Traveling in style on the Burlington Route in 1902

Amtrak passengers glide through Chariton twice a day on the California Zephyr these days, but not in quite the degree of style enjoyed back in 1902 when new parlor-cafe cars were put into service on what then was known as the Burlington Route. Nor do the trains stop here now --- the nearest passenger depots are in Osceola, Creston and Ottumwa.

Here's an introductory piece for the new cars, published in The Chariton Democrat of Sept. 11, 1902, under the headline, "New Parlor-Cafe Cars: Three have been put into service this week by the Burlington Route."

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Some time ago, the Burlington Railway commenced construction in the shops at Aurora of three fine new parlor-cafe cars to be used on passenger trains Nos. 13 and 4. These cars have been completed and this week they were put on the road. These cars bear the names of the states, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa. At present they are in charge of Conductors Dunlap, Dodge and Johnson, who are courteous and polite and give the public the best of service.

The new cars are 76 feet long. The interiors are done in oak and are handsomely finished. the floors are covered with elegant green Wilton carpets and the curtains are of green tapestry. Four tables are placed in each car which furnish a seating capacity of sixteen. The kitchen and pantry are complete and each car has been equipped with a fine new line of solid silver and Haviland china, manufactured expressly for the Burlington.

A "smoker" is fitted up for the use of lovers of the "weed" and the parlor apartment occupies the rear portion of the car. It is equipped with four berths for use of the crew, and ten large easy chairs which are upholstered with green leather. The cars are steam heated and are lighted with Pintsch gas. At the rear of each car is an observation platform which will be greatly enjoyed by travelers.

These new cars combine all the best features of the parlor and cafe cars which are in use on all roads and consequently are the best and most convenient parlor-cafe cars that have ever been constructed. The Burlington is keeping up its reputation for having the best that can be procured.

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There was, of course, an additional charge for use of the new cars --- $1 from Chariton to Chicago, 35 cents to Ottumwa or Creston; to Omaha, 50 cents.

The image here is of The Iowa, looking faded but subsequently restored and now in a private collection. Credit for the photo goes to David Bath. The car originally had an exposed wood surface; the metal cladding came along later.