I am trying to locate the history of two streamliner cars (when in service, what route, when and where manufactured, etc.

The names of the cars are: Silver Holly and Dell Rapids

Thank you for helping.

Ron

-- Ron Howell (rlhowell2272@msn.com), June 29, 2001

Answers

Ron, in response to your question about the SILVER HOLLY and DELL RAPIDS: The SILVER HOLLY is a rounded-end observation car with an end door (but not equipped with a diaphragm)built by the Chesapeake & Ohio RR. The DELL RAPIDS is a distinctive sky-top "beaver tail" observation car with windows on all side and on top. It was built by the Milwaukee Road in 1948, for the "Hiawatha" service. Both cars were acquired by Mr. Chapman Root, a Coca Cola magnate. He and his family used the SILVER HOLLY for travel between Chicago and Jacksonville, Fl. for quite a few years. After active use, the two cars were stored outdoors at Sanford, Fl. Fortunately, they were restored and placed on public display at the Museum of Arts & Sciences and Center for Florida History in Daytona Beach, Fl. Also on exhibit are china, silverware and glasses collected by the Root family from many of the nation's railroads. The Museum's address is 1040 Museum Blvd., Daytona Beach, Fl. Telephone #: 386-255-0285, and a website address of www.moas.org/ It is an interesting display of American railroadiana! Best Wishes! Aaron Dowling (aarondowling@cfl.rr.com)

-- Aaron Dowling (aarondowling@cfl.rr.com), September 08, 2002.

Ron The Dell Rapids was built by the Milwuakee Road in 1948 along with three other cars the Cedar Rapids,Coon Rapids and the Priest Rapids. They were 24 seat parlor, 1 DR, Skytop lounges. Ran between Chicago and the west coast. I was not able to locate any reference regarding the Silver Holly. Are you certain of the name? There was a Silver Hollow that ran on the CB&Q. Could that be the car? If not maybe you could give a little more Info.

-- Ron Dettmer (roscaler@cs.com), July 02, 2001.