Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-05-27
LIFE IN A PRIVATE CAR.
Private Car Parties Once Rare Arc
Now Almost Popular.

The other day a young woman mem
toned casually two sketches of famous
race horses. When asked where she saw
them she replied: "In Mrs. Blanks pri-
vate car. They were hung in the dining
room"
Pictures in a railroad car! What
next exclaimed listener not personally
acquainted with private cars. Promptly
she vas informed that pictures were only
one indication of the individuality and
elaborateness which now characterizes
private car furnishings. Needless to say
these things mount up the cost A pri-
vate car built in the usual style costs
about $4,000. There are several private
ears owned by millionaires which cost
nearly double that amount to equip eX-
elusive of the accessories of bed and ia
bic linens, china and glassware of a
quality corresponding to that used at
home. During recent private car trip
South a $500 lace counterpart draped
the bed of the guest of honor, counter
panes scarcely less costly draping the
two other open beds. Exquisite gold and
white table china and the most beautiful
of cut glass ornamented with the owners
monogram, jardinieres filled with flower
ing plants, and basket of cut flowers
suspended over the table made the dining
room look not unlike one In Connecticut
avenue. An English woman who was
present told her hostess:
When | visited America ten years ago
I got somewhat accustomed to the idea
of moving over the railroads with prac-
tically as much comfort as if living in
ZONES own apartment but did not dream
that the luxury of private cars would
reach anything like this
II assure YOU" her hostess answered,
1.-The fittings of thiscar are ordinary COM
pared with those of two of my friends
and of one which is to be built for my
brother-in-law. Here you see our floors
are covered with heavy Wilton carpet not
very different from that used in any Pull
man car. In his car a movable inlaid
floor will be placed over the ordinary
flooring and handsome Oriental rugs sub
stituted for carpets. So far as I know
this feature has not yet been introduced
to any private car The three bedrooms
to be fitted with open beds will be pan
eled entirely with birdseye maple, the
bedsteads. wardrobes. and other furni-
ture being of the same wood.
Yes. panels of birdseye maple are
used in several of the handsomer private
cars in one or two rooms, but the bed
steads are brass, which some persons
prefer.
I'm Mrs. f. II. Harriman's private car
the bedsteads match the paneling of the
room, which is beautiful red wood.
think, polished red mahogany. the grain
of the wood matched to form pointed
effect in the center of each panel. which
In turn is outlined with a half inch band
of metals inlaid."
Other persons who have Travelled in
Mrs. Harriman's private car say that it
| is one of the most comfortable and
| cheerful of those owned by rich New
Workers. although not one of the newest.
very frequent use creating home at
mosphere. increased by the presence of
all sorts of personal belongings. In the
dining room framed photographs hang
above the glass inclosed sideboard. which
shows rows of shining silver on the
shelves. At the other end of the room
shelves fun of books top a we'll stocked
writing desk. which, like the bookcase,
| is built into the car
Unlike the most modern examples of
cars, the chairs here are covered with
plain plush-pale green-those In the OBJ
servation room being in figured tapestry
of the same color.