Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

V ) i ir^SlIjirr'^'T : £n±ekA/eur £ul STREAMLINES BRING OUT CROWDS TO WATCH THE TRAINS ROAR BY roads. A thousand petty annoy ances and a few serious ones are being ironed out. Even rates are being streamlined, and now you can often travel for two cents a mile or less. There are remaining only a handful of extra fare trains. Typical of the streamliners is the Mark Twain Zephyr, a long tube of stainless steel which weighs not By WILLIAM C. UTLEY W E HAD just finished dinner in a home in one of Chicago’s north shore suburbs. We settled back, lighted our ciga rettes. There was that temporary after-dinner lull when I could read the minds of my host and hostess with ease. They were thinking, “Well, now that dinner’s over, what are we going to do to entertain him?’’ I was wondering the same thing. The sun had not yet sunk in the west and there was a long evening ahead of us. My hostess had an idea. “Let’s ^ drive Bill out to see the Hiawatha,” she said. “Swell!” replied the man of the house. “But grab your hats, we’ll have to hurry! And we have five miles to go!” “What time does it begin?” I asked. . “Begin?” Both were plainly puz zled at my question. “Yes,” I said. “I assume it’s a pageant or something of the sort.” “Oh, no,” she explained. “It’s one of those new railroad trains. We thought you might like to ride out and see it go by.” “House Is Packed.” I was too polite to ask aloud if it were true that people in this won derful ye$ir of 1936 still gathered at the stations to see a train go by. I simply went along, resignedly. I remember wondering if anyone would catch me at it and josh me about having a stiff neck from look ing at the tall buildings. I got the surprise of my life. This was out in the country, but the rails were lined with little groups of peo ple as far as the eye could reach in either direction. They were all eager, intent, out for a good time, as if they had been coming to watch a parade or a circus. A century ago the crowds that gathered to watch the first railroad trains could not have been much more excited. It was contagious. When the mur mur of the crowds, heralding the approach of the train, reached us, the hair bristled on the back of my neck like a bull pup’s. In the twin kling of an eye the Hiawatha, like a long, slim serpent with the speed at light was upon and past us, a swift red and orange streak that seated a chill wind in the wake of its roar, depressing the tall grass and making dead leaves and cin ders leap momentarily to life for many feet on either side of, the right-of-way. The spectators were all waving their hats and cheering, and I swear that I cheered louder than any. We all went home happy that we had seen a good show. The amazing thing is that this little scene is being re-enacted in hundreds of places throughout the United States, wherever the stream liners run. Crowds like that which watched the Hiawatha are also thrilling to the sight of the Mark Twain Zephyr, the Mercury, the Su per Chief, the Sunset Limited, the Argonaut, the Green Diamond, the €■ vation of this city on wheels. An Innovation in Trains. New types of berths have been created for these trains. They have sliding aluminum panels which op erate like roll-top desks and allow the traveler certain privacy. The upper berths have windows, and some of them even have running water. What these trains stand for in the streamlined design trend, the Chal lenger, which runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, stands for with respect to streamlined service. This train is the brainchild not of any engineer or designer, but of the people who ride the railroads. The vice president of the road hired a woman, Miss Avis Lobdell, to ride all the trains on a large western system, interview passengers and Above: Serving meals from a luncheon cart on one of the new stream lined trains. At top of page: The bullet-like nose of the City of Denver, one of the newest streamliners. much more than a standard Pull man car. It does not have cars, but is completely articulated, that is to say, it is all in one piece. Only the varying decorations of the different sections of the train allow the passenger to know when he is passing from one “unit” to another. Diaphragm vestibules al low the train to “bend” around the curves. Riding on Rubber. Interiors are light and gay in ap pearance, pastel shades displacing the customary reds and greens of the old-time trains. Baggage racks are gone and grips are stored out of sight. Specially treated windows will not frost or steam to obstruct the view. Complete air condition ing, doubly important on trains that are traveling at high speed, makes every breath of air purer and fresher than if you breathed it out in the woods. Rubber-cushioned The Twentieth Century Limited, probably the world’s most famous train, is now pulled by a streamlined locomotive. Inset: England’s streamliners look more weird than our own; this one, built at Swindon, is called the King Henry VIII. Columbine, the Mountain Blue-Bird, the Abraham Lincoln, the Royal Blue, the Ak-Sar-Ben and others. The Twentieth Century and the Broadway limiteds are now partly streamlined. It’s Fan to Travel. This is the age of speed, and the railroads with their streamliners are beginning to live up to it. New York to Chicago in l6Vz hours, Chi cago to Los Angeles in 39% hours; Washington to New York in 4 hours; - Denver to Chicago in 16 hours. Trains fly along regularly at 90 miles an hour, sometimes hit it up to 115 or 120. • What is important is that stream- • Kning has come to be the symbol of • » great awakening of virtually all the roads to the dawn of a new day of service ahd accommodation which is already revolutionizing \>essfenger travel. .