San Diego and Arizona Railway Personnel

"REPORT" - Issue 34, January 1967
EDWIN POHLE RETIRES AFTER 50 YEARS WITH SD&AE
Edwin Pohle, long a familiar figure on the San Diego and Arizona Eastern's La Mesa branch, retired on December 31, after 50 years with the road. He began his career as a fireman on June 27, 1917, at the age of 15.
When Pohle began firing the railroad was still under construction. Some of his first assignments were as engine watchman at San Diego and some of the temporary terminals such as Campo and Coyote Wells. During his career he worked out of at least three different enginehouses in San Diego. At first he worked out of the old Cuyamaca shops at the foot of Tenth Street. In 1919 he moved along with the road to its new shops on Newton Avenue where it was to remain until 1962 when the present facilities were placed in service.
Pohle was promoted to engineer on November 17, 1924. Although promoted, Ed spent most of his time firing until World War II came along. Over the years he worked on steam engines, diesels, and ran the old gas-electrics both to Lakeside and Tijuana.
In 1932, Pohle worked on the work train that hauled the materials for the large wooden trestle that replaced Tunnel 15, in Carriso Gorge. Firing for C. N. Brown on this job was a great thrill when they ran the first engine across the 186 foot structure. This was before the walk-ways were in place, and it looked a long way down.
After World War II, Ed held a regular job as engineer, usually on a switch engine. When the passenger trains were discontinued in 1951, Ed was "bumped" back to the engineer's extra board. Following a couple of retirements, and a stretch on the Plaster City switcher, he bid in the "Roustabout" in 1956.
During his half-century of service Ed became well known along the way for his friendly wave and smile. In the years since 1956, Ed became a familiar figure on the La Mesa branch. At the time of his retirement Ed Pohle was the SD&AE' s senior employee in length of service. We will all miss you Ed, Happy retirement!

"REPORT" - Issue 110, Feb. - March 1975, Page 7, col 2
AROUND THE TURNTABLE
This editor (Dick Pennick)rode in the cab of the last train to run on the 3rd St. Chula Vista line before abandonment about 10 years ago. Engineer on that run was veteran Ed Pohle, now retired, and fireman Dallas Keever. Also in the cab was Mr. Harley Bonham, friend of Ed's and one of the Bonham Brothers Mortuary family. Harley was a "brakie" on the SD&AE for 4 years during the war. Took his pay in war bonds.

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