My First Real Job!

My first real job, was working at the Texas State Railroad. The first 3 years I worked there I sold souvenirs and concessions on the train. The train season was from Spring (March) to Fall (September). The last year I worked there I was a train attendant. It was a fun job, now that I look back on it, but also hard. In my time (boy, does that sound old or what?) there were no air conditioned cars. Just the 25 mph hour breeze coming through the windows of the train cars. In the hot, Texas Summer it was sweltering!! And I will not mention the horse flies that chased us at times. I worked at both ends of the train route (in Palestine and in Rusk). I made some really good friends and learned valuable lessons. I can count change without a calculator and I learned to deal with the public and learned lessons in customer service and time management. I was taught how to inventory, how to balance (inventory and cash), how to change coke cylinders, and how to dip ice cream. Most importantly I learned work ethic and how to make my own money and not rely on my Mom and Dad for giving all my gas money and spending money.

Now, the Railroad is not managed by the State but it is still in a State Park.  The company that runs the railroad has some really nice family oriented rides throughout the year. I hope that this year we can ride the Polar Express to the North Pole. This little visit to the Railroad Park was to test how Preston would react to the train and the noise. I don't think he was too interested in either (I think he was tired and hot). Enjoy the pictures.

Rusk sign outside the depot

 

A displayed poster in the depot that I had signed years ago

Close up of my name

Carson and Preston playing in the depot with the set up train tables

Outside the depot the train schedule

Looking down the tracks, waiting for the train to arrive...you can hear it before you see it!

Here it comes.. the Ol' 300 chugging down the tracks

Carson is excited about spying the train...Preston not so interested

Here she is...In all her glory

a Look at the Park grounds and the live banjo music