It was George Pullman.
And a picture of him in his younger days:
No, I never met the man, he was born a hundred and twelve years before I was born, 1831 and died in 1897. But he was the one who started the Pullman Company which later evolved into Pullman-Standard. My first real job was with Pullman-Standard, located in Butler, PA. Worked there for over seventeen years. So I salute you, George, for giving me such a good start in adult life. Now, you all have a great day, you hear?
Hi Dizzy I,m still with you don't leave me !
ReplyDeleteOh I will not leave you. I always check out your blog postings.
DeleteAs a kid riding in coach, I always dreamed of being able to afford the Pullman car. Some years back I did travel by train several times in 1st class, which was a roomette. Much, much more comfortable and private than coach!
DeleteGypsy, Yes, Pullman made those fancy cars but not at the plant that I worked at. We specialized in covered hoppers and flat cars. Of course they were all somewhat different, depending on the customers' specifications.
DeleteLike Gypsy, I always dreamed of riding in a Pullman car... sleeping in one of those berths.... Wonder what Mr. Pullman would think of the trains today... we saw the bullet (?) train in Japan last year... sleek, beautiful and super fast. Probably get you there before you had time to even think about sleeping ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have heard of those really fast trains. Most of the rail beds here are old and may not be able to take those fast trains. But, don't they run on special tracks?
DeleteThe rails are all owned by the freight companies. So when they need the track, then Amtrak must pull over until they get the all clear. That can really mess up your schedule, especially if you have to switch trains in Chicago and you arrive too late.
DeleteI liked it better back when my grandpa was an engineer on a steam locomotive. I remember those days. A lot dirtier, but still loved those old engines.
Delete