Wed Sep 25 07:14:03 UTC 2024: ## Shorpy Features Historic Photo of Santa Fe Railroad Crew in 1943

A recently uncovered photograph from the Shorpy archive, taken in March 1943, offers a glimpse into the life of a Santa Fe Railroad crew in Wellington, Kansas. The image, captured by Jack Delano for the Office of War Information, shows four men posing in front of their locomotive before departing for Waynoka, Oklahoma.

The crew members, identified as D.C. Quivey (head brakeman), D.B. Wallingford (conductor), B.F. Hale (engineer), and Walker (fireman), stand in a formation that seems to reflect their job hierarchy. The conductor and engineer are positioned centrally, while the head brakeman and fireman are on the flanks. Even their heights appear to correspond to their relative “stature” within the crew.

The photo, which is available in high resolution on Shorpy, sparks discussion about the everyday life of railroad workers during World War II. While the men may not appear to be having a “blast,” their attire and posture speak volumes about their profession. The conductor’s two cardigans and the engineer’s necktie suggest a level of formality, while the fireman’s absence of initials suggests a lower ranking in the crew.

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