U;S. Train Conductor By BfeUCE -HENDERSON t shoot you right through the mid- FORT "WORTH. TexVtfl la die.'. Wen. that took the meanness - M 1 63 years of railroading, Irving Witherspoon has survived - wrecks and holdups. He's looked into the business end of 45 calibre auto matics -y and the fiery eyes of tanked-up cowhands. So he says, he's not ready to let Old Man Time force him off bis run, either. The Texas and Pacific Railway calls Witherspoon at 85, the na tion's oldest conductor. This hardy 'man is still making his run between Fort Worth .and Big Spring 267 miles, each way, over sun-baked West Texas -prairie. He -averages - 5.340 - miles ev ery month. "Retire? No. sir, I ain't about to retire." he says. "Took my eye sight and hearing- test a fewH months ago and passed again. T k P-says a long as Wither spoon is fit be may keep on work ing. ; . " . , Witherspoon is a trim, wiry man erect as a pine, alert and jo vial. His features jut sharply from under silvery hair, and eyebrows. He went to work for the T & P Jan. 1. 1890, as a -bridge repair hand. That was eight years after the line finished its oute between New Orleans and El Paso. With erspoon was promoted . to freight conductor in 1899 and passenger conductor in 1909. : Rowdy Days Those were rowdy days, some times tinged with humor; days when the railroads' best would oc casionally, split, in two topping, a hill, one half hurtling back down the track while the rest of the cars and engine sped on; when a train delayed Hilling out of Weath - erford, Tex., 15 minutes so passen gers could see the outcome of a club-swinging fight. Witherspoon recalls those days Vividly. ; . "One night I was on a passen ger run out of Strawn, Texas. Of a sudden we stopped right there in the brush between Strawn and Ranger. The Pullman conductor came in and said we were being held up. The fellow had pulled the air brake. Man Breaks Out "I went in there where he was and found myself looking into a .45. I'd left my .38 Colt in my suitcase, so there was nothing for us to do but stand there. He backed out and disappeared into the brush.JDon't know how much he got from the passengers." Conductors carried guns then, but Witherspoon says he never liked to. Once he was glad he did. "Fella one night was drunk and Sulled a knife on me. I said 'Son, ' you don't put that up, I'm gonna out of him and we got him so-1 . . r- j & i Derea up. wme to una out uc was on the. wrong train." Witherspoon's . best friend, Mike Tye, was a conductor. He walked out one day to see what a passen ger was doing on the vestibule, and the man didn't like Tye's curiosity. He shot Tye dead. In Baggage Car "Mike and I passed on our runs " Witherspoon said. ."We met his train, and it had stopped." The leathery face clouded. "They liad him in the baggage car." As a brakeman, Witherspoon lost half his left index finger while hooking cars. "We were heading west eight miles out' of Weatherford one day when our freight hit a broken rail, he reminisced. "I was in the ca boose, and the caboose rolled down a 25-foot bank. I got skinned up pretty bad and my neck was all twisted. But I knew a passenger train was close behind. "I started back and stopped him about a half mile away. That one put me in bed a month." Broken Leg . Another time Witherspoon s pas senger train stopped at a