| The
time frame is 1924 but the feeling of being in the Twilight Zone is
pervasive. One Pennsylvania Railroad block station operator at the small
out of the way tower of Tyner. There is no Tyner, Ohio to speak of, no
nearby town, just the branch line track and a siding between Tyner,
Post Boy tunnel and the Newcomerstown, Ohio yards of the Pennsylvania
Railroads C&M branch. Undoubtedly a junior operator as no other
operator would consent to be posted to such a lonely place. But the
youthful operator seems to have things well in hand. His watch is hung
near the calendar girl picture, his pencil and papers are at hand and he
appears alert and confident. His control of this section of track is no
less important than the operator who controls the Pan Handle Division of
the Pennsylvania Railroad just a hill away. As you look at the photo you
realize that time is perhaps only a quantum separation between then and
now, stopped only by the quick action of a camera shutter. Forever
frozen in time at Tyner. |
