The Excellent Adventures of Dan & Maude: Part IV

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.



Maude next writes to “D.H.” from  the Hotel Manx in San Francisco, California.






The postmark clearly displays the day and time: May 28, 1939 5:30PM. The envelope and cancellation stamp highlight the Golden Gate International Exposition 1939. This event was a World’s Fair celebrating the building of the Bay Bridge (1936) and the Golden Gate Bridge (1937). In 1939, the exposition ran from February 18 to through October 29, so Dan & Maude may have attended!



Maude writes on “Sunday morning” as she waits for Dan to awaken:



“Dear D.H.

While I am waiting for Dan to get up I will just send a short note.”


Dan and Maude have explored much of San Francisco (including shopping!). They also enjoyed a ride on a cable car:



“We made a trip to China town and have gone pretty well over the city….I have explored every larger dept. store that I could find. The traffic system is most unusual and there are street cars every place. Yesterday I took a long ride on a cable car.”

“The people certainly dress here both men and women. Beautiful material on their clothes too and everything is a good price because it is not shoddy.”

“Today we are going some place Dan has in mind he wants me to cross the new bridge. Yesterday the “safety man” drove him over on his way to the station on the island." 


“Its a bright day as usual but when one gets out there is a cold raw wind and a heavy coat is very welcome- Will close I hear him getting up and will write again as I have a chance. Love, Maude”




Have you taken an excellent cross-country trip? Tell us your story of living history in the comments!