Travelling by train was a luxurious and expensive thing in the early 1900s reserved for the wealthy. Trains were a popular means of transportation in the early to the mid-20th century.
These vintage photos let us see what travelling by train looked like in those days. The pictures also highlight the elegant furnishings and fine dining special in the railroad’s rich history.
The 1920s and 1930s were peak periods for the U.S.A and Europe in rail travel history. They served as a sort of golden age for train travelling as it was depicted as modern amenities that carried passengers to romantic getaways in luxury and comfort.
This period also was one of wealth as countries experienced significant economic growth and prosperity. In this period, middle-class families could afford to buy cars for the first time.
The cars eventually reduced the need for short-distance train rides as people could transport themselves easily. However, due to most roads being unpaved and the uncertainty of amenities like gas stations and wayside restaurants, train travel to cover long distances was more convenient and the preferred means of transportation.
The trains had porters and staff employed to make the trips more comfortable. These officials attended to the traveller’s every need. American railroads eventually decided to face the challenges of automobiles, and this inspired series of adverts.
The media began putting out images that romanticised railway transportation. Eventually, New York Central hired Henry Dreyfuss, an industrial designer, to perform a makeover for their locomotives, passenger cars and almost everything down to their matchbooks.
In 1930, they became the first passenger cars to have air conditioners. They made significant upgrades in dining cars and became a phenomenon. However, nobody made better dining cars than the B&O Railroad Company.
The railroads played a significant role in the development of the United States.
