Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Wright's Diner was an a 1893 Pullman Palace Car Company dining car used by President Roosevelt in his 1912 political campaign.


This was known as the “Diner” for many years. The 75-foot railroad car was built in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition at a cost of $25,000. It is believed that Theodore Roosevelt used it for his 1900 and 1904 presidential campaigns. It was retired in 1931, purchased by Henry Tattersal of Sandwich for $75 in California, and moved to Sandwich to the southwest corner of Main and Church Streets for a restaurant.

Found on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Time-Travelers-come-travel-back-in-time/284477301577152?fref=photo

It's still there, and open for business http://bullmoosebar.com/

At the time it was built, the car was affectionately named isabella. when visiting the rail car you are taken back to a simpler time of railroad travel, when the journey was more important than the desitnation. this palace car with its original leaded glass windows and mahogany woodwork was one of only 4 cars on the "pride of the burlington's flyer" train.

The flyer train was so successful that it was commissioned by the united states to serve our 26th president, teddy roosevelt. the isabella escorted president roosevelt from coast to coast from 1900 through 1913. upon campaigning for the 1912 presidential election, teddy roosevelt defected from the republican party and started the progressive party.

In 1977 a full-service restaurant and bar were added to the diner increasing the ability to serve more guests. over the years the train car appearance was changed and the structure began to fall into disrepair. in 2010 a year-long major renovation was undertaken to restore the isabella to its original glory and to modernize the bar and dining room into the incredible structure that you are able to enjoy today.

http://bullmoosebar.com/history/




You can find more roadside railcar diners at http://hickscarworks.blogspot.com/2008/06/roadside-diners.html

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