cross ing, and a freight ran into it from behind. Witherspoon's leg was broken. The old. days had their points, but Witherspoon acknowledges they also had their drawbacks. He says whizzing across the plains in a streamliner is a heap nicer than clacking along, in the old coal-heat ed wooden cars. He lives alone in his Fort Worth home. His wife died last October after they'd been married 61 years. "That hit me hard," he said. "I get along better working steady instead of laying around." Then he smiled again, and there was a twinkle in his eye. "Besides," he said, "don't get old until you, have to. Remember that." Rail Strike Action Delayed WASHINGTON w The Louis ville. & Nashville Railroad, stalled in a 10 day strike, Wednesday agreed to hold up on its threat to fire its non-striking but idle oper ating employes. The railroad acted at the request of the National Mediation Board and Gov. Frank Clement of Ten nessee. Clement was attending a meeting of the railroad and strik ing non operating union employes at the board s : office. 340 Court Street w :& 1 4 V ' - - i - e mum FAMOUS GENERAL ELECTRIC FLOOR MODELS SAVE UP TO! $110 21" G.E. TABLE MODEL WITH BASE All Channel Tuning ' ' 1-Yetr Warranty on Parts and Picture Tube Reg. 229?5 Come and see... SALE PRICE? 21" G.E. TABIE MODEL All Channel Tuning '' '. G.E. Aluminized Picture Tube Mahogany Cabinet 1-Year Warranty on Parts and Picture Tube Reg. 3995 Come and see.... SAIE PRICE? J 17" G.E. TABIE MODEL AH Channel Tuning Local and Distance Switch , . 1-Year Wararnty on Parts and Picture Tube Reg. 18995 Come and see;- SALE PRICE? 21" G.E. FULL DOOR CONSOLE Genuine Mahogany Veneers Black-Daylight Aluminized Picture Tube , . , x 1-Year Wararnty on Parts and Picture Tube Reg. 4599s Come and see. ; SALE PRICE? 21" G.E. BLOND OAK CONSOLE All Channel Tuning j - - Aluminized Picture Tube Black Daylight, Deluxe ' 1-Year Warranty on Parts and Picture Tube Req. 43995 Come and see : SALE PRICE? 21" G.E. MAHOGANY CONSOLE All Channel Tuning New Super-Cascode Tuner Power Transformer 1-Year Warranty on Parts and Picture Tube Reo. 3599S Come and see i k' SALE PRICE? 21" G.E. CONSOLE Deluxe Black Daylight Picture Large 10" Dynapower Speaker Genuine Mahogany Cabinet with V Swivel Casters 1-Year Warranty on Parts and Picture Tube Reo. 4199S Come and see SALE PRICE? - 21" G.E. CONSOLE ' Black Daylight Picture Tube Removable Safety Glass All Channel Tuning 1-Year Warranty on Parts and Picture Tube Reo. 29995 ' Cam and see I "Vl SALE PRICE? 21" G.E. NEW LOW BOY CABINET Giant 262" Black Daylight Picture - Two Dynapower Speakers . Top-tilted Control Panel : -j RCg. 4?995Come and see: .11 n ' r TV DOWNSTAIR IjpL EVffiY wmim IT i.-uoc- i - a i , rzi n n-i r rx AS Lb:L3 ZAa'-LaxZAA LLiSberty Street -Coczrt Street JV HAtlY UNADVERTISELT ITEMS! HUGE REDUCTIONS! SHOP EVERY DEPARTMENT Boys Department liberty Streef I1RTS, Rs. $1.9S 1 -1 Sizes 6-15-18 12 ta. FlANNEl SHIRTS, 24 . POLO SHIRTS, Rm. $1.49 - Sizes 8-10-12 Long Sleeves 5 m. ORION SWEATERS, Reg. S3.98 Sizes 12-14-16 Slip-over 31 . BROADCLOTH SHORTS, Reg. 49c . Sizes 8 to 16 36 pr. NYLON SOCKS, Rtg. 59c 1 Sizes 7 to 10 100 Nylon 4 ta. SURCOAT JACKETS, Rtg. S9.95 Quilted Fur Collar 12-16-18 36 ta. DOUBLE KNEE JEANS, Rtg. $1.98 8-0 i. Sizes 6 to 12 BOYS MAIN FLOOR :79i 4 ; ;69jt; ----- 1 1 .' 