Pigtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Luther G. Smith
On June 12, 1912, Luther G. Smith, a locomotive engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad, founded the Brotherhood's Relief and Compensation Fund (BR&CF). The BR&CF, a non-profit corporation established in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, provides job income protection to railroaders throughout the United States and Canada who are "Held Out of Service" as a result of a suspension or dismissal.
Brother Smith did not object to the railroads using a method to discipline employees when such discipline was necessary, but he did not see the logic in innocent family members having to suffer when the head of the home made an error in the performance of his duties that resulted in a suspension or dismissal.
The BR&CF has assisted tens of thousands of railroaders and their families in their time of need over the past 100 years. Brother Smith would be proud that the BR&CF has withstood the test of time. On behalf of rail labor, we salute Brother Smith for having the courage, wisdom and vision to create the Fund and for accomplishing what many said, "could not be done."
Erected by The North American Railway Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is June 12, 1912.
Location.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pullman Troop Sleeper No. 7437 (within shouting distance of this marker); Connectivity: Street Art at the Intersection of Rail, Community, & Identity (within shouting distance of this marker); B&O Railroad Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Line Electrification of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) 1895 (within shouting distance of this marker); CSX Corporation (within shouting distance of this marker); The National Road (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Old Relay Station and Hotel (about 300 feet away); The Underground Railroad (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 283 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
