Jim Kissane grew up in the Industrial Northeast and in a family that had its roots in “heavy industry” such as railroads, mining, manufacturing, logging and construction.
The stories that were shared with him in his youth inspired the direction of his career (and his stories). These tales enabled him to experience steel mills, the oil industry, agriculture, transportation, textiles, meatpacking, technology and more.
He’s been telling these stories for decades, and now he’s writing them down in what will be several volumes of “The Story of Industrial America – 1850s to 1950s”.
Kissane, who lives in the Tampa area, is on the board of the Suncoast Storytellers Inc., Artists Standing Strong Together (ASST) and is a member of the Florida Storytelling Association as well as NEST (Northeast Storytelling).
“I grew up surrounded by friends and family members who shared first-hand accounts of what took place during the building of America,” says Kissane.
He would listen for hours to stories from family members and other people that made their living, (and shared their struggles) in foundries, oil fields, huge factories, refineries, and building massive bridges and skyscrapers.
He decided that these stories needed to be preserved for future generations.
So far, he has self-published two books: “Railroad Stories” and “Mining Stories”. He plans at least a dozen more.
Jim grew up in Elmira, in upstate New York, which was a hub for five major railroads. On peak days more than a hundred trains rumbled through. His grandfather and father worked for railroad companies.
In his first book, Jim recounts more than a dozen railroad stories including the story of a “Gentleman Bandit” who robbed trains but was nice to the ladies.
Another story tells of how the TV Dinner came to be thanks to train cars filled with leftover frozen turkeys that Swanson needed to sell off.
And there is a poignant tale of a young mother with a baby and their sad fate when they get off at the wrong stop.
Kissane never lost the “loves” of his youth – love for trains and train lore and an era of American industry that no longer exists.
After all, how many kids got rides in the cabs of locomotives and cabooses and knew scores of railroad men and hobos by name?
As an adult, he was involved in restoring vintage trains as a volunteer with the Railway Historical Society, and the resurrection of a 16-mile “short line” railroad through Pennsylvania’s historical Oil Creek Valley. He and his wife Nancy have served as guest conductors on several steam locomotive excursions across the country.
During the past few years, he has been committed to becoming a better oral storyteller. He got a surprise when he was recently nominated for best spoken word artist and best local author for “Railroad Stories” in the 2023 Best of the Bay competition sponsored by the weekly Creative Loafing publication.
On Saturday, Oct. 21, Jim will be telling the story of how the Orange Belt Railway reached Tarpon Springs, Fl. in 1887. He will be speaking at the historic Tarpon Springs railroad station from 3 to 4 p.m. The Depot (now a museum) is located on 160 East Tarpon Avenue. Register to attend at tarpon.historical@verizon.net
To find out more about Jim and his stories and books go to READY FOR SOME GREAT STORIES? – jimkissane.com
Story by Walt Belcher
Wonderful article, Walt. Jim is such an inspiration for preserving the tales of his youth. Continued success to both of you.
Bravo!