In February of 1989 my wife Jean and I were fortunate
to ride in Southern Pacific's Private Car the Stanford. We rode from
Oakland, California to Sparks, Nevada and return.
A little background on how this came about. I worked for the
SP as a maintenance of way Electrician from 1978 until 1984 when my
job was abolished. During that time I met Ralph Hansen who was a
machinist who worked in the passenger yard.
In 1988 Ralph chaired the United Way Drive for the SP. For his
efforts he was told he could invite two couples to have dinner in a
private car. Nothing ever came of that promise. In 1989 he again
chaired the United Way Drive. He was told to get the private car
Oakland ready for a trip to Sparks for the employees that had made
the highest percentage of pledges in their department to the United
Way. While he was at it, his boss said we haven't forgotten you
Ralph, you can also prepare the Stanford for you and two couples to
ride in to Sparks. Ralph came home and told his wife about it and she
commented whether or not I would like to go.Ralph said Graham would
kill for a chance like this!
The people riding in the Oakland had to sleep at
Harrah's-Casino we got to sleep in the Oakland--(Jean & I)--Ralph and
his wife and the other couple slept in the Stanford as did the cook
and the attendant. On the way to Sparks our car's observation
platform was against the Train. For some reason The two cars had to
be turned around at Sparks so our platform would be at the rear of
the train on the return trip. The Train was the California/Chicago
Zephyr. Sunday morning when we hadn't been turned around, Ralph went
to the yardmaster's office to find out why. He was told the switching
crew didn't come on duty until 7;30 AM and there wasn't enough time
before the Zephyr would arrive if it was on time. Fortunately it was
late. We were eating breakfast as we were turned around on the Wye at
Sparks by the yard switcher!! It was a great trip. We stood on the
rear Observation platform all the way back to Oakland--Except at
lunch time.
The Stanford was silver then. It is now YELLOW!!!
SOUTHERN PACIFIC--PRIVATE CAR STANFORD
OAKLAND TO SPARKS and RETURN
SATURDAY & SUNDAY FEBRUARY 25-26, 1989
We had a COOK and
ATTENDANT on board also
SATURDAY LUNCH
crab salad--french rolls--chardonnay wine--lemon meringue pie
& coffe--served before arrival at Truckee
cocktails--macadamia nuts--mixed nuts--see's candy and foil
wrapped almond roca--available any time
SATURDAY DINNER
chardonnay wine--stuffed sole--crossaints--broccoli & creamed
carrots--strawberry pie & coffee--served before arrival in Reno
SUNDAY BREAKFAST
baked rome apples--railroad french toast--choice of bacon or
sausage--coffee & juice--before leaving Sparks
SUNDAY LUNCH
cocktails before lunch--rose wine--romaine salad with
roquefort dressing
filet steak--new potatoes--sourdough roll--sorbet dessert & coffee--
before arriving at Truckee
Needless to say one would never forget a trip like this one.
--
Graham Henry
Roadmaster
Swayzee Pacific Transportation Co.
"S" Scale Attic Division
Take the Morning or Noon Daylight
From San Francisco
To Los Angeles
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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