In the late 19th Century (1800's) and early 20th Century (1900's) there seemed be be numerous brotherhoods of the various positions on the railroad (Engineers, Firemen, Trainmen, Clerks, Telegraphers, etc.).

Am I right in my observation that the 'brotherhoods' were primarily in the US and 'orders' were Canadian--or is that a false impression?

What brotherhoods and orders can fellow posters come up with. It would appear that some combined/declined/disappeared with the changing technologies so please come up with all possibilities/variants.

sc 'doc' lewis

utweyesguy@aol.com

The same Brotherhoods existed here in Canada as in the US, most being Internationals. Brotherhoods (often referred to as Fraternal Organizations) came about primarily because unions were illegal and because you could not buy life insurance due to the dangerous nature of 19th century railroading. Brotherhoods required secret works (hand shakes and passwords etc.) due to the need to avoid Company stool pigeons infiltrating the organization to spy. This same situation existed/exists with other Fraternal Organizations especially the Masons.

Many lasted until recent years with some becoming "unions" UTU TCU etc. The Big E is still a Brotherhood in name. Insurance was long a part of the Big E and at one time they even their own money! A $5 bill.

Brother Kennedy

> In the late 19th Century (1800's) and early
> 20th Century (1900's) there seemed be be
> numerous brotherhoods of the various
> positions on the railroad (Engineers,
> Firemen, Trainmen, Clerks, Telegraphers,
> etc.).

> Am I right in my observation that the
> 'brotherhoods' were primarily in the US and
> 'orders' were Canadian--or is that a false
> impression?

> What brotherhoods and orders can fellow
> posters come up with. It would appear that
> some combined/declined/disappeared with the
> changing technologies so please come up with
> all possibilities/variants.

> sc 'doc' lewis


r.l.kennedy@sympatico.ca