Feb. 5, 1931 Editor Vindicator and Republican:

Will H. Jenkins, Early Resident Here, Honored

I participated in a social function a few days ago that would be very pleasing to old time residents of Estherville and Emmet county.

Willis H. Jenkins, born in Estherville in 1861, has been 43 years with the Southern Pacific Railway Co., and having reached the age of 70 years he is retiring from active service. For many years he was in the clerical department and was recognized as perhaps the best informed man in the west on tariffs, rates and regulations governing every department of railroad activity. For over 20 years Will has been a traveling passenger agent and has conducted more excursions, convention parties and extensive tours than any man on the coast. In connection with those duties his suave and pleasing disposition has made him nationally known and universally popular.

His associates, high and low, in the roster of S.P. officialdom united a few nights since in a farewell dinner in honor of Will on the occasion of his retirement and because they knew of our long acquaintance and friendship with him, Mrs. Davey and myself were invited to the celebration and we were greatly pleased to hear the splendid encomiums, well deserved, which were heartily pronounced for our old friend by his immediate associates and by the highest officials of the road.

Among the prominent guests was another Jenkins, a cousin of Will, Leon V. Jenkins, chief of police of Portland for the past 12 years. Leon is a son of Webster Jenkins, familiarly called “Pep” who will be remembered by old timers.

The railroad boys presented Will a magnificent easy chair and a beautiful leather traveling bag. It is his intentions to do considerable traveling for pleasure before he settled down to lazy enjoyment. He is vigorous and good for many years.

I am enclosing a sample of the unique menu card fixed up in the form of a tourist railroad ticket.

The event was a most enjoyable one in every way.

Frank Dave (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, February 18, 1931)

Feb. 5, 1931 Editor Vindicator and Republican:

Will H. Jenkins, Early Resident Here, Honored

I participated in a social function a few days ago that would be very pleasing to old time residents of Estherville and Emmet county.

Willis H. Jenkins, born in Estherville in 1861, has been 43 years with the Southern Pacific Railway Co., and having reached the age of 70 years he is retiring from active service. For many years he was in the clerical department and was recognized as perhaps the best informed man in the west on tariffs, rates and regulations governing every department of railroad activity. For over 20 years Will has been a traveling passenger agent and has conducted more excursions, convention parties and extensive tours than any man on the coast. In connection with those duties his suave and pleasing disposition has made him nationally known and universally popular.

His associates, high and low, in the roster of S.P. officialdom united a few nights since in a farewell dinner in honor of Will on the occasion of his retirement and because they knew of our long acquaintance and friendship with him, Mrs. Davey and myself were invited to the celebration and we were greatly pleased to hear the splendid encomiums, well deserved, which were heartily pronounced for our old friend by his immediate associates and by the highest officials of the road.

Among the prominent guests was another Jenkins, a cousin of Will, Leon V. Jenkins, chief of police of Portland for the past 12 years. Leon is a son of Webster Jenkins, familiarly called “Pep” who will be remembered by old timers.

The railroad boys presented Will a magnificent easy chair and a beautiful leather traveling bag. It is his intentions to do considerable traveling for pleasure before he settled down to lazy enjoyment. He is vigorous and good for many years.

I am enclosing a sample of the unique menu card fixed up in the form of a tourist railroad ticket.

The event was a most enjoyable one in every way.

Frank Dave (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, February 18, 1931)