Early in the 1990's, I visited the California State Railroad Museum for the first time. Out of all the excellent displays, the Southern Pacific depot held me spellbound. This display features Southern Pacific's depot plan number 22, and is portrayed around the year 1933.
The railroad briefly used Colonial yellow and SP light brown, exterior paint colors, inside their depots. Under the right lighting conditions, this color combination produces a tranquil mood.
This postcard was offered for sale in the museum gift shop. It has been out of print for some time. One can see the telegraph switchboard on the wall along with the lightening arrestor. I will explain railroad equipment used on the SP and other railroads in future articles.
The approach from the snowshed display inside the museum.
This fanciful display of a rebellious cat shows the family living quarters upstairs over the depot.
The waiting room and ticket counter.
These views of a female station agent would have been more likely during World War II, when the men were off to war. During that time period, there were many female station agents, as well as other railroad employees.
The only criticism I have of this display, is the Northern Pacific calendar on the wall. Surely a Southern Pacific system map from the period would be more appropriate.
I will feature items from my collection in future articles.
