At the turn of the century in 1900, the railroads were getting new equipment as more passengers could afford first class. It was also when the Pullman Company opened a shop in Denver to keep their cars looking their best. The cars previously had to be taken to Chicago. I found this announcement in a Colorado Springs newspaper of the time.

“The new Pullman equipment that has started to run on the passenger trains are very grand. On a recent train I inspected a most elaborate Pullman Sleeping Car. The new cars are 51 feet long, and 9 feet, 8 inches wide, and ventilated by patent devices over the doors. This allows the fine cars to travel in our mountains.

“The interior are finished in mahogany, with antique oak linings. The seats are made high back and roll-top, similarly to those used on the Pullman cars of the Eastern roads. Each car is upholstered in different colored finest silk plush—crimson, old gold, olive and turquoise blue.

The seats can be shifted from one side to another without turning over in the old way, overhead bins are of intricate bronze work; the aisles are carpeted with Brussels carpet of special design and color, harmonizing with the different plushes. One end of the car is provided with a 6×7 foot smoking section, upholstered in Turkish Morocco leather.

“Beveled plate-glass mirrors are included in the smoking room. The windows are extra large and of extra French plate-glass, being provided with fine curtains. The smoking end of the car is arranged with toilet conveniences for gentlemen, while at the other end is a ladies’ retiring room, completely equipped with all toilet conveniences. The cars are lighted with gas, each car being equipped with five bronze gas lamps, of four burners each.”

Ah, to travel in such style make even the first class of airliners look drab. Many of these cars occasionally stayed in some of our mountain resorts since they were nicer than what could be found in the best of local hotels.

The Pullman Company even rented private cars to people who were able to afford them and provided all supporting services at a modest daily, weekly or even monthly rate. Not unlike renting modern day mobile homes!