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1. Uncle Jack was one of the hardest working men I have ever known, bar none. He would rise early for his one hour trip from Gibraltar to Trenton. I know, for I worked for him and brother Don at the “Yard” for a few years after graduation. Spent allot of time in there in my early years too. This was the old yard which had been in operation since the 40’s or before. It was conveniently located between two railroad tracks that ran parallel to each other and ideal for unloading the rail cars full of coal. From here J.W. Labadie, Inc. delivered both coal and ice throughout the year.

   Above the kitchen door at the Labadie home an “Ice tong” was displayed and there is a story to be told about this tool. I remember long ago when I may have been maybe eight years old; Uncle Jack would take me with him on his Ice route. It was a warm sunny day and out first stop was the “Ice House”, which I believe was locate on Jefferson in Wyandotte and may have known as the Jefferson Ice Company. There Uncle Jack would load the truck with blocks of ice to deliver on his route. It was really cold inside! Once loaded we would start off on the ice route delivering coal. I can remember climbing stairs to and upstairs apartment and watching him place the 25lb block of ice in the old “Ice Box” (this predates the electric refrigeration).

   The highlight of my day would be when we would stop for lunch at the A&W in Trenton or maybe the Cozy Dinner. A&W was my favorite but I like the Cozy dinner because it was an old converted street car back then. After that I think I slept allot while Uncle Jack finished his route. Now that is a full day’s work ever for an eight year old but Aunt Pat like that better than Uncle Jack taking me to the Yard to play in the coal. Foster

   Uncle Jack was one of the hardest working men I have ever known, bar none. He would rise early for his one hour trip from Gibraltar to Trenton. I know, for I worked for him and brother Don at the “Yard” for a few years after graduation. Spent allot of time in there in my early years too. This was the old yard which had been in operation since the 40’s or before. It was conveniently located between two railroad tracks that ran parallel to each other and ideal for unloading the rail cars full of coal. From here J.W. Labadie, Inc. delivered both coal and ice throughout the year.

   Above the kitchen door at the Labadie home an “Ice tong” was displayed and there is a story to be told about this tool. I remember long ago when I may have been... READ MORE →

   Posted by Foster from McHenry, IL - Nephew on February 25, 2012
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