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1000 miler
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Author:  giterdun [ Mon Jan 17, 2005 8:24 pm ]
Post subject:  1000 miler

I've been reading some 1940s era Railroad Magazines, and they keep mentioning guys throwing 'thousand miler' shirts into their grip. Anybody know where that term came from?
-Chris

Author:  christensenge [ Mon Jan 17, 2005 9:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1000 miler

My recollection is that railroaders felt they could wear the shirts for 1000 miles of service before having to wash them.

Best Regards,
Glenn

Author:  Jeff A. [ Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1000 miler

I've heard the term used for the old blue chambray work shirts. Always thought the 1000-miler moniker was a reference to their durability...
J

Author:  Dennis Storzek [ Tue Jan 18, 2005 2:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1000 miler

Aw, heck...That's only ten 100 mile days :-)

Author:  LightningStripes [ Tue Jan 18, 2005 2:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1000 miler

Exactly, they could be worn for a long time without showing dirt. They also had 1000 miler jackets, those were the ones made of heavy dark blue denium with dark brown corduroy collars.

Author:  johnacraft [ Tue Jan 18, 2005 7:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1000 miler

The term "Thousand Miler" comes from the era prior to about 1910 - before crew districts and hours of service.

In those days a crew might work all over the railroad. To take the example of the East Tennessee Virginia and Georgia Railroad, a crew may sign on in Knoxville, TN, and work to Chattanooga; then, instead of returning home, work to Rome, GA, and on to Selma, Al; make a turn to Anniston, etc., before finally, "a thousand miles later," returning home.

I've seen the term applied to lunch pails as well as clothing.

JAC

Author:  Randy Hees [ Tue Jan 18, 2005 12:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1000 miler

I had understood it to mean that it was worn for 10 days before being washed, with a day being about 100 miles... I'm not sure I believe it.

If you look at a 19th century engine crew they frequently look pretty spiffy. Engine service was by 19th century standards a pretty high tech way to make a living, and the crews would dress the part with derby hats and ties.

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