The Excellent Adventures of Dan & Maude: Part III
In 1939, Maude and her son, Dan, took a grand adventure across the United States. They traveled by rail from Boston, Massachusetts all the way to the west coast with various stops along the way. Throughout their journey, both Maude and Dan regularly corresponded with “D.H.” (as Maude refers to him)/Dad to share their stories with him. These letters have been miraculously preserved for 82 years. I am excited to be able to share these stories with you, so that the thrill and adventure of interwar period cross-country rail travel will not be forgotten.
After visiting Salt Lake City, Utah, Dan and Maude got on the Southern Pacific Railroad’s Overland Limited to San Francisco. Both Dan and Maude comment that this rail line is much choppier than their previous rides.
Dan and Maude both write to D.H. aboard the train to update him of their progress. Although difficult to make out, the postmarks appear to be from Nevada with the letters both dated May 25, 1939.
Dan, again, gives a brief update to his father:
“Dear Dad,
“We are now between Ogden, Utah and Winnemucca, Nevada.
The weather is fine today but there is an awful glare. The riding over this line is pretty rough so I won’t try to write much more now.
Yours,
Dan”
It is clear that Maude is also struggling to write against the movement of the train as her normally lovely handwriting is a bit frazzled:
“Dear “D.H.”
Well I will make another attempt at writing.
We are now in Nevada almost to Ogden. Have not seen any signs of sheep or cattle since before we began to cross Salt Lake.
The train (17 cars) has no observation car but we are in the last Pullman so have access to the rear door if we are interested as we have when crossing the Salt Lake.”
She briefly updates on the current weather (“Nice bright clear weather”) and contrasts it to the rain in Salt Lake City. But, she concedes, “They needed it so badly for their gardens etc, it was not right for us to complain.”
As the train accelerates and makes writing increasingly difficult, Maude closes out her letter:
“The train is gaining speed and I will have to stop while I can hold the pen.
Love,
Maude”
