From the June, 1914 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine
TRIO OF HALF-CENTURY VETS.
In the presence of a large number of their fellow employes, Messrs. Wainwright Holt, James Porritt and George Thayer, the three oldest employes in the Erie's Machine Shop at Port Jervis, N.Y., were honored by their co-employes at noon, Saturday, April 18 (1914).

To each of these men, who have so earnestly and faithfully served the Company for more than a half century, was presented a handsome silver loving cup, suitably engraved, with the record of the recipient.

Attorney Wilton Bennett made the presentation speech on behalf of the employes in the shops, as the big Erie whistle was announcing that the morning's work was over.

Mr. Bennett, in his usual versatile manner, spoke of the service the men have given the Company. He praised them for their faithfulness and said the employes of the Company wished to show their appreciation and the high esteem in which they were held.

He then presented to Messrs. Holt, Porritt and Thayer the silver loving cups, which were especially made by the Knickerbocker Silver Company of Port Jervis.

Messrs. Holt and Thayer completed 50 years service April 19, the former starting to work on the morning of April 19, 1864, and the latter starting at noon of the same day. Mr. Porritt is a little older in the service of the Company, he having been with the Erie 57 years at Port Jervis and two years previous at Susquehanna.

The men were greatly surprised by the presentations and, while Messrs. Porritt and Thayer were unable to make any responses, Mr. Holt, who is a singer of some ability, sang several verses of a song describing his and his companions' life work and the difference between 50 years ago and the present time.

After a few suitable remarks by Master Mechanic F.H. Murray and General Foreman T.E. Cullen, the fellow employes of the men heartily cheered them and gathered about to offer their congratulations.

On each cup appears the name of the recipient, together with this inscription.
"Presented to ___________
By his co-employees in commemoration of 50 years' service with Erie R.R. Co
April 19, 1864-April 19, 1914."