WOMEN ON THE FRONT LINE: HONORING IDA HICKS AND THE RAILWAY EXPRESS AGENCY

Trailblazer Ida Hicks: Pioneering Women in Railroading’s Legacy

Did you know that women have long been integral to the success of railroading? From operations to logistics, women have contributed to this essential industry, often in ways that have gone unrecognized. For today’s Throwback Thursday, we shine a spotlight on Ms. Ida Hicks, a pioneering worker at the Railway Express Agency (REA) during World War II. In 1943, Ida Hicks, along with other women, played a crucial role in ensuring the quick and efficient transport of less-than-carload freight and specialty items, items that required exceptional care and attention.

The Railway Express Agency was a nationwide system that connected railroads to provide quick-ship services for parcels and important deliveries. It became even more crucial during WWII when the demands for logistics surged. Ms. Hicks was one of the many women who stepped in during this time of need, contributing to the war effort by ensuring that vital supplies and goods reached their destinations.

Honoring a Legacy

Today, visitors to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum can view a tribute to Ms. Hicks and her fellow REA workers by visiting the museum’s 1941 Studebaker Railway Express Agency delivery truck, now on display in the exhibit building. The restored truck serves as a symbol of the hard work and dedication that Ida and countless others contributed to an industry that helped shape America’s history.

Potential Reader Questions:

• What role did women like Ida Hicks play in railroading during WWII?
  • Women took on many roles during WWII, stepping into positions left vacant by men who went off to war. Ida Hicks, as an REA worker, ensured that essential freight continued moving across the country, making sure supplies, equipment, and specialty items were delivered on time.
• What was the Railway Express Agency?
  • The Railway Express Agency was a quick-ship transport service connecting multiple railroads, responsible for transporting less-than-carload freight across the country. It was especially important during the war when time-sensitive deliveries were critical to the war effort.
• Where can I learn more about the Railway Express Agency?
  • Visitors can learn more by visiting the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and exploring the restored 1941 Studebaker REA delivery truck, which is part of an exhibition dedicated to the REA and its workers.

For more information, visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s official website.