Benson, a railroad worker for the Chicago, Burlington, Quincy and Santa Fe railroads in Galesburg, Illinois, discusses changes in railroad technology, work, and travel; railroad structures, engines, and personnel; methods of communication between engineers, crew members, and depots; transportation of grain and livestock; working and living conditions for section gangs; railroad strikes; Galesburg businesses using the railroad; conditions on passenger coaches; mail delivery; and his experiences on the Rock Island-Southern Railroad.

2 tapes, 120 min., 37 pp. Interview by Margaret Klusmeyer, 1974 OPEN See collateral file: photographs of Leon Benson, downtown Galesburg in 1912, CB&Q depot in Galesburg, and train engines