?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750
(LABOR.) RAILROADS. Colored Teamsters. J. J. McCaughey Co. New Railroad in Illinois. 40c per Hour. Board $1.00 per day. Good Long Job. Hand-painted cardboard sign, 14 x 22 inches; chips to the corners; some staining, small round holes at the corners [Chicago,] circa 1916
According to the trade magazine Steam Shovel and Dredge (page 299), J. J. McCaughey (pronounced "McCoy") was awarded the construction of the new line from Monroe City to Chicago, in 1916. The pay and board were typical for the day; laying track was one of the hardest jobs in construction. These men were being paid slave wages, and charged for their board as well.
