COOLIDGE SAVES TAXPAYERS $1700 ON RAILROAD CHARGES
Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) On December 5, 1924, the Associated Press reports President Calvin Coolidge arrived here in the Windy City "in an ordinary sleeping car* on a regularly scheduled train instead of a special train, as Presidents usually travel."
According to a White House source, the President had intended to take a special car "until railroad officials started dickering on the expense."
Because the White House would be charged for 25 fares with lease of the special railroad car, and they only needed 10, Mr. Coolidge dispatched an aide to the ticket office "to buy space on an ordinary sleeper."
The President, known for his frugality, saved the taxpayers $1700.
*A railroad "sleeper" was made by the Pullman Company, founded in 1867. It was designed to provide beds for passengers to sleep during night travel.
JFK+50 NOTE
The railroad company charged $90 a day for lease of a "special car" and added a minimum charge of 25 fares to the bill. Each passenger had to have a ticket to ride the train and another for a sleeper berth. The latter ticket would cost 30 to 50% more than coach fare.
SOURCES
"Extra Fare Charge Caused Coolidge To Reject Special," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., December 5, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"Sleeping Car Fares," Classic Trains, www.trains.com/
