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John "Jack" J. O'Brien papers

Creation: 1931-1981
 Collection
Accession: 2899

Abstract

John "Jack" J. O'Brien (1932-) worked as both a railroad clerk and yardmaster for more than forty-four years. O'Brien started his career with the Pennsylvania Reading Seashore Line (PRSL) in the early 1950s. Eventually, the PRSL became part of Conrail, the railroad from which he ultimately retired. This small collection documents policies and procedures for railroad employees at the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Line (PRSL), Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR), Penn Central, and Conrail.

Dates

  • Creation: 1931-1981

Extent

1.5 Linear Foot

Biographical Note

John "Jack" J. O'Brien (1932-) worked as both a railroad clerk and yardmaster for more than forty-four years. O'Brien started his career with the Pennsylvania Reading Seashore Line (PRSL) in the early 1950s. The PRSL was a joint venture between the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Reading Railroad that operated along the New Jersey shore and through Philadelphia. Eventually, the PRSL became part of Conrail, the railroad from which O'Brien ultimately retired. As a yardmaster, O'Brien spent many years managing the larger yards in Camden, New Jersey.

Scope and Contents

This small collection documents policies and procedures for railroad employees at the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Line (PRSL), Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR), Penn Central, and Conrail. The collection is arranged into five series by railroad company, with the fifth series titled Additional files.

Each series contains employee manuals, several of which focus on safety, hazardous materials, and general transportation rules. There is an exam for PRR air brakes that includes questions and answers. Additionally, there are assorted timetables, schedules, and other clerical items from the various railroads O'Brien worked for during his long tenure.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions on access; this collection is open for research.

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Provanance

Gift of Robert O'Brien, 2025.

Related Names

Subject

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title:
John "Jack" J. O'Brien papers
Author:
Laurie Sather
Date:
2025
Description rules:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description:
English
Script of description:
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository

Contact:
PO Box 3630
Wilmington Delaware 19807 USA
302-658-2400