Creator

Fieldworker/Collector

Subject

Geographic Term

Description

Two audio cassettes. Tom Watson, a railroad worker for over 30 years, worked for the Jacksonville terminal between 1950 and 1974. He then worked for Amtrak until 1988. In the interview, he discusses growing up in Jacksonville; the history of Florida rail lines and the railroad business; his career with Amtrak and the Jax Terminal; the various rail lines operating in Florida; labor strikes; a typical work day as a ticket taker; education at Bethune Cookman; a description of the old terminal; civil rights and rail integration; various jobs available to rail workers; the different opportunities for whites and blacks; pranks on the job; baggage sent on trains; mail on the rails; changes in the industry; mail; women employees; socializing with employees; and unions.