Tribune Excerpts
The following article appeared in the March 2008 Edition of the Macedonian Tribune
Detsa on the Line
By Mitch Pedroff
Finally, the teacher discussed the need for proper work clothes. It would be very cold in Montana during March and again in the fall. He instructed the detsa to purchase the required clothing that afternoon. He promptly displayed certain items they must buy such as a black woolen jacket and cap, leatherwork gloves, woolen underwear, etc. The company would provide each bunk with a woolen felt blanket, but the detsa were encouraged to buy a second blanket.
He then spoke about the long journey to Montana, telling the boys to buy cookies, crackers, candy and cheese for nourishment. Since the locomotives were powered by steam, they would stop for water and coal. At these times, coffee and sandwiches would be provided and personal break time would be available. He dismissed them by giving them directions to the proper yard, train and time of departure.
The sum of $60 per month may appear to be a substandard wage in the 21st Century. However, in 1910 this monthly wage was more than adequate. Illiterate as the detsa were, they understood the financial and economic situation of the day.
To substantiate the claim of a decent wage, the following is a short review of wages and prices of that era:
In 1910, the average starting salary for a college graduate was $750 a year, an experienced accountant could expect to earn up to $2000 a year, dentist - $2500, veterinarian - $1500 a year, Michigan factory workers earned 25 cents per hour. The national average is estimated to have been 22 cents per hour.
The state of Massachusetts studied male workers in four basic industries. The percentages of men earning $15 or less were as follows: 91% - cotton industry; 58% - shoe industry; 68% - foundry work; 83% - worsted goods. Additionally, 52% of male workers earned less than $549 per year for a 305-day work year.
Prices for that time included: large loaf of bread 3 cents; sugar 4 cents per pound; eggs 14 cents a dozen; coffee 15 cents per lb; gasoline 7 cents per gallon; beer - $7 a barrel or 36 pints for $1.75.
For eight and one half months of work, the detsa earned more than $500 without overtime. With overtime, their potential wage could exceed $600 with no rent, taxes, and limited food expenses. Indeed, the detsa had reason to be elated with their wages; however, the downside of their situation would be the less than desirable living conditions.
After shopping, father and his four boyhood friends convened in the flophouse where they made plans for the next day. They roomed together in St. Louis and now they wished to stay together and bunk in the same boxcar. One of the detsa suggested that they get up early the next morning and fi nd the train; however, only four would go, carrying their possessions and one would remain at the flophouse to guard the remaining possessions. The four arose early the next day, found the train and laid claim to their bunks.
Father stayed at the boxcar and the other three returned to the flophouse for another load of personal items. The boxcar had eight double bunks with a blanket on each bed, a potbelly, cast iron stove, a small coalbunker, a kerosene lamp and a few lanterns. The car was built on a steel platform and the rest of the car was made of wood. Earlier workers placed some type of primitive insulation on the walls similar to tar paper.
Father noted, The rule of the road was 16 n 8, meaning 16 men to a boxcar or 8 horses. This was my home for the next eight and a half months 16 of us in one boxcar!! Sixteen of us slept, traveled and socialized in the car not the best of conditions. But we endured and made the best of it.
Within the hour, the newly employed workers began to arrive, loading their gear onto the cars. Our plan worked; it worked! We beat the crowd and we are together, as father laughed to himself, watching his fellow countrymen quibble with each other over the selection of cars or bunks. During this time father noted that there were five sleeping cars and quickly calculated that there would be at least 80 Macedonians on the crew, if all the cars had 16 men.
After a hearty noon meal, the detsa boarded their cars and the train slowly departed St. Paul, heading northward and then turning west into North Dakota. By nightfall, the temperature began to fall, and it became very, very cold.
Father added, Now we knew the reason for the second blanket. As we sat on our bunks or walked back and forth, we wrapped ourselves in the blanket to keep warm. It was diffi cult to go to sleep. It was so cold. We fell asleep out of pure exhaustion. We slept with our shoes on, long underwear, our heavy wool coat, cap and two blankets. It was cold!
To be continued.
You can contact Mitch Pedroff at Kathypedroff@aol.com.
