In 1972 the first Grand Trunk Western RR Santa Train pulled out from the Car Shops in Port Huron and now 24 years later it is still on the road every Christmas.
There is a nice story about it in the new book from Michigan State University Press’ “John H. Burdakin and the Grand Trunk Western Railroad by Mary Sharp. Commenting on The Santa Train John Burdakin said, “It did its job. We didn’t have animosity between management and workers from that point on.” Personally I sensed a new spirit of unity and respect. Grand Trunk began making profits for the first time in 20 years. I understand that today the train might still be running but no senior management rides with the train. Unfortunately,the Spirit is dead.
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