Railroad Stories: Riding the Rails Changed Woman's Life

I have always liked trains, and I enjoy riding the rails, whether long or short trips. But the one trip that changed my life was a trip I took not too long ago from Milford, Conn., to Grand Central Station in New York City.

In order to get to the train tracks at the station, I had to go up a flight of steps. I was having trouble getting my suitcase up the steps when a nice young man came to my rescue. We talked while we waited for the train. We were traveling on the same train, so we decided to sit together. Throughout the trip we talked and got to know each other. He decided it would be nice if I would meet his grandfather. I agreed to the meeting, and we exchanged names and addresses.

About a month later, I got a phone call from Todd. He asked me if it would be OK for him to bring his grandfather to my home.

We met and had an enjoyable time. A couple of days later, I received a "Thank You" note from Todd's grandfather, Irwin. He said he really enjoyed our visit and wondered if we could get together again. That was the beginning of a new friendship and numerous train trips between New Jersey and Connecticut.

In March 2000, Irwin gave me an engagement ring. We were married in July, with the blessing and cooperation of our families.

Mildred Turner
Clark, N.J.

Back in 1955 a call went out from the editors of the then Capper’s Weekly asking for readers to send in articles on true pioneers. Hundreds of letters came pouring in from early settlers and their children, many now in their 80s and 90s, and from grandchildren of settlers, all with tales to tell. So many articles were received that a decision was made to create a book, and in 1956, the first My Folks title – My Folks Came in a Covered Wagon – hit the shelves. Nine other books have since been published in the My Folks series, all filled to the brim with true tales from Capper’s readers, and we are proud to make those stories available to our growing online community.