Hi Everybody-- A lot of you are probably familiar with the famous Super Chief streamliner which was operated for many years by the Santa Fe. In the early 1950's, the Santa Fe purchased SIX specially constructed cars that combined a Vista Dome with swivel seats, a lower lounge holding 36 patrons, a private lounge holding 12 patrons for private dinners, private cocktail parties, or Champagne breakfasts.
This car was hooked directly to the rear of the Diner with kitchen facing forward.
The car was enjoyed by thousands over the ensuing years especially Hollywood celebrities. The private section holding 12 patrons was called the "Turquoise Room".
The entire car was called the "Pleasure Dome". The question now is:
"Where did the Santa Fe Railroad derive the name "Pleasure Dome" ???
Answer: From a Poem !!
In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure-dome decree:
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man
Down to a sunless sea.
—Samuel Taylor Coleridge, <cite>Kubla Kahn</cite>
And now you know, the 'Rest of the Story' !
KRK
