Gandy dancer

These laborers became known as “gandy dancers” during the early 20th century. The origins of the term remain unknown. Journalist Freeman Hubbard wrote in 1945 that the phrase derived from the use of tools made by the Gandy Manufacturing Co. of Chicago, Illinois. “Gandy dancers” chanted songs in order to work in unison, especially when driving spikes. The rhythmic combination of song and movement resembled dancing.

Gandy Dancer Maquette_630

From Appalachia History, "Gandy Dancers" by Dave Tabler (7 January 2008) -- Before railroad work was completely mechanized in the 1950s, railroad calls were an everyday part of the track worker’s ritual. Most of these gandy dancers—the label applied to railway line workers who maintained railroad tracks and kept the rails straight—were African Americans who adapted the work call to railroad work. The term is said to be from the dance-like movements of the spikedriver, plus the name of…

Historical photos are the only window we have to the past and we can learn so much from them. Here are 35 rare historical pictures you must see.

Searchable collections of manuscripts, war records, historic images, vital statistics, audio and video recordings from the State Library and Archives of Florida.

Searchable collections of manuscripts, war records, historic images, vital statistics, audio and video recordings from the State Library and Archives of Florida.

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A volunteer using a traditional VR spiking hammer at the Daylesford Spa Country Railway

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