Tue, Dec 02 2008
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Published June 27, 2008 11:23 am - ‘Is The Doodle Bug On Time?’ A While Ago By CHUCK RUSSELL The Oskaloosa Herald OSKALOOSA — Most certainly, this question may have been the most frequent question asked of John “Johnny” Terril pictured above. His answer might have been: “The telegraph message said it just left Grinnell 10 minutes ago, Sonny, so should be in at 10:12 p.m.” This is a picture of Johnny in his cubicle at the Minneapolis & St. Louis depot, located at the end of High Avenue West, Oskaloosa, on the east side of the M&StL tracks. Only authorized folks could go in this office and some of you may remember wondering what was behind that barred window. Now with this picture, taken in about 1930, the waiting room patrons can now see what they always wondered about. By close inspection, sometimes with 10 power glasses, on the left wall can be seen the various time table brochures of connecting railroads. To the left of the barred window were rubber stamps hung vertically probably saying PAID, ON TIME, CANCELLED, and the like. Next to the stamps on the wood casing were hung rings of keys. On the desk there was a large date and time stamping machine. On the shelf below the desk was the thick tariff book, for rating fares for everywhere. Lower right in back of Johnny is a built in wall safe. Many fares were paid in “green backs” in those days. Above the chair is what appears to be a suit coat hung up. Apparently Johnny worked in a vest. His daughter, Marjorie Terril McCormick, remembered that when she was age 6 that after dinner she would walk the seven blocks to the depot with her father. They would remain at the depot until the “10:15” came in and soon thereafter would be on their way home, Johnny Terril is a good example of the men and women dedicated to service and splendid citizenship. There have been many good citizens in Oskaloosa like Johnny. The Oskaloosa Rotary Club was one of his great civic passions. He held the record in number of years with his perfect club attendance. Though he is no longer with us his record may still stand. — Chuck Russell 
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