I'm doing some research on passenger train travel in the 1920s and 30s, particularly the Pullman cars, and have been wondering about entertainment. I've seen some photos of lounge cars that have pianos. Did the rail companies ever provide singers and/or musicians? Any info or guidance you could provide would be most welcome.
Beebe and Clegg's tomes. Trains We Rode, Vol I&II should help you. Another title that comes to mind is Luxury Trains. Google Pullman, too. Check library for these books as well as several on Pullman. I am not sure about "live" performers ala lounge acts or cruise ship entertainment. But radio's were used. The motion of the trains preculded record players but after ca1950 tape became a medium.
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By the late twenties it was common for observation or lounge cars to have radios onboard. I've seen pictures (or engravings) of 19th century cars with a piano (or pump organ) but I suspect that was pretty rare. Since many people back then could play musical instruments (since there were no radios, TVs, records etc.) I think the passengers would play the instrument, rather than having a professional musician onboard (except maybe for very special occassions, like a chartered private car or something?).
When the NP re-equipped the North Coast Limited in the fifties, wire recorded music was available on board.
Johnny
Thanks!
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