BNSF News

BNSF Foundation donates $10,000 to support creation of Red Cap exhibits

2013-07-29

Decades ago during the height of passenger rail, when weary rail travelers disembarked from trains, they were likely to be greeted first by a Red Cap.

In addition to welcoming passengers, Red Caps managed baggage to and from the train and provided other assistance to help rail travelers feel comfortable.

Set apart by the signature red hats they wore, Red Caps served a role at railroad stations similar to the work of Pullman porters on the passenger trains of the 19th and 20th centuries. Both could be considered forerunners to today's Sky Caps at airports. Amtrak continues to use Red Caps in large metropolitan areas.

Recently, the BNSF Railway Foundation donated $10,000 to help establish a lasting tribute to the Red Caps at the recently renovated St. Paul, Minn., Union Depot. The Red Cap Room illustrates the contributions of the Red Caps through permanent displays that overlook the depot's concourse.

The room was unveiled during the annual Rondo Days festivities, sponsored by Rondo Avenue Inc. This local organization in St. Paul strives to maintain and enhance the spirit of the Rondo community, where many of the African-American Red Caps lived and raised families.

Red Caps worked long hours for relatively modest wages. Nevertheless, they were the basis for a growing middle class in the Rondo neighborhood. Some used the wages they earned as Red Caps to pay for college. Today, many prominent St. Paul citizens had fathers or other family members who were Red Caps.

"The Red Caps were renowned for their excellent service, which was underscored by their kindness and eagerness to help travelers," said Marvin Anderson, co-founder of Rondo Avenue Inc. "Despite the perception that their job was menial, these men worked with dignity. They were committed to public service and took pride in the accomplishments of the community as a whole. The Red Caps were an inspiration for generations of us who grew up in Rondo. We were determined to live our lives in accordance with their values."

Rondo Avenue Inc. was founded in 1982 with the aim of bringing back a sense of community, stability and neighborhood values to the old Rondo community. More information about Rondo Avenue Inc. can be found at www.rondoavenueinc.org.

The dedication of the Red Cap room is one part of the effort to recognize the Red Caps. The Foundation's donation to Rondo Avenue will help the group develop a series of exhibits, one in the Union Depot (not the Red Cap Room, which is a conference room used for a variety of functions), and one at the Minnesota Transportation Museum.

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