Abstract
William Hollis (1868-1908) was a telegrapher working a block station of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Marietta, Pennsylvania. The pocket diary primarily documents his record of work in 1891, including assignments, discipline for mistakes, travel to headquarters, and records of many accidents - but also includes occasional references to entertainment he attended.
Dates
- Creation: 1891
Extent
1 item(s)
Biographical Note
William Hollis (1868-1908) was a telegrapher working a block station of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Marietta, Pennsylvania. Not much is known about his life. He was born in Philadelphia and died there on August 17, 1908. He is likely the son of James Hollis (1840-1915) and Martha (Grayson) Hollis (1840-1895).
The diary shows that Hollis was frquently reassigned to other block stations around the Philadelphia Division. Under the telegraphic block system then in use, a block operator would give a train a clear signal only when receiving a message from the next station that the block ahead was clear. It is apparent from the diary that Hollis was then a relatively new hire. The details of his subsequent career are unknown.
Scope and Contents
Pocket diary of William Hollis (1868-1908) while working as a telegrapher at a block station of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Marietta, Pennsylvania in 1891. The diary records mostly ordinary events, such as where he was assigned, discipline for mistakes, travel to headquarters, and the like. Of note are the many accidents that Hollis records, some fatal, involving collisions, derailments, and trains striking pedestrians. The diary shows that he was frequently reassigned to other block stations around the Philadelphia Division. It is apparent from the diary that Hollis was a relatively new hire. Hollis also occasionally records attending local parades, traveling shows, and other entertainments, but the diary is primarily a record of work.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions on access; this collection is open for research.
Language of Materials
English
Subjects
Finding Aid & Administrative Information
- Title:
- William Hollis diary
- Description rules:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description:
- English
- Script of description:
- Latin
Revision Statements
- 2020: Ashley Williams
Repository Details
Repository Details
Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository
