Thanks for making time to listen to a few of my stories.
I have always been interested in American history but heading a children's charity and raising a family did not allow time. Upon retirement I spent several years re reading those history books that I had just read in school to pass the test. During these reads, I paid particular attention to record (for retelling) those interesting and informative stories my history teachers didn't have time to share.
I organized Santa Express Trains to the North Pole for 10 years during my tenure with the children's charity. This intensified my passion for trains which I had had from youth. Upon retirement, I continued feeding my train passion by riding most of Amtrak's trains, even serving as an Amtrak tour guide.
My train passion went through the roof when I learned Robert Todd Lincoln arguably set the record for riding the most miles on trains before age 25, and while Secretary of War he traveled by train to many military places out West, AND at age 55 replaced George Pullman as the CEO of nation's largest rail manufacturing company, the Pullman Palace Car Co. Robert serve as CEO for 11 years and then continue as chairman of the Board for another 14 years! He definitely became a railroad baron.
With this knowledge, I chose to become a Robert Todd Lincoln reenactor. I found only 2 books on Robert Todd Lincoln. Yet, these books contained valuable information and stories I found delight in sharing as his reenactor.
For information and stories about
Robert Todd Lincoln tap here Mary Todd Lincoln tap here
Pre Gilded Age Lincoln Funny
Robert Lincoln
on the Inaugural Train
Robert Lincoln
on the Inaugural Train
Robert was thrilled that his Pa asked him to ride on the Inaugural train to Washington City. This trip would be memorable for Robert for the following reasons:
Robert lost his Pa’s inauguration speech before the train reached Indianapolis (fortunately Abe found it)
Robert woke up to read he was “the Prince of Rails”
(the Prince of Wales had recently visited the United States)
Robert was feted by a young Republican group in Cincinnati (possibly the first time he smoked a cigar)
Robert spotted a young girl in the crowd who had come to hear Lincoln speak. (Before Lincoln was elected Presient, this girl had written to the President Elect suggesting he grow a beard to look more presidential).
Robert almost was killed when an angry mob boarded
the train in Baltimore (Robert had to fight some of the mob).
Robert probably traveled more miles by train than any other child.