Dear Mr. Orr,
I met you by chance two summers ago on June 22, 2013 on a weekend when Ralston held their sidewalk sale. My wife and I were vacationing in the Williamsport area and, having read your father's book, "Set Up Running," I wanted to see Ralston where your grandfather Oscar and father John lived.
I had stopped almost across the street from your home and asked your neighbor who had several tables set up with sale items if he knew of John Orr (referring to your father). He said "Yes", that's his home across the street," pointing to your house. I was somewhat surprised that a John Orr still lived in Ralston and walked across the street to meet you.
You were in the garage as I recall and I mentioned your father's book and asked you about him. You very kindly spent a short period of time with me and even showed me some of the postcards and photos of the Ralston area you had collected in an orange binder.
In response to a question I asked, you also told me where your grandfather's home was so that I was able to get a photo of the house where "O.P." lived. I was very grateful for the time I spent in Ralston that day. It made me appreciate my reading of "set Up Running" more than ever having seen the Lycoming Creek Valley where it all took place.
During my visit, I mentioned that I am a member of the PA Railroad Technical & Historical Society and in that regard want to express that "Set Up Running", without any understatement, is considered by everyone who reads it as the most enlightening, factual and accurate description of a railroad engineer's career that was, and most likely ever will be written. It tops the list of "must have" books for those with an interest in the PRR and railroading in general.
The PRRT&HS hosts an annual meeting each year at the beginning of May and at this year's meeting at the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center in State College, would like to recognize and honor your father for the fabulous effort he put into his book for enjoyment of all with an interest in railroading. This year's Annual Meeting is being hosted by both our Middle Division and Pittsburgh Chapters. Enclosed is a letter from Richard Ader of the Middle Division who asked me to forward it to you on behalf of the Society since I had already met you in Ralston.
Sincerely,
Albert J. Giannantonio
Here is Mr. Ader's letter:
Dear Mr. Orr:
My name is Richard Ader, PRRT&HS Accessions Manager, and President of the Middle Divsion Chapter.
Our Chapter, along with the Pittsburgh Chapter, are hosting the 2015 annual meeting and convention being held at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, State College, PA.
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of he Society, and our respective chapters, to formally invited you to attend our annual meeting banquet on Saturday, May 2 as our special guests, in recognition of John W. Orr and his published biography of Oscar P. Orr and the book "Set Up Running."
As a society we found the book to be the most accurate and historically factual career representation of a PA Railroad engineman and is a recommended read for any railroad enthusiast. Hopefully you will consider our invitation and honor us with your presence
Richard Ader, Maanger
PRRT&HS Accessions