Chapter 29

SLEEPING CARS

Since 1873 the Central had been operating sleeping cars into the northern woods; sleepers offering stern rugged accommodation, modest and frugal in interior trim. In 1882, however, there burst into view for W.C. patrons, "a vision of regal accommodation -- sleepers of latest design and exquisite appointments, unequaled anywhere in the west". The Central, through its newly built subsidiary, the Milwaukee & Lake Winnebago RR, had purchased five new sleepers of Woodruff pattern, 70 feet long with 6-wheeled trucks, at a cost of $12,500 each. Manufactured by Barney & Smith, Dayton, Ohio, the new palace sleeping cars at once created a stir in railroad circles, and were received with enthusiastic approbation by the public. The Central adopted the road slogan "The Premier Sleeper Route to the North", featuring the new equipment. Two of the new cars were attached to each through train; one for Milwaukee patronage, the other, for Chicago over the C.M.&St.P. rails.