In our modern era of frustrating travel, here is a reminder that the more things change the more they stay the same. This complicated advice for train travelers heading to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago comes from April 1893 issue of The Station Agent:
“General Passenger Agent De Haven of the Chicago & West Michigan and Detroit, Lansing & Northern railroads has issued a poster to all agents on this subject, which is as well adapted to the situation elsewhere through the country that we publish herewith. Agents should post this up in their offices and advise their patrons accordingly. The instructions are as follows:
YOUR BAGGAGE TO WORLD’S FAIR.
Don’t take any.
Use satchels and carry them.
If you must take some baggage, plainly mark with your name and home address in full.
Check it yourself.
Don’t allow anyone else to do it.
See for yourself that the number on the duplicate given to you is the same as that on the one strapped to the trunk.
Check it to Chicago.
Don’t check it to Exposition grounds or suburban stations.
Keep memorandum of check numbers and initials, with date and point at which they were obtained.
Take the expressman’s badge number.
Don’t give your checks to transfer agent on train going into Chicago unless he gives you claim check in exchange.
Coming back don’t give your baggage to expressman unless be gives you depot claim check in exchange.
If you should get a depot claim check, be sure and get it exchanged at the depot for your railroad check before you leave Chicago.
GEO. DE HAVEN,
General Passenger Agent.
Chicago & West Michigan R’y.
Detroit, Lansing & Northern R. R
