Red Carpet 20th Century Limited
This is believed to be the origin of the phrase red carpet treatment.
Red carpet 20th century limited. Several 20th century limited traincars and its red carpet were included in the grand central centennial parade of trains part of the terminal centennial celebration in 2013. New york central 20 th century limited 1948 1960s. The 20th century limited was a repository of the coming and goings of the rich tycoons and stars their habits of dress or drinking their minds and their manners. The century was operated like a private club and the lengthy dining car aptly named the century club.
To businessmen the century was a symbol of the immutable fulfillment of a scheduled pattern. In 1902 the new york central railroad used plush crimson carpets to direct people as they boarded their 20th century limited passenger train. And arrived the next morning in chicago at 8 45 a m. The train ran from grand central terminal in new york city to lasalle street station in chicago along the water level route.
This was the flag bearer of the great steel fleet. The 20 th century limited was new york central s most deluxe train and was named because it started in 1902 at the beginning of the 20 th century. Settling in for the evening after boarding the century in downtown manhattan you enjoyed cocktails in the observation car dinner with views of the hudson a good night sleep and then with breakfast in bed or in the. Sampled at chicago illinois.
An exclusive train called the 20th century limited which was introduced in 1902 by the new york central railroad according to the bbc welcomed its passengers with a luxe red carpet which lead. 20th century limited november 2020. A red carpet was rolled out to a river to welcome the arrival of united states president james monroe in 1821. Eastbound train 38 advance 20th century limited on february 7 1930.
20th century limited if leaving from new york you departed at 6 p m. Passengers in new york and chicago who rode the 20th century limited train walked on and off the train via a plush carpet adding to the luxury and uniqueness of each trip. To luxury travelers it was. Amenities included leather upholstered seats and air conditioning and the red carpet hence the term red carpet treatment.
The new york central rided itself on its red carpet treatment of passengers of the 20th century who would board the train walking across an elegant maroon carpet emblazened with the 20th century s logo. The new train was streamlined with suites with toilets dining cars an observation car. I never saw the red carpet as my only ride aboard the 20th century limited was in late summer 1963 going from chicago to new york. Stretching from the observation car to the engine the football field length rug was specially designed for the century thus the red carpet treatment was born.