Soo Freight's Winch Truck

Since the early 60's I believe Soo Freight had their own winch truck. With so many units working in town and on the road it was necessary. The winching accessories were put on to a tractor by the garage crew. As long as I can remember Smiley was the winch truck driver... a very nice man! When he started to grow his beard in the fall, you knew winter couldn't be too far away... he seemed to know! Starting all the gas Mustangs in the winter was a story all in itself. You waited beside your truck for him to come and when he did you better be ready because Smiley never got out of the cab! When he backed up to your truck, you hooked the winch cable. I was only 139 pounds soaking wet then, and I swore that cable and hook were that too! He towed you to Dewdney, right to Park, right to 10th and home. This was the tow route whether your engine started right away or not! If it didn't start, he backed you into the garage. Whenever a truck became disabled on a highway trip the driver had to get to a phone first(no cell phones). Normally flag somebody down(which was easy then) get dropped off and call the garage. Then wait at that place for several hours for a mechanic or the winch to bring out another truck so you could finish your trip.