These are unique snapshots in time, of the writers thoughts
about their trip aboard the California Zephyr.
Generally, messages are presented
as written.
Click the post card image to see it approximately full-size.
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Card
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Postmarked
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From
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Message |
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December 21, 1949 |
Boston, MA
4:00 a.m. |
Dear George,
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
This is the train I was on when I came back from California. These Vista-Domes
on top are all glass and you can see every thing. You'd love it. That is
the Colorado River down in the valley.
Rebakah Wood |
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March 22, 1956 |
Salt Lake City, UT
8:30 a.m. |
Dear Folks,
Thought you might like a picture of my train. I also wrote you a letter.
The train is slowing to a stop at Ottumwa, Iowa. Crossed the Miss. river
an hour ago. I was up in the Vista Dome watching. Also watched a big red
sun go down across the prairie.
Love from Dorothy. (Notice her addition to the picture. Very cute.) |
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February 25, 1953 |
San Francisco, CA
11:30 a.m. |
Hi -
Wonderful trip and we're having a grand time. We'll be down to see you soon
after we get back -
Love + xx's
Wil |
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December 24, 1955 |
Price, UT
4:30 p.m. |
This is the train we rode from Denver.
We are surely enjoying being with the children.
Best regards,
Howard & Christine |
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October 6, 1960 |
Grand Junction, CO
7:00 p.m. |
Well here we are homeward bound. Very lovely trip thru
here. Am up in the dome car.
Love, Til 10/6 |
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November 19, 1956 |
Denver, CO
1:30 p.m. |
Dear Mum + Pap,
This is a picture of the train I am riding on between San Fran + Denver.
There are miles and miles of spectacular scenery. My trip has been
very successful and by the time I reach home I will have travelled
7000 miles.
See you soon, Love Jack
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February 20, 1958 |
New York, NY
7:00 p.m. |
At one time, the television game show "The
Price is Right" would have viewers mail in bids on showcase merchandise.
Someone utilized a CZ post card for just such a submission in 1958.
The scene on the front is the very common panoramic riverside shot showing
Silver Scout. |
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May 1, 1957 |
Denver, CO
1:30 p.m. |
This is the train we are riding on. Writing this card
from the Vista Dome in last car on the train. Will be in Denver soon.
Ed.
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May 23, 1961 |
San Francisco, CA
7:00 p.m. |
Dear Shelly,
I am now on my way to San Jose, Calif. This train is just lovely. We are
now winding our way thru the Rocky Mts. The scenery is really lovely.
I'm taking a patient home and my train fare and jet fare back plus expenses
- they paid for.
Love Caroline
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December 4, 1951 |
Grand Junction, CO
5:00 p.m. |
Dear Helen,
This vista dome train is the best ever. The Rockies are snow-capped and
so lovely. Will stop at Salt Lake, head south, Los Angeles, Carlsbad
and home. Wish you were here to enjoy it.
Love, Vern
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June, 1952 |
Oroville, CA
7:00 p.m. |
On Board Train (Sat. P.M.)
Dear Folks-
All most at the end of our very fine trip.
Love Ray
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August 28, 1966 |
Oroville, CA
p.m. |
Sat p.m.
Hello you two nice people. Am on the train. Haven't gotten to Sacramento
yet. Just outside Stockton. Had such a nice visit with Lettie. Went
to Camp Ord to get Lettie's grand nephew yesterday + stopped at San
Francisco + ate at the Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoyed it a lot. This is
the nicest train yet.
Love to you, Lois
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February 23, 1953 |
Sacramento, CA
5:30p.m. |
Hello Vic,
Here I am on this very pretty and grand train coming back home to you all.
The weather is grand. We are still in Calif. I had a grand night in
S.F. Saturday and all day yesterday. We did not get back to house till
after one. Hoping to see you real soon. Love Ruth.
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May 12, 1953 |
Salt Lake City, UT
8:00 a.m. |
Hello. 6 a.m. - Salt Lake City. - So far so good
-Sure saw mts. to last for some time. See you soon. Mother
We are now waiting for breakfast. How's that? This is another fine train
- clear and sunny today. Love, Rhea
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August 17, 1949 |
Salt Lake City, UT
10:30 a.m. |
This was the train yesterday that we rode.
