[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 104 (Friday, July 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE RED CAPS OF THE SAINT PAUL UNION DEPOT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 19, 2013

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Red Caps who 
served generations of the traveling public at the Union Depot in Saint 
Paul, Minnesota. For many years, the Red Caps were the first faces that 
many travelers saw upon arriving in Minnesota's capital city. These 
welcoming and dedicated men performed an important role in Minnesota's 
transportation history and served a vital community role as well--as 
the backbone of Rondo neighborhood, historically home to many of Saint 
Paul's African-American families.
  The hard work of the individuals who served as Red Caps can be traced 
to the end of the Civil War, when many former slaves found work on the 
railroad. The growth of our nation's railroads was made possible by the 
tireless work of these individuals. By the 1860s Pullman porters could 
be seen in the station greeting passengers, carrying luggage, serving 
food and beverages, tending to the sleeper bunks, cleaning, and even 
shining shoes. The duties of these porters eventually extended to the 
Red Caps by the time the original Saint Paul Union Depot opened in 
1881. The Red Caps filled critical jobs not only on the trains, but in 
the stations as well, receiving small salaries and earned tips. Many of 
these men settled and raised families in Saint Paul's old Rondo 
neighborhood. The Red Caps created a solid African-American middle 
class in Saint Paul that has lasted well over 85 years until traveling 
preferences and diminished employment led to many of the Red Caps 
becoming sky caps at the airport and eventually to the closure of the 
Saint Paul Union Depot in 1971.
  This weekend marks the 30th Anniversary of Rondo Days, a vibrant 
community festival. As part of this anniversary, the Red Caps will be 
honored and celebrated for their generations of contributions to the 
community.
  Today Red Caps can still be seen working in several stations 
throughout the country, continuing their strong legacy. The re-opening 
of the Union Depot just this past year marks another wave of change in 
transportation for the region, the City of Saint Paul, and along with 
it a dedication to the Red Caps. As a child, I remember the Red Caps 
fondly, and was delighted to be present during the recent commemoration 
of the Red Cap Room at the Saint Paul Union Depot. It is an appropriate 
gift for those who gave so much to our community.
  Mr. Speaker, in honor of the Red Caps, I am pleased to submit this 
statement to recognize their hard work and contributions to the Rondo 
neighborhood and the city of Saint Paul.

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