Business & Finance: Train to Nowhere

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"ALL ABOARD !" cried a Great Northern conductor in St. Paul last week. "ALL ABOARD!" but none of the passengers knew their destination. Neither did the engineer until, steam-up, he opened sealed orders. The trip was the road's first "mystery excursion." For $2 the passengers were taken to a secret destination, allowed to golf on a good course, boat, bathe and fish, dance in the evening, eat chicken dinners. The road hopes to make pin-money by such trips, compete with automobiles.

The idea originated in London where Southern Ry. starts its trains out of Paddington Station, runs them about 40 mi. into the country. The excursionists then hike about 20 mi., meet a return train. Last winter Boston & Maine tried such trips for ski enthusiasts, running along branch lines until a good spot was found. This summer Southern Ry. (U. S.) has tried the plan. The first trip started from Cincinnati, cost $1.75. Passengers danced in a baggage car, got off at Lexington, Ky., motored to High Bridge, fed, frolicked and were brought back. The second trip was from Washington to Charlottesville where a barbecue of roast cows and pigs was held, swimming and riding offered. Other roads are expected to follow the example. Only displeased Southern excursionist so far reported was a man who drove to the starting point, was carried back to his home town for the outing.