[Western Vacation Aboard the Union Pacific Railroad]

Be Specific, “Say Union Pacific”

This collection of materials advertising for the Union Pacific Railroad was sent to a Chicago resident in 1957 and includes its original postmarked envelope. A form letterhead, signed by E.A. Klippel, General Traffic Manager, encourages the recipient to consider a trip out west;

“There’s so much romantic history connected with the building and colonizing of our vast western country, that practically everyone plans to see the West for himself someday. The Union Pacific Railroad played an important and dramatic part in the building of the West, which is described in the enclosed short history of the Union Pacific. Another fold tells about the places of interest along our lines…”

The accompanying folding maps (both dated 1956) and brochure certainly do highlight the routes and history of the Union Pacific Railroad. The Union Pacific West, approximately 23″ x 17.5″, presents a pleasant pictorial overview of the routes in operation west of Omaha, Nebraska. A larger folding map measuring 31.5″ x 18.75″ shows the rail lines across the entirety of the United States and includes two inset maps showing connecting steamship lines via the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Two folding maps, a color brochure, National Park guidebook, form letter, and original envelope are all included with the set. Lightly worn and creased, consistent with age, but overall everything is in very good, or better, condition.