History

The Hickory Creek was built in 1948 by the Pullman Standard Car Manufacturing Company for the relaunching of the famous 20th Century Limited. The Hickory Creek was part of one of the largest orders by the New York Central in an effort to provide its riders with the latest up-to-date comforts and technology. Some of these advancements included florescent lighting throughout, ice cold water and separate climate controls in every bedroom, electro-pneumatic braking, and magic doors that operated pneumatically. With a pull or push of the door handle, the door would swing effortlessly granting entry to the car.

The Hickory Creek was originally configured as a five double-bedroom, buffet, lookout lounge car. The unique design credited to Henry Dreyfuss (famed industrial designer of the time), included a raised lookout lounge that was 12 inches above the rest of the room, with oversized windows and furniture configured in such a way that ensured a view of the scenery from any position.
 

The Hickory Creek operated in service on the 20th Century Limited from 1948 to 1967, at which time it was retired. By this point it was showing significant signs of wear and would be stored and later sold to Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. The circus removed all interior partitions and reconfigured the car to meet their requirements. It would only be used for a short time before being taken out of service once again, and stored on Ringling Brother's scrap line, where the elements would continue to take their toll. The car was later acquired by the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey in 1991 and slated for restoration.


 

Last Updated: 05/29/2009