Salt Lake - Aug. 17 6 A.M.
We got up at 3:50 A.M. so we'd be ready to get off at 4:20 when we got
here. We are having breakfast now. Amazing, eh?
We'll take our morning and evening tours here today. 9:30 to noon and 2
- 6 P.M. Will see the the Tabernacle Grounds before the tour and hear the
organ concert at noon. We leave out 8:50 P.M. Love, Urline
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May 11, 1964 |
Grand Junction, CO
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It was snowing as we crossed the divide this morning.
Lovely. Am so glad I got to see the Rockies that way. This card could
be any place along this route this morning. This is a lovely route. Didn't
get up till about 11:00. Slept like the dead until 8:00, then dozed &
watched scenery. We are almost to Glenwood Springs and there are scattered
snow flakes again though the sun is shining. Ate lunch with a beautiful
nun from Chicago & she loaned me some books & magazines. Like the roomette
better than I thought I would. Nice to be able to go to bed any time
you get the urge. Take care,
Love, M.
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May 20, 1955 |
San Francisco, CA
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Dear Kate:-
We are having a wonderful time. This is the most beautiful trip you can
imagine. Yesterday we rode on the cable car & went to the zoo.
Love Mrs. Kalk |
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May 15, 1951 |
Burlington, IA
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We are rolling over IA. Soon we will be in Chacago
on our way to Sweden.
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March 30, 1965 |
Carmichael, CA
3:00 p.m. |
Dear Dr. Green,
Since you missed seeing Feather Valley I am sending you a small portion
of it. The scenery was really beautiful.
Regards from
The Jacques. |
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September 26, 1949 |
Sacramento, CA
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Monday - September 26, 1949
Just to let you know that I have reached California and am O.K.
Seem to have pretty well shaken my cold.
Rode in the 'Vista Dome thru most of the Feather River Canyon.
Love, Hubby
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October 11, 1954 |
Omaha, NE
6:00 a.m.
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Hi. Believe it or not we left at 3:30, it is now 5:15
and we are as far as Hindsdale. Water, water everywhere after 20 hrs of
rain and still raining. We have been stalled here for 30 min. I wonder
if we will get to Calif. This is the train we are on. It sure is beautiful.
We have a nice room. I rather hated to leave Dad. Don't forget to write
to him.
Love, Mother |
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January 8, 1954 |
Sacramento, CA
3:30 p.m. |
Had to wait for our room to be made up again. Porter
said it was first time in 12 years anyone had got on his car in S.F.
- Lots of times in Oakland. Think the Zephyr is a much more attractive
train than the City of S.F. - Will try to be in the Dome when we go through
the Feather River Canyon - Going through Stockton next - then Sact. to
Marysville and north. Take it easy.
Love, Mom
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July 7, 1955 |
Salt Lake City, UT
12:00 a.m. |
Dear Velma,
I'm on the train. JoAnn and I have been having loads of fun. For dinner
we had veal cutlets, potatoes, peas and ice cream. Say hello to Ellen
for me.
Love, Charlotte
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October 11, 1949 |
Chicago, IL
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Dear Jean,
I arrived O.K.
We had snow in the mountains & rain the rest of the way.
Dad
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March 4, 1954 |
San Francisco, CA
11:00 a.m. |
San Francisco.
3/4/54
Dear Mrs. Santee + Dr.;-
This is the train I came out to S.F. on. Left Harrisburg at 10:17a.m. on
a Weds. night and arrived at S.F. on Sat. afternoon. Nothing like the California
Zephyr. Wonderful thru out. People very courteous.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Herbert Harmon |
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September 13, 1962 |
Denver, CO
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Thursday
It didn't look this way when we came through yesterday but it was a beautiful
trip.
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October 25, 1952 |
San Francisco, CA
10:00 p.m. |
Dear Aimee & Bob - We will be in San Francisco in
an hour. This AM ride from Nevada into Calif & through Feather River Canyon
was most beautiful I've ever seen anywhere. We had a bed room so have had
an easy trip.
R |
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May 26, 1958 |
Oakland, CA
5 p.m. |
Dear F.F.
This is the way our train looks as we
wind through the Feather River Canyon - Riding in the Vista Dome gives
one a beautiful view every direction. We just left Sacramento - on to
San Francisco.
Love B. |