• • New little attentions .arc being . glowered upon the customers of the wheels make it possible to ride with the greatest of ease at 100 miles an hour and more. Radios provide entertainment and keep the passenger in touch with the world. Stewardesses look after his com fort. There are three “cars” beside the power unit on the Mark Twain. Trains like the City of San Fran cisco and the City of Portland, de signed for longer runs, may have ten or twelve. On these trains, decorations and sections are planned to make the passenger’s trip enjoyable over longer periods. The City of Den ver, for instance, has a “room” that is a reproduction of a frontier tavern shack of the period shortly after the Civil war. Walls and ceil ings of rough white pine board, lighting fixtures that accurately simulate old 'kerosene lanterns, rough log furniture and spikes to hang vour hats on make an inno find out what they wanted on a train. The suggestions were in corporated in the Challenger, which carries travelers on a limited sched ule for about \Vz cents a mile, and is always packed. Some persons said that the cost of meals in the diners was too high, and some even disliked having to go from their coach into the diner because they might meet friends who were traveling first class. As a result, there is only one class on the Challenger—everybody’s class. Stainless steel lunch wagons are operated through the aisles, serving breakfasts for a quarter, luncheons for 30 cents and dinner for 35 cents. Prices are just as low in the two diners. Porters Refuse Tips. Many other things on trains had annoyed some of the passengers— the petty charges for drinking cups, towels and pillows; the fact that there was usually no one to help day-coach travelers with their lug gage unless they engaged a redcap, and many of them could not af ford that; the straight-backed seats became broken-back seats on a long ride; the lights were left burning throughout the night and trainmen were constantly disturbing the sleep of passengers by calling out the stations. On the new train there are adjust able reclining seats and pillows are provided free. So are towels and drinking cups. Every car carries a colored porter who takes care of the baggage, giving it to a redcap on the platform at the station. Nei ther of them is permitted to take a tip. Lights in the coaches are put out at 10 o’clock, but little blue and amber lights are left to guide pas sengers and keep them from trip ping ; there are tiny individual lamps for those who want to read. Passengers who must get off in the night are told individually—no sta tions are called. Another nuisance was done away with when the rule was established that tickets were to be collected only once during the 2,300-mile ride. Stewardesses Make Hit. But perhaps the greatest innova tion of all in this remarkable train is its stewardess—the first in the history of railroading. A registered nurse, this pleasant young woman is able to give first aid, is invalu able in looking after old or infirm persons. She takes care of chil dren, too, when they are traveling alone, or when their parents wish to leave them for a little while. The Challenger has two cars re served for women. The stewardess keeps the key to these cars, lock ing them at night to keep out stroll ers; even the train crews must have permission from her to walk through them. This busy young lady looks after babies that cry during the night. She even keeps a baby’s bottle warmer and a milk cooler in each car. This is what the railroads are doing—and finding out that it pays. The people love it. Is it any won der they are going down to the tracks to watch the trains go b> again? \ • • • ' '. <£) Wettern Newspaper Uaioa. ! STAR | I DUST I .ovie • Radio Fredric March times now. ★★★By VIRGINIA VALE★★★ T AKE the word of a New York hairdresser for the fact that Mrs. Clark Gable “doesn’t look ten years older than anybody, much less Clark!” Mrs. Gable dropped in the first time, wearing red, and a beautiful fur coat, and capitivated the entire establish ment with her good looks and charm. Incidentally, on her husband’s re cent trip to New York, it was said that he left the studio somewhat in doubt about just where he was go ing when he departed for New York — the general impression seems to have been that he was just going on a hunting trip. Another version was that he hoped to set tle once and for all the matter of a divorce. However, nothing ap parently happened. Clark spent a few days in New York and then went back to Hollywood. —— You can’t accuse Fredric March of high-hatting his old friends. Long ago, when he was a young actor just try ing to get some where on the stage, he lived with two other chaps who also were just try ing to get along in their professions. One of them was better off than the others so he paid the rent and bought meals. The meal-buyer is up against hard Fredric March isn’t. If he were like some of our stars, he’d conveniently forget the past. But when he’s in New York he looks up that old friend and no- body’d know by his actions that he’d climbed to the top of the lad der. In other words, he deserves the highest tribute that electricians and carpenters and other workmen around the movie studios can pay a man, “He’s regular.” —*— After his magnificent perform ance in “Winterset” Burgess Mere dith deserves the best that’s going. And “Winterset,” by the way. is a magnificent picture, though there’s one scene that may keep you