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
Amtrak Trips
In the unbelievable category, read about DOJ lawsuit against the Norfolk Southern:
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The DOJ filed a civil suit against Norfolk Southern in July 2024. The complaint alleged the company consistently violated federal law by not giving Amtrak passenger trains priority over freight trains on its tracks. The lawsuit cited a high number of delays for the Crescent Route passenger train.
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The settlement: In September 2025, the DOJ announced a settlement with Norfolk Southern, which prompted the dismissal of the lawsuit. The settlement was reached after the parties met to find an "amicable solution" to the issues.
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The agreement's terms: Under the settlement, Norfolk Southern agreed to:
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Give all Amtrak trains the "highest priority" over freight trains in non-emergency situations.
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Require supervisor approval for any dispatching decision that does not give priority to Amtrak trains.
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Train its employees to give priority to Amtrak trains.
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Provide the DOJ with records of delays suffered by Amtrak trains on the Crescent Route.
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Assist the DOJ in determining the root cause of any delays.
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