Perce Hankinson rose through the ranks in St. Thomas to become the General Manager of the New York Central and the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo. His involvement with the railroads started in 1917, although as the son of an engineer, railroading was always a part of Perce's life. His career began early. He was hired in the summers as a crew caller at the Michigan Central. As call boy he operated the phones, gathering crews by walking from home to home or calling the men if they had phones. Other jobs included positions as trainman, relief yardmaster and trainmaster. In 1945 was appointed senior trainmaster at St.Thomas.
In 1951 Hankinson was promoted to superintendent of the TH&B at Hamilton, which was owned by the NYC. As superintendent, Perce's responsibilities included: industrial events, meetings with government in Ottawa, labour relations in Montreal, community affairs in Hamilton and board of directors meetings in New York, Pittsburg and Pennsylvania. He also represented the Canadian Railway Management at the ILO conference in Geneva Switzerland in 1962
Perce was married to Viola Wilkie, the daughter of a travelling engineer for Pere Marquette. He retired as an employee on December 30, 1970. On March 13, 1971, Perce was elected to the Board of the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Railroad, serving on the Board until June 2, 1987.
Perce Hankinson worked fifty-three years and four months in the railroad industry. Hankinson reflects on his time: "The Michigan Central Railroad did not have to hire me, but they did and for this they have my undying gratitude and my absolute loyalty to the railway industry. I hope the young people of today can understand what is possible for them if they are willing to sacrifice and give loyalty in their endeavors."
Perce Hankinson was a dedicated railroader who gave his entire career to not only the railroad but to St. Thomas railroads.
Local Rail Workers/Builders