Zephyrette trip reports, Jan. 20-30, 1961, bulk Jan. 20-25, 1961

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Summary

Abstract:
This collection contains 8 Zephyrette Trip Report Forms (1277-1), completed by the California Zephyr Train No. 18 Zephyrettes, documenting the daily occurrences of the train trip.
Extent:
.167 Linear Feet Single folder
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Zephyrette Trip Reports, MS 649, California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives, Sacramento, California.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains 8 Zephyrette Trip Report Forms (1277-1), completed by the California Zepher Train No. 18 Zephyrettes, documenting the daily occurrences of the train trip. The collection is dated from January 1961. The reports document any unusual issues and any items of note. For example, one report notes that there isn't any heat in the Zephyrette's room on the train. Another report mentions a birthday party for one of the porters. A separate report notes the behaviors of 15-20 marines who were overnighting on the train. The trip reports also note where they stopped and what they picked up (passengers, mail, etc.)

The reports also list the names of the Pullman conductor, dining car steward, Zephyrette, waiter in charge, and the coach porters.

Biographical / historical:

A "Zephyrette" was a hostess on the California Zephyr train, which was a passenger train that operated between Chicago and Oakland, California, from 1949 to 1970. The "Zephyrettes" were employed by the Western Pacific Railroad and were responsible for assisting passengers, making announcements, and generally ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. The California Zephyr, jointly operated by the Western Pacific, the Denver and Rio Grande, and the Burlington

Zephyrettes were part of a larger effort to attract families and other passengers to rail travel, making it more appealing and comfortable for a wider audience. The Zephyrette position, first appearing on the Denver Zephyr in 1936, was designed to provide a "woman's touch" and enhance the overall passenger experience. To qualify, a prospective Zephyrette had to fulfill a variety of criteria, from being single and either a college graduate or a registered nurse to being between 24 and 28 years old and between 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) and 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) tall.

The name "Zephyrette" is derived from the Zephyr trains run by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, beginning with the revolutionary streamlined, stainless steel, diesel-powered Pioneer Zephyr that debuted in 1934. After the Pioneer Zephyr made its historic dawn-to-dusk run from Denver to Chicago in May 1934, coinciding with the Century of Progress International Exposition, the Burlington decided to implement an overnight Denver Zephyr between the two cities in 1936.

Radecki, Alan; Wilson, John. "The Zephyrettes...a History". California Zephyr Virtual Museum. http://calzephyr.railfan.net/zephyrette/zephyrettehist.html

Processing information:

Formerly part of MS 861

Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically by date.

Physical location:
Statewide Museum Collections Center
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Zephyrettes
Corporate reports

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research by appointment. Contact Library Staff

Terms of access:

Copyright has not been assigned to the California State Railroad Museum. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the CSRM Library & Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the CSRM as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Zephyrette Trip Reports, MS 649, California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives, Sacramento, California.

Location of this collection:
111 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814, US
Contact:
(916) 323-8073
Library.CSRM@parks.ca.gov
Website