The following interviews are a compilation of eight, tape-recorded oral histories and one donated letter, devoted to the "history of the Grand Trunk Pacific/Canadian National line, early rail-dependent communities and changes in work and lifestyle associated with BC's northern railways during the twentieth century". These colourful and personal stories of men and women highlight the changes in the workforce during their years as CN employees in northern British Columbia, changes in the community of Prince George, hardships experienced at work and in their lives and memorable moments throughout their working years. Those interviewed cover what I hope is a broad spectrum of emotions (running from the jaded to perhaps the romanticized?), opinions and views that will educate and entertain the public.

There were many people to call and many interested in being interviewed however; due to time constraints, only eight were interviewed. While conducting these various interviews (keeping in mind that this study produces only qualitative versus quantitative results), I observed a few things. Firstly, and generally speaking, the older the interviewee was and the longer they had been retired from the CN, the more positive the responses were to my questions; regardless of gender, which I found interesting. I interviewed a gentleman who took early retirement recently and a lady that still works for the CN, and they paint a remarkably different picture than the aforementioned; particularly the woman who, in her own words, calls her views and opinions of working for the CN as "jaded". Interestingly, another woman I interviewed who worked for the CN in the 1960s, albeit in a different division of the railway, had only positive memories of her time spent working there. These differences provide a stimulating contrast for those that read the transcripts or listen to the audiocassettes.

A particular treasure I came across and added to the final project, was a first-hand account of the "Last Spike" written by the late R.A. Harlow for the "Prince Rupert Daily News" in 1974 to clear up misinformation regarding when and where the "Last Spike" on the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway took place. This particular piece was written on the 60th Anniversary of this significant event, which took place "April 7, 1914, about one mile east of Fort Fraser".

Gratitude is extended to the Prince George Oral History Group who volunteered their time with advice and the use of the group's transcribing equipment; to John Harlow of Kamloops, BC who donated a historically significant article to the Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum written by his late father and who subsequently gave me permission to add it to this project; Greg Halseth of the University of Northern British Columbia who offered his knowledge on conducting oral history interviews, the Royal British Columbia Museum Living Landscapes program for providing funding support, Frank Peebles of the Prince George Free Press and to Daryl Moulder and Roy Smith of the Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum Board of Directors 2001/2002 for all their help.

Shiloh Durkee