Pullman Palace Car Company in
Chicago was founded in 1867 to build
luxury sleeping cars for the
railroads. Pullman's success in this venture dramatically changed rail
travel worldwide. The luxuries of a
private Pullman Palace Car included
chandeliers, electric lighting, advanced heating and air-conditioning systems, complete bath facilities,
silk draperies,
luxury bedding and elegant furniture.
In December of 1912, Clara Baldwin Stocker, eldest daughter of
California pioneer E.J. "Lucky" Baldwin, took delivery of a Pullman railcar appropriately named the
California. Lucky Baldwin's fortune came from
mining shares,
real estate, race
horses,
hotels and the world renowned Santa Anita Race Track. Clara and Anita inherited his fortune and both commissioned private
railcars. Clara's car was beautifully decorated in a
modern style with cream and
gold painted staterooms, rather than the usual dark wood grained walls and ceilings. The railcar must have been an imposing and awe inspiring sight, resplendent in maroon, red,
gold leaf striping and lettering with polished
brass railings and grab handles. The
California was a luxurious suite and can be likened to owning a
private jet today.
The
California, as ordered by Mrs. C.B. Stocker, had a floor plan that was very versatile, spacious and comfortable. It has one double large bedroom and two smaller staterooms for two. The large combination dining and observation room was paneled in elegant
Cuban
Mahogany and the private rooms were painted in cream and gold. The servant's section, including the passageway, was quarter-sawed native
oak, which was dramatically different from the beautiful mahogany used in the family section. Beautiful decorative
leaded glass adorned every window in the
California, except in the servant's quarters.
Original
manuscripts,
photographs, Pullman build sheets and factory
blueprints were used in the restoration of the
California by the Nethercutt Collection. Details were faithfully reproduced over a three year period. Today the
California appears as it did December 14, 1912. This restoration was dedicated to a more elegant way of life.
This information was gleaned from the Nethercutt Collection Museum in San Sylmar, California where the California currently resides in all its splendour.