1 1 f w . : ; S5.oo i Draperies Court Street 12 ta. . CORDUROY PILLOWS Foam Rubber Filled 45 ta. DRAPERY REMNANTS Values to $3.95 Printed and Plain 125 yds. DRArEKT FABRICS Barks, Sheers, Printed and Plain 36 ta. SHOWER CURTAINS Good Patterns for Spring 25 ei. COTTON MARQUISETTE PANELS 42x81 Size 20 . RAYON PRISC1LLAS, Rtg. $6.98. -S1.G9 -: $1.00 2 "dt.si.00 $1.93 70t 10 pr. LINED DRAPERIES 50x81 Flocked Pattern $3.98 Reg. $21 Barkeloth DRAPERIES THIRD FLOOR $12.93 Men's Department Liberty Street Rtg. $9.95 values, MEN'S WOOL SHIRTS.. J Broken Sizes Perfect Quality Rtg. $6.95 If ptrf. MEN'S DRESS. SHIRTS. . L Miracle Fabric Broken Sizes ' Rtg. $2.98 FLANNEL SPORT SHIRTS . : Sizes: Small and Medium Sanforized i Rtg. to $10.95 MEN'S BATH ROBES . . I Cotton and Rayon Broken Sizes Values to 65c pr. MEN'S SOCKS - Famous Name All Sizes MEN'S SUNTAN WORK PANTS Reg. $4.95, if perf. Broken Sizes i Rtg. $1.00 MEN'S LEATHER BELTS . . J Wide Sizes 32 and 34 MEN'S MAIN FLOOR I - $4.99 - $1.99 $1.29 $4.99 Pr. 25 $2.49 - 35 Accessories Liberty Stroet Rtg. $2.95 DRAWSTRING HAND BAGS 1 Fabric Assorted colors Rtg. $2.98 WOOL HEAD SQUARES -r Assorted Multicolor Patterns Rtg. $1.00 BILLFOLDS AND KEY HOLDER. .. Plastic In Plastic Case Values to 59c LADIES' HANKIES Large Selection New Colors Values to $1.95 COSTUME JEWELRY . Discontinued Styles Limited Qujintity 15 ta. ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS Reg. 50c Discontinued Cohirs 12 ta. CHILDREN'S UMBRELLAS, . j. Reg. $18 Assorted Colo s x ACCESSORIES MAIN FL( I OR $1.66 $2.50 59 -6 for $1.00 39 10 $1.39 Furniture Court Street 2 ta. LYNCH SLEEP CHAIRS Reg. $59.95 1 Rose, 1 Green 1 ta. STUDIO LOUNGE . , Reg. $109.95 Red Plaid 1 ta. DUNCAN PHYFI TABLE to . Reg. $119.95 Slightly Damaged 2 ta. DINING CHAIRS- .... 1 ta. DRESSER BASE Reg. $16.95 Soiled Reg. $149.95 Solid Silver Oak 1 TBIPIE Reg. $739.95 9 Drawer Limed Oak 2 i. CHROME DINETTE TABLES : Reg. $69.95 Red Only 1 Stt FOAM MATTRESS AND BOX SPRING...... As Is Twin Sizes Reg. $85 FURNITURE SECOND FLOOR $49.95 $09.50 $99.95 - $7.95 $74.95 $89.95 $39.95 $69.50 Infants Children Liberty Street 15 ta. GIRLS' COTTON SKIRTS . Reg. $3.98 Sizes 12-14 8 ta. GIRLS' DRESSES, Rtg. $2.98 Sizes 1 to 6 Assorted Colors 7 ta. GIRLS' DRESSES. Rtg. $3.98 .. Sizes 7 to 14 Assorted Colors 10 ta. GIRLS' COTTON SKIRTS Reg. $3.49 Sizes 2 to 5 22 ta. INFANTS' CRAWLERS Reg. $1.00 Seersucker 5 ta. BOYS' JACKETS, Rtg. $4.98 . Sizes 3 to 5 Assorted Colors CHILDREN'S DOWNSTAIRS 52.93 $1.49 $1.93 $2.49 - 79 $2.98 Fabrics Liberty Street 165 yds. PLISSE CREPE Assorted Colors and Patterns 55 vds. ORION COATING , Reg. $8.95 Spring Shajles 75 yds. PLEATED COTTON1 . 30" Assorted Colors Values i 6 89c 67 yds. PRINTED CHALLIS Reg. $1.28 Value New If rints 98 Yds. WASHABLE WOOL FABRICS w mt - $35 value wool ana ;iuyonr5iiw"rl "76 yds, Unbleached sheeting 116 yds. UNBLEACHED MUSLIN 81" Width Reg. $1139. Reg. 35c One DaV FABRICS MEZZAI rlNE r Yd.25i -$3.99 59 59 $i.64 99 Yd. 25 Lingerie Liberty Street 15 ta. RAYON CREPE SLIPS, Rtg. $3.95. Lace Trim Sizes 32 and 40 Only 11 ta. COTTON CREPI GOWNS 1 Reg. $2.95 Small Sizes 51 ta. RAYON BRIEFS 15 ta. RAYON PANTIES 58 pr. NYLON HOSE 43 NYLON SLIPS L- Pastels Nylon Trim All Sizes . Large Size Onyl Reg. $1.50 Broken Sizes t- Assorted Colors $1.19 $1.19 -39 -.39 - 50 Reg. $5J5 