This was a typical railroad station and here you see the operator holding up a hoop with train orders which the Chapleau brakeman or fireman would scoop up enroute. This is the Pogamasing station, 110 miles east of Chapleau. The secret was to keep your thumb bent back into the palm of your hand or else the hoop incorrectly placed, would almost tear your thumb off. (Note the locomotive's shadow in the foreground)