awake, shuddering, for nights and nights. Jessica Dragonette, who’s been singing on the air practically ever since there’s been any broadcast ing, is branching out for herself with a new weekly series of half- hour musical programs each Wed nesday night from nine-thirty till ten, on CBS. First time she’s been on a coast-to-coast series, after ten years of radio work. —*— Do you listen to the Kate Smith programs, on which various unsung heroes and heroines appear, tell their story, and then receive votes from listeners-in? If you heard sev en-year-old Mary Louise McCroskey and liked her you’ll be glad to hear that she was voted for by 215,000 people, and received the weekly award of $500. —*— Loretta Young fell in love with the beautiful costumes that she wore in “Ramona,” and couldn’t bear to have them returned to the wardrobe room, to be cut up and made over. So she bought them, had them remodeled slightly—and now has four new evening dresses. At last Jack Oakie, that gay comedian of the screen, has his heart’s desire — a master of ceremo nies job on the air. It’s odd that he hasn’t been signed up before, for he is one of the few co medians who are as good on the air as they are on the screen — you’ve probably heard some of his guest performances; he was on with Bob Burns while Bing Crosby was in Honolulu. He got the idea for this new program from his work in “Col lege Rhythm.” He’s going to be a college president, but hasn’t an nounced yet just what that will lead to. He’s admitted that he’ll have “guest professors”—A1 Jolson, Ed die Cantor, Burns and Allen and — Odds and Ends . . . Talent scouts for two major picture companies appeared at New York's Casino Montclair, (favored haunt of movie celebrities) recently to watch Ann Courtney—not knowing that she’d signed that morning with Warner llrothers .. . Gloria Swanson's going to do a stage play in Neiv York; Irving Thai- berg hud planned to bring her back to the screen, just before his death, it’s said . . . You'll see Barbara Stantvyck dancing in 20lh Century Fox’s “Banjo on My Knee”; she used to do it for a living starting in the “Follies” . . . This year those Saturday afternoon broadcasts oj the Metropolitan Opera Company’s per formances will be sponsored by thi lad in Corporation of America. others. (g) Western Newspaper Union. Jack Oakie Simple, Elegant, Practical I8IZ 'T'lME and Sew-Your-Own fashions march on. To day’s trio have the simplic ity, elegance and practical ity so vital to the up-to-the- minute well-groomed woman—and so within reach of the modern, pro gressive members of The Sewing Circle. Pattern 1812—Little Miss Two- To - Five can manage her own dressing with the aid of this frock that buttons down the front. She will be the picture of daintiness too, with such clever aids as prin cess lines, puff sleeves and an in triguing little collar. The one piece step-in is the essence of practical ity—a great boon tc the young ster’s comfort. This ensemble is available in sizes 2, 3, 4 and 5 years. Size 3 requires 2% yards of 35 or 39 inch fabric and % yard contrasting. Pattern 1998—This new dress “belongs” in almost any company. Its great simplicity will endear it to homemakers, and business women alike. It is a combination of charm, good lines and youth fulness. You’ll want two versions of this style — one with short sleeves, the other with long. Pique, silk crepe or velveteen will serve nicely as the material. It is available in sizes 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 and 46. Size 36 requires 4% yards of 35 inch material, with long sleeves 4% yards. Pattern 1938—Daytime distinc tion takes on a new meaning in this super - styled frock. The squared shoulders, swing skirt and peplum fulness are the im portant details which give it such perfectly balanced finesse. Yet not one part of it is difficult to cut or to sew. This is a dress which is adequate for every occasion—save the strictly formal. Available for sizes 14 to 20 (32 Foreign Words ^ and Phrases 9 Arriere pensee. (F.) A mental reservation. Crescite et multiplicamini. (L.) Increase and multiply. (The motto of Maryland.) Faites vos jeux. (F.) Place your stakes (at roulette, etc.). Ipso jure. (L.) By unques tioned right. Lusus naturae. (L.) A freak of nature. Sartor resartus. (L.) The tailor retailored. to 42 bust). Size 16 requires 4% yards of 39 inch material. The collar, jabot and belt in contrast take % yard. v Don’t miss these grand num bers. A detailed sewing chart ac companies each pattern to guide you every step of the way. Send for the Barbara Bell Fall and Winter Pattern Book contain ing 100 well - planned, easy - to- make patterns. Exclusive fash ions for children, young women, and matrons. Send fifteen cents in coins for your copy. Send your order to The Sewing Circle Pattern Dept., 367 W. Adams street, Chicago, 111. Pat terns 15 cents (in coins/ each. © Bell Syndicate.—WNU Service. READ THE ADS SMALL BOY PLAYING IN SNOW By GLUYAS WILLIAMS mother spends half AM HOUR DRESSIW6 HIM SO HE CAM P1AV IMMEDIATELY SfPrRTS MAKING SNOWfVatS C \ G5» DECIDES HE CAN MAKE OE'TER SNOWBALLS. without his mittens on GIVES UP SNOWBALLS TOR THE EAHILARAT1N6 SPORT OF JUMPING INTO SOFT WET SNOWDRIFT* DECIDES THAT TOR SUCH VIOLENT EVERCISE HE'S TOO HOT WITH HIS HAT ON B INTERESTED W HOW MUCH SNOW IS GOING UP HIS LE66W6S AND SLEEVES AND DOWN HIS NECK HAS UNEASY FEELING HE OUGHT TO LOOK FDR the RUBBER THAT HAS DlS- • ’ APPEARED OIT HIS TOOT, BUT POSTPONES IT Till UTTER DOESN'T SEE WHY MOWER' AANKS HIM IN AHEAD OF TIME, WHEN SHE SAID HERSELF HE WAS DRESS: ED HARM AND DRV (Cop7rt*t>«. 1M*, by Ttu 8*11 Syndic*., Ine.)