Johns wins PRR Klondike Prize
100 years ago, an early Christmas present came to Trafford resident Walter S. Johns Jr. (1879-1952), then living on First Street near the Trafford Station. Johns was a supervisor for the Pennsylvanian Railroad and was awarded the “Klondike Prize” in December 1921, earning $800 for maintaining the best riding conditions on the PA mainline that year; he and his crew maintained the section of tracks between Pitcairn and four miles east of Greensburg. To celebrate, Johns gathered his crew together for a banquet held at the Fort Pitt Hotel in recognition of their part played in this achievement. If your Trafford ancestor was on this railroad crew, drinks were on Mr. Johns that night. Happy Holidays!
The headline comes from the Pittsburgh Press, Dec 17, 1921. The insert photo is an example of a PRR train crew on the Turtle Creek Branch, Westmoreland Coal Company, Export PA in 1920 ©Steel City Chapter R&LHS/ Nixon.
A later photo (not 1921) of the Trafford Station at First Street. In the background is the SZ Tower and beyond that are the Pitcairn Rail Yards. Mosside Bridge is visible as well.
