Material Type

Recording

Date Range

1977

Fonds

Pioneer Researchers Association Oral History Project

Creator

Pioneer Researchers Association

Physical Description

1 cassette tape; digital copy

Physical Condition

Excellent

Acquisition Source

Pioneer Researchers

Scope and Content

Side 1 Short biography: born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania in 1890. Family moved to Lethbridge in March 1897. Work history: Started with the Alberta Railway and Irrigation Co. at the age of 16. In 1912 the AR&I Co was purchased by the CPR, and shortly thereafter Staysko was promoted to the position of Engineer. Worked on both the narrow gauge and standard guage lines. - Describes the Lethbridge to Fort Macleod line, via St. Mary's, and the accident which occurred W3& when the twin bridges collapsed. Names the stations and stops along the line beginning with Dranol (located where the present Campbell Clinic is). Mentions Slide Out and Robbers Roast. - Moved to Medicine Hat in 1913 and remained there until 1917 when he transferred back to Lethbridge. He trial ran the diesel engines for 18 months just prior to his retirement. - Marriage and 2 sons. Biographical information about his sons. - Early days as a boy: Mischief, swimming hole, fishing. Slide 2 (Approximately the last half of the tape is blank) - Biographical information about Tom McNabb, A R & I Co. master mechanic. - Transferred back to Medicine Hat, then returned to Lethbridge in 1957. Wife passed away in July 1970. Mentions his residences between 1957-1977. - Storms and accidents encountered while working as a railroad man. - Baseball on the square and player Bisgeois(?), whose father had a restaurant on 5th Street South. - Catholic School teachers - Diesel engines vs steam. - Scout Master for 16 years - Medicine Stone: located in coulee below Brewery. In 1916 the last Native ceremony involving the medicine stone was held at Lethbridge. Efforts were made to locate it.

Access Restrictions

Public Access

Accession No.

19921008001

Collection

Archive

Less detail