A Celebration

Thomas E. Goodin retired from the Clinchfield Railroad on June 17th, 1956. The Spartanburg Herald-Journal, dated June 18, 1956 noted: "A regular delegation of friends and relatives from places as far as Blacksburg and Greeneville was on hand to greet him when he hopped down from the cab of CRR 1062 here [Erwin] on Saturday."  Asked what he would do after he retired the news articled stated, Mr. Goodin just grinned. 'He's been working since he was 13 years old, he said, and thought maybe it was time for a little rest.  He'll take it easy at least for the rest of the year, and after that he doesn't know what he might do to occupy himself.'"

In an undated document in the Carolina, Clinchfield, and Ohio Railway Records, Clinchfield management credits the loyalty of employees for their success. "The Clinchfield has been blessed with men and their families who have made railroading on the Clinchfield their career and life.  Their great and loyal contributions to the growth and development of this young and strong railroad have been inestimable!  Modern plant and tools alone do not bring success, however, blend the spirit and effort of the Clinchfield men with these modern devices and we are assured of the ingredients necessary for a top performance."  

T. E. Goodin was one of these men.  According to John Goodin, "He succeeded despite having only a third grade education; fortunately his mother was a well educated lady who gave him a good foundation in basics.  His memory, especially for names and faces was widely known and extremely helpful, as well as enabling him to learn quickly.  He served five generations of passengers."

Goodin was the top man on the Conductor's Seniority list for many years (see below).  When he ran the passenger trains between Elkhorn City, KY and Spartanburg, SC, he was familiarly known as the "Captain."  Goodin served under five Superintendents, after M. J. Caples who worked for S&W and the Clinchfield: S. H. Phetteplace, General Superintendent, L. L. McIntyre, C. D. Moss, W. T. Wohlford, and J. T. Meredith, and D. H. Hendrix.

Personal Items of T. E. Goodin

Manipulator for the Doublecheck Cash Fare/Passenger Fare Receipt

South Bend Watch - An accurate and well-maintained watch was a critical piece of equipment on the railroad.  Watches had to be inspected every 30 days, and were synchronized with the stationmaster before departure.  Watches could be no more than three seconds off.

50 Year Pin

Scottish Rite Emblem

North and Western Switch Key - These keys fit every lock on the rail.  Switches allowed trains to be guided from one track to another.   To avoid tampering and accidents, all switches were kept locked.

C&R Switch Key 281

Virginia and Southwest Virginia Switch Key (on Bill Goodin, brother of T. E., when he died)

Ticket Punch c. 1908

Goodin's first and last letter of merit.  In his 51-year career, he never received a demerit. According to his son, John, "Goodin was most proud of his record of having received 30 merits every year since 1911 when the merit system started, stating, 'I will leave them a record that they can shoot at.'"

A letter of merit for each year is on file in the John Goodin Papers.

In this letter, dated 1943, Clinchfield Superintendent, C. D. Moss, is so impressed by Goodin's merit record, that he includes a poem that he feels adequately describes T. E. Goodin.