Tough Jobs

My name is James R Williams and I'm from Massena.

I am writing this story for my husband, a 33 year railroad conductor (not one who takes tickets) veteran of literally working the RAILS.
We live in the Far White Northern Most Part of NY State, on the St. Lawrence River, bordering the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec, Canada.
Jim's duties included requiring him to work more than 12 hrs. a day, climbing the trains and also switching rr cars, while walking many many miles at a time on the rough RR beds. Sometimes in the extreme heat, high 90's-100's or the frigid cold ,sometimes 40* below zero climate. While Walking on rough rocky surfaces, trudging through 3' snow mounds, or on the rails themselves, he always had his "trusty brown" Carhartt Jacket on (coat, he called it). This Carhartt was part of his survival "gear". It was like a Bullet-proof vest is to a Policeman.
He would always try to preserve it by covering it with a coverall. The rails produced grease and grime which covered his precious protective Carhartt garment. He would wear one Carhartt at a time, until it was only beige colored and steaked white from laundering and when the last its' of warmth was exhumed.
The washing only made the jacket more treasured. Before washing, I loved to hold the coat and smell his scent on the flannel fabric lining and revel in his enduring week's work that was right there in my hands.
The first time I met him, he was wearing that Carhartt after a days work. I was imediately drawn not only to his good looks but to the rugged strength the Carhartt Coat and hat gave him.
Another example of the " Carhartt Effect" on our family, was that my Ivy League College son, would take (more like sneak)the old, worn-out faded Carhartts back to campus w/him. Once there, his fraternity brothers, friends, and even the sorority girls would ask him to bring other discarded Carhartts back w/him the next trip. His girlfriend was studying to be a "fashion designer" and was one of the biggest fans of these lovingly worn Carhartts.
Besides the ones confiscated, I believe we still have the rest. There is one in the "Good Coat" Closet, the Mudroom, Garage and Workshop/Barn. Each worn and kept for the appropriate task to come, even if it is just dog-walking.