Bunk Car: 1943

a woman's touch. Some curtains, a broom, a few pictures, vase of flowers -- all the homey stuff.

My father was born in a car like this, though probably a little neater and a bit earlier, 1926. His father was a bridge and structure painter for the Santa Fe. Father, Mother and newborn lived aboard the train and traveled the Southwest, painting as they went. The "bucket" near the bed may have been from paint or solvent. There was also a custom in the day of putting cans of kerosene under bedposts to prevent bugs from getting to the beds, perhaps this sleeper was saving up for that.

[Or it might be full of sand. - Dave]

Obviously, I regret not having had an RV growing up -- this looks fun. More room than an Amtrak, anyway.

Do I spy a box of prunes?

The cleaning lady hasn't been here for awhile ... and WHERE'S THE TV??

(That's what my grandson asked)

Was hoping that thingy was an air freshener which this room probably needs. No bouncing quarters off THOSE beds! Bet that spit bucket serves two purposes, if'n you know what I mean.

All it's missing is a La-Z-Boy, remote control and a bowl of popcorn.

It appears to be 8:30 a.m. and the men are off to work. I note the ash grate door is open on the stove and a spit bucket by the bed. Can someone identify the item on the wall in the corner at left, near the lower bunk?

[A kerosene lamp. - Dave]