Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 15, 1950.
RAIL STRIKE SPREADS ACROSS U.S.
Postal Order Hits Service In Valparaiso
The Valparaiso postoffice today was not accepting parcel post Chrisrmas packages consigned to western points as a result of the crippling strike throughout the country among railroad trainmen, principally switchmen.
A general embargo order was received here on all second, third and fourth class parcel post, according to Postmaster Robert B. Wise. The ban also applies to all first class mail over eight ounces, including two-cent Christmas cards.
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RAIL EXPRESS EMBARGO
L.A. Fenimore, Railway Express company agent at the Grand Trunk, reported everything in and out of Chicago is embargoed except medical supplies. Shipments to the east are still clear, but operations are being conducted under difficulties, he added.
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The only exceptions to the order are daily newspapers, medicines and medical supplies, the postmaster added.
States not affected by the ban include Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and those in New England.
All air mail and parcel air post do not come under the order (One woman who tried to mail a large package to Florida was informed the postage would amount to $11.” Only first class mail is being dispatched to western and southern points.
Meanwhile parcel post and other mail matter is piling up at the local mail matter is piling up at the local office and in many terminals. Unless the strike is settled soon, many Christmas packages will not be delivered until after the holidays, postal officials said.
Package Number Dwindles
The volume of incoming parcel post received at the Valparaiso office has dwindled to a low point in the last few days, Postmaster Wise stated. The regular volume of 200 pouches during the first of the rush has been cut to around 50 to 75.
Railroads today reported passenger service is being operated on late schedules and freight business is slow and falling off.
Agent Ira Mummert, of the Pennsylvania lines, reported that freight headed for Chicago is being diverted at Hamlet on the New York Central to western point. However, freight consigned to Chicago is being held up at Wanatah and other points east of Valparaiso.
Mummert stated that both Valparaiso-Chicago suburban trains are still operating, as well as some other passenger runs, but several trains will be consolidated under a plan now being discussed. Most of the trains, however, are running late, he said.
Mail formerly handled by trains is now being taken over almost exclusively by trucks, the agent for the Chicago, New York, and St. Louis railroad (Nickel Plate) stated that no freight is being received out of Chicago and none is going in. Freight is moving in an easterly direction.
Ross Corson, agent of the Grand Trunk Western railroad reported freight business as slow. He said freight trains west are held up in the Elsdon switch yards of the company. Passenger trains are still operating, with three trains each way daily.
