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Guide to the Order of Railway Conductors and Brakemen of America, Laramie Plains and Cheyenne Divisions Collection

 Collection
Identifier: H80-1

Scope and Content

This collection consists of by-laws, minutes, meeting and attendance record books, and membership information for the Laramie Plains and Cheyenne Divisions. It also includes general correspondence, ritual booklets, monthly circulars, and a 1904 cipher code book.

For a full history of the Railway Conductors and Brakemen of America, please reference the centennial booklet celebrating the organization’s first 100 years – 1868 – 1968. It was added to this collection in 2002 [H70-48].

Dates

  • 1904-1969

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of print materials allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Historical Information

In 1868 in Amboy, Illinois, the first railroad Conductors Union was founded by a young Illinois Central Railroad conductor named T. J. “Tommie” Wright. The Union’s initial goals were to negotiate for the improvement of working conditions and to increase wages. They were quickly joined by conductors from other rail lines; and in 1878, the Union changed its name to Order of Railway Conductors of America, and expanded its goals to include the fight for an 8-hour work day, a pension program, and job protection in rail mergers. In 1954 the word ‘Brakemen” was officially added to the organization’s name, although railroad brakemen had been part of the Union since 1934. The Order continues today seeking improvements for its membership involved in the nation’s rail system.

Extent

1 cubic foot

Abstract

Bylaws, minutes and membership information for the Order of Railway Conductors of America, Laramie Plains and Cheyene Divisions

Arrangement

Chronological

Acquisition Information

collection donated in 1979

Related Materials

Collection H69-08 offers information and membership names of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Order of Railway Conductors and Brakemen of America, Cheyenne Division No. 31

Processing Information

Processed by Sandy Dion. Finding aid last updated in 2002. Encoded in 2022.

Title
Guide to the Order of Railway Conductors and Brakemen of America, Laramie Plains and Cheyenne Divisions Collection
Status
Edited Full Draft
Author
Sandy Dion
Date
© 2022
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Repository Details

Part of the Wyoming State Archives, Wyoming Cultural Resources Division, Wyoming Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources Repository

Contact:
Barrett Building
2301 Central Avenue
Cheyenne Wyoming 82002 United States
(307) 777-7826