The X post by David Barbour details his preparation for a speaking engagement at the University of Connecticut with the International Christian Fellowship, a group with many members from Africa, where he was inspired to create a video trilogy titled “Let’s Get Moving” after prayerful consideration of what to present.
The video snippet shared, “The Old Girl, No. 7,” narrates the story of John Wesley Ridgeway, a fireman for a steam locomotive on the Clinchfield and Ohio Railway, who continued to maintain the locomotive out of dedication despite no longer receiving a paycheck, highlighting themes of commitment and purpose.
The historical context of the Clinchfield Railroad, established in the early 20th century to connect the Ohio River with the Atlantic Ocean, and the locomotive’s operation through significant periods like the Great Depression and World War II, adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the enduring impact of infrastructure and personal dedication on regional development and personal legacy.
