Grubbs, William Leatherman

Date:
1979-10-02
Length:
120 minutes
Interviewer:
Bobo, Mary
Transcription available:
yes
Series:
Louisville and Nashville Railroad
Series ID:
9999_006
Interview Number(s):
__801
Summary:
Main topics: Education, early years with the L&N, characterizations of the L&N presidents: Milton H. Smith, Wible L. Mapother, James B. Hill, and John Tilford; made General Counsel under Hill. Under Tilford the push made to change to diesel power. ICC: Joseph Eastman and his connection with Louis D. Brandeis. Passenger service. Importance of business following the rail lines and the modernization of the L&N. Merger background. Change in hierarchy of the L&N. Board of directors of the L&N, chairman of the board of the Seaboard Coast Line. Importance of decision to convert from steam to diesel power. Financing the railroad through bond issues: L&N always had conservative financial policy. L&N involvement with coal fields in eastern and western Kentucky, Birmingham area. Law Department: involvement in issues that went before the ICC, cases involved rates. Levels of appeal before going to the Supreme Court. Cases before the Supreme Court, N.C.&St.L. Political activities in 1950s. Legislation adverse and profitable to the railroad. Lobbyists for the L&N - Pinkston and Lewis from Lexington. Labor and rates were main concern. Development of law staff. Prime Osborn - great knowledge about ICC. Philip M. Lanier - Vice President Law and General Counsel. Personal items about Mr. Grubbs' life, activities at St. Paul United Methodist Church and foundation of LOA (Love One Another) class. Family relationships and books written by Grubbs.
Topic(s):
Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company, Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company--Management, Railroads--Management--Data processing.