Caller's Job

The "Call Boy" was the most important person on the railroad. It was his job to find the Brakeman, Conductor, & Engineer's. Many trains ran at irregular hours, usual notice was One Hour "call" before time to report on duty.
Quoting from a crew caller who worked for a standard gauge railroad..... "He called crews who lived in another town, ran to this 'away from home terminal', laid over between 8-24 hours, then worked a train back home.
Commented that railroader's fell into five (5) classes of individuals. Those who drank, you could find them where the liquor was available, the card players had there own hang out and game, the lovers you could find at the girl friends house or apartment, the religious ones were at church or a prayer meeting, and others would be sleeping and knowing soon they would be called to work."
The "Call Boy" carried a book and each page listed the train information, crew members name, etc. You had to sign this book beside your name, in case you failed to show up for work, the book was proof that you were called by the "Call Boy."
In situations where someone could not be found, then those Brakeman, Conductor's, or Engineer's who were on the 'extra board,' would be called to fill in the position on the regualr crew.
Today with modern communications, a clerk in a central office picks up the phone and dials your number, you might be answering it by cell phone or a pager, in which you return the page, etc.
The real "Call Boy" is gone !!!!!