Assorted Colors LINGERIE MAIN FLOOR $3.99 Housewares. Cou Rtg. $3.50 PLATE GLASS MIRRORS .. IrtrStreet 8x26 . J&lL 50- .1. Rta. $1.50 BUTTER AND SYRUP WARMER... Wrought IronJ 8-Cup Famous 'Srand Rtg. $29.95 ELECTRIC DEEP FAT FRYER ; . , ' Famous Brand Rtg. $12.95 6-PC. STEAK KNIFE SET ..... - Guaranteec'I ' Ktg. H.y3 kUwMi AR 99 $14.95 Assorted Figurines Rtg. $4.95 fJC. CANNISTER SET - Spun Aluminum Rtg. $1.25 WROUGHT IRON TRIVETS ; Assorted Patierns Rtg. $13.50 7-PC. KITCHEN UTENSIL SET f ... Stdinlcss St(fcl Rtg. $3.95 ENGLISH BONE CHINA CUP AND SAUCER Assorted Patterns - - - HOUSEWARES DOWNSTAIRS $2.49 $1.99 $2.69 -59 - $6.69 -- $1.88 Domestics Liberty Street Rtg. 10c POTHOLDERS . 1 Assorted Colors Practical Sizes Rtg. $3.95 DAMASK SETS v "' Napkins and Goth Assorted Colors Rtg. 35c FLOUR SACKS r Bleached Opened and Unopened Rtg. $6.95 CHENILLE BEDSPREADS : vt ' Double or Twin Thick Set Rtg. $1.95 NYLON SCARF SET 5-pc. Set Assorted Colors Reg. $9.95 NYLON BLEND BLANKET :.. :-.' H Large Size Assorted Colors Rtg. $1.00 PILLOW TICKS Assorted Colors Featherproof Rtg. $19.95 COLONIAL BEDSPREADS Doubles and Twins 2 Shades Rtg. $1.49 PLAID SHEET BLANKET . . 60x76 Cotton Multicolor DOMESTICS DOWNSTAIRS 5 5 for $1.00 $4.99 $1.00 $5.88 50 $12.88 - $1.00 Rtgular $3B-$40 UDIES SHOKTY COATS Premium 100 wool fabrics, tweeds, plushes, boucles. New spring shades. Sizes 10 to 18. FASHIONS SECOND FLOOR I 22 00 Cltaranctl LADIES SPORTSWEAR One group of blouses, skirts, sweaters, jackets. All re duced to Vj price. Broken sizes. Odd lots. , SPORTSWEAR SECOND FLOOR off Shoes Lifjerty Street Rtg. $4.95 LADIES AND MEN'S CANVAS OXFORDS A new spring selection Famous name Reg. $5.95 WOMEN'S WEDGIES .1 Black and Wb Bte Broken Sizes Values to $4.95 BEDROOM SUPPERS u Blue and Reft Broken Sizes Rtg. $1.50 BOYS' RUBBERS ; . Storm Typj Broken Sizes Rtg, $4.95 SADDLE OXFORDS ... . Odd Lots ' Broken Sizes Values to $3.95 SANDALS AND FLATS.. : Discontinued 'styles Broken Sizes SHOES -U DOWNSTAIRS I $3.00 $2.99 $1.99 77 $2.99 $1.99 Reg. 79c SHREDDED FOAM 24 a. CARD TABLE COVERS Notions Liberty Street l ib. package 50 Plastic Quilted Assorted Colors Rtg. $3.95 TRAVEL BAG For Accessories Zipper Close Reg. S3. 50 JUMBO GARMENT BAGS .. 16 Garment Quilted Plastic Rtg. $3.95 LADIES' PLASTIC RAINCOATS -. Multicolor Hat and Coat 25 ta. ZIP TRAVEL BAGS For Auto Travel Assorted Colors NOTIONS MEZZANINE $1.00 $1.69 $1.93 $1.93 $1.00 CLEARANCE!; CARPET SAMPLES Values to $21.50. Size 27x54. Discontinued patterns. , Wiltons and Axminsters. Scroll designs, tone-on-tone, fine textures, assorted colors. CARPETS SECOND FLOOR COURT STREET $2,5 Values to $45 LADIES SPRING COATS All 100 wool. Milium linings. The season's newest fab rics, pastel shades. Complete size range. COATS SECOND FLOOR 9 99 FAMOUS COHAMA FABRICS A huge spring selection of 45" and 54" rayon tweeds, gabardines and flannels. Reg. values to $1.95. New spring tones. Novelty weaves. FABRICS MEZZMNF. 00 Foundations Liberty Street 4 ta. CORSELLETTES 2 a. CORSETS L Reg. $10 Size 37 Reg. S5.95 Size 26 Back Lace 9 ta. NYLON BRASSIERES Reg. $3.95 Long Line 2 ta. NYLON PULL-ON GIRDLES Reg. $355 Small Only i. FAMOUS NAME GIRDLE iX :. Po M Disnlav MnHl FOUNDATIONS SECOND FLOOR $6.00 $1.99 $2.50 $2.00 $5.00 - WE GIVE AND REDEEIVIaMlGREEN STAMPS SALE PRICE? t - . ,1. '