Arthur Winston facts for kids

Arthur Winston (March 22, 1906 – April 13, 2006) was an amazing worker from Los Angeles. He worked for the city's transportation system for an incredible 76 years! He was so reliable that the U.S. Department of Labor called him the "Employee of the Century."

Arthur Winston's Early Life

Arthur Winston was born in Oklahoma Territory. When he was just 10 years old, he started working, picking cotton. In 1918, his family moved to California.

He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1922. After school, he got a job with the Los Angeles Railway. He worked there for four years. He left because, at that time, a Black man could not drive a bus. He returned to work for the Los Angeles Railway in 1934.

A Lifetime of Dedication

In 1925, Arthur married Frances Smith. They had four children together. They also had five grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandson! The Winstons were married for 64 years. Frances passed away in 1989.

Arthur Winston was incredibly dedicated to his job. He worked for 72 years without being late or leaving early. The only time he missed work was one day to attend his wife's funeral. This shows how much he valued his work and his family.

How the Company Changed

Arthur Winston stayed with the same transportation agency through many name changes.

• It started as the Los Angeles Railway.
• In 1945, it became Los Angeles Transit Lines.
• Then, in 1958, it was the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority.
• In 1964, it changed to the Southern California Rapid Transit District.
• Today, it is known as the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or "Metro."

Employee of the Century

In 1996, President Bill Clinton honored Arthur Winston. He gave him the "Employee of the Century" award. This was for his amazing work ethic and dedication. The U.S. Department of Labor said he was the most reliable worker they had ever recorded.

Arthur Winston said his strong work ethic came from his father. His father taught him the importance of hard work when he was very young.

Retirement and Legacy

Arthur Winston retired on his 100th birthday. He said he planned to visit his 98-year-old brother in Tennessee. He also wanted to stay active. "I'm going to keep active. I can't afford to just sit down," he said. "I don't drink and I don't smoke, so I feel alright."

Arthur Winston passed away on April 13, 2006. This was less than a month after his 100th birthday. He died from heart failure at his great-granddaughter's home in Los Angeles. He is buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California. A bus yard in Leimert Park, Los Angeles is named the Arthur Winston/Mid-Cities busyard in his honor.