[30] pages, on rectos of 30 leaves. 28x21.5 cm (11x8½"), modern half leather and cloth.
Fascinating and revealing accounts of trips, the first several being train trips taken by a man who was scouting out the service and reporting back to his supervisors, the later ones being records of automobile trips, the first from Dallas, Texas to Pomona, California, others along the west coast. It is most probable that there are several writers. The first account, an 11-page letter dated San Francisco, May 29, 1911, to a Mr. D. Urquhart, Supt. DCH&Rests., begins "Dear Sir, The following notes of service observed on my recent trip are respectfully submitted: Left Oakland on #16 April 18th, Diner 10086... Cooking and service of waiters at Breakfast following morning satisfactory. Conductor appeared 'stiff' in dealing with passengers and, in my opinion, was not as polite as he should have been... April 20th - Left Portland on O-W train 362, Diner #501. Had Luncheon on this car which was satisfactory with the exception of the coffee, which was very poor, the quality being such as one would expect to receive in a cheap Water Front restaurant..." Other reviews of train travel follow, after which are transcripts from a diary recording automobile trips, beginning with "Trip from Dallas Texas to Pomona California" in 1925, leaving April 14th, "...we got started on our Western trip. Taking mother with us. Bought gas at $.17 per. gal, on the way to Ft. Worth... Reached Mineral Wells at 6 p.m. found 2 rooms to remain over night..." By April 25th they were in Arizona, "Bought gas & oil at $.26½ per al. Then ready to leave Douglas, Arizona, Good roads to start with... From Douglas we go to Bisbee Arizona, a distance of 25 miles. A town famous for silver mines also some copper a quaint town with one long street very narrow & crooked with people living up on the sides of the mountains..." Later trips include to Tahoe, Oakland, Vacaville, etc. The later transcripts with evidence of horizontal folds.