Grandson of a Blacksmith

Hello Everyone,

I'm Tracy Derks, and my grandfather, Peter W. Derks worked for the Frisco Railroad for over 30 years (though there was a small interruption called the Great Depression that meant the certification of service from 1955 reads 'Quarter Century" of service). My granddad worked in the West Works (I'm not sure why I say that, I'm not sure, other than my family lived on Elizabeth Street between North and Atlantic and my Granddad walked to work.) as a blacksmith. He also was a scab, being hired during a strike in the early or mid-20's. According to my father (who later became a Union man in the Merchant Marine) my Granddad had to sleep in the Works at first because it was too dangerous to walk to and from work. Also, shots were fired into the Works, because one bullet struck a driving wheel that he was leaning against.

I remember seeing those buildings and knowing that was where my Granddad worked, though this was as a child and I didn't care back then.

My father, Charles Lynn Derks, worked there for a short time, but it was not for him. He told me just today how he had to crawl inside the boilers as men riveted from the outside -- he decidedly did not like it.

I'm a college history instructor and I could not be more proud of Peter W. Derks, who contributed to the history of this country by "working on the railroad."

I am also writing a novel for juveniles that takes place in and around the Frisco Works during the depression. I have lots of questions but I figure first I'll hang out abit and see what I can soak up.

Tracy Derks

 

Hello Tracy--Welcome! I think you're referring to Springfield and the "shops" (rather than the "works"). The Frisco shops were universally known as the "West Shops." I was a postal clerk in Springfield and know exactly where the family's neighborhood was. Do you remember the street number of the residence? There were dozens (maybe hundreds) of homes of Frisco people all through the north side of town. Springfield WAS Frisco people!
When I was a baby (ca. 1940) my parents rented from a lady who worked for the Frisco who had brothers and nephews who did also. My folks lived across the street and next door to other Frisco families. Anyone who has lived in Springfield for any length of time knows Frisco people.

Tom

 

Hey, Tom,

Yes, it was Springfield. I lived on Elizabeth Street for a few months myself, back in the 70's. We then found a house north of the Interstate, between the Fairgrounds and National (?) Street. I remember riding my bike out to a cemetary which I believe is on National. I attended Reed Jr. High and Hillcrest Highschool for a couple of years.

The House on Elizabeth is still in the family, an aunt lives there.

Sorry about miscueing on the name of the "Shops." Again, I'm brand new to this railroading stuff.

Thanx for the welcome.
Tracy

 

Tracy--I think you'll like this website/chatboard. Lots of Frisco information posted here--nice people too--including some terrific model railroaders. Be sure to surf through the photos (real Frisco and model).

Tom