Skip Granger, 1960
I have traveled all of my life, but since being diagnosed recently with Parkinson’s Disease, I see my journeys ending. Along with some family, Mary Ann and I enjoyed a trip in July to the Utah Parks, and it reminded me of my days as Tour Director for Berry World Travel during vacations from law school in the 1960’s. And therein lies my story.
We used airlines, private tour buses and railways as our major transportation sources, and they were all interesting. However, I have selected the railways to discuss here. On one such tour, we happened to arrive serendipitously to Promontory Point, Utah, just as the ceremony for the 100th year of the driving of the Golden Spike commemorating the connection of the intercontinental railways was being conducted.
Driving the Golden Spike, Promontory, Utah, 1869
The painting above commemorates Leland Stanford driving the Golden Spike to connect the Central Pacific Railroad from Sacramento and the Union Pacific Railroad on May 10, 1869.
We were allowed to disembark and enjoy the ceremonies, as well as purchase first day issues of commemorative stamps, which I sent to my family and many friends. I also sent them to myself, and I still have them today.
On another suc
h trip, we dined in luxury aboard the train, and I had a unique and special experience. We wrote out our selections on a special menu card to assure that they were correct since the kitchens on board were limited as to what they would be serving. The tour that I was leading was quite special and involved approximately 30 guests. The manager of the dining car asked if I would like to join journalist Walter Winchell at his table. He explained that Winchell had just lost his son to a suicide death, and he thought that I might be able to cheer him up. I thought that this might be one of the most interesting experiences of my life. And, it was! (At left, Walter Winchell in 1960)
I could go on and on about my days in travel. But I will save that until you escape the winter cold and visit us in the Valley of the Sun at our home in Sun Lakes, Arizona, and join us as we enjoy a few glasses[or bottles] of our delicious Starry Night wines.
Cheers!
Skip
Another amazing story from you Skip. You and Mary Ann have had such a wonderful life together and done more than anyone I know. Sorry to hear you have Parkinson’s Disease as do so many of our classmates. I think you will be good for many more years, and you and Mary Ann aren’t done traveling by any means. Please keep the stories coming Skip.