At last my Father received a batch of employee records from the Pullman-Standard Company archives about his Father, Ed Reinert. Part of these records were his application that showed previous employment. We knew he worked in some capacity for the Monon in South Hammond for a time, but were never 100% clear on a timeframe or what his duties were. The attached file shows he worked for the Monon from December 1938 to May 1941 as a Hostler Helper and as an "Emergency Fireman".
We wonder if perhaps he just worked the extra board and found this description easier to explain to non-railroaders or if he really was just called on when all Firemen on the extra board were unavailable... Which during the depression wasn't very often I'm sure. Though he had a number of stories about firing for various Engineers up to Clearing yard and the Stockyards. At any rate, here's info that can be added to the database of former employees, thank you.
He was also the son of Paul R. Reinert (errantly listed as Paul Reinhart probably because of misspelling of our name on the Eldridge photo of him) Switch Engineer at So. Hammond from 1915-1954.
By the way, are there specific employee records that can be further researched at the Society headquarters?
Eric J. Reinert
