“Hi! My name is Eddie Travels, and I am a Bronzeville Baby
My family is from a small town in Texas where I was born in 1920. My father moved to the Bronzeville community in Chicago in 1938. My mom, sister and I followed shortly after. I am now a Pullman Porter. My family is very proud of me
My job is on the Pullman Car, part of the long trains that traveled throughout the country. Pullman cars were attached to regular train cars ad were very classy and prided in service. Being a Pullman Porter is hard work both physically and mentally. While traveling I don’t get much sleep. I do everything from making beds, carrying luggage, serving food, to babysitting. Often times I am the first Negro man the white travelers have ever seen. But my job is to make sure they have a comfortable trip.
My travels on the railroad take me away from my wife and children for long periods of time. But every penny I make goes back home to support them. In my travels, I often see other porters who came from my home state of Texas. We share stories about family and friends still back home down south. I miss my home, family, and friends who are still living in Texas. I miss being there, but Chicago is the place to be! It’s a new life for new dreams.”
When I wear my Pullman Porter uniform it is a source of pride for family and community