(Source of image: Florida State Archives)

The man silhouetted in back seems to be an railroad attendant or a conductor, keeping watch over the passengers.  This Jacksonville photo was snapped in a Seaboard Railroad coach, and it may date from about 50 to 60 years ago. 

If these travelers were rolling from New York to Jacksonville, how long did their journey require?  In 1941, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad advertised 25 hours between the two points.  During the trip, its luxury trains provided radios, dressing rooms, tavern-lounge cars, and two diners that served full-course meals.  Seats could be individually reserved, and pillows could be had for 25 cents each (or about $3.10 in today's money).  Twenty years later, the Atlantic Coast Line's Florida Special became known for its R & R amenities.  It offered such pastimes as games, songfests, fashion shows, and TV programs.  To help wile away the hours, for instance, a young, white railroad hostess, who resembled an airline stewardess, might oversee a bingo contest.  

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