Antique handwritten Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway “Special Notice,” dated Chicago, Illinois, September 3, 1879, and addressed to employees of the Western Division.

The notice announces a temporary management change during the superintendent’s leave of absence, appointing another railroad employee to take charge of the Western Division while he was away. It appears to be signed in pencil by J. H. Parsons, Superintendent of the Western Division. Period railroad records confirm Parsons held this position.

A separate faint notation at the lower left reads “Chas. Paine, Gen’l Supt.” This appears to be an identification notation and is not being represented as Charles Paine’s signature.

The handwriting and Parsons signature have not been professionally authenticated and are included as-is.

The document is attached to scrapbook backing and has heavy folds, creases, tears, edge wear, faint pencil writing, discoloration, and an attached newspaper fragment. Please review all photographs carefully for the exact condition.