Nostalgia & History > "I christen thee the California Zephyr" 68 years ago today!

March 19, 1949, 3 complete brand new California Zephyrs were in Chicago, and three complete brand new California Zephyrs waited in the San Francisco Bay Area. One Zephyr was in San Francisco in front of Pier 3 and the Ferry Building, there was a reviewing stand and about a thousand people. Edward Budd, Jr  the car manufacturer was there. Western Pacific's president Harry Mitchell was present. Warner Brothers young movie starlet Eleanor Parker swung a bottle of local champagne against Western Pacific diesel engine #802's F-3 nose and said "I christen thee the California Zephyr". The next day #17 and 18 would start service.  

Ret. Navy Chief Bob Jensen
Manteno, IL

Any pictures of it?
 

my birthday trains, portrait of a silver lady has them

SPDRGWfan Wrote:
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> Any pictures of it?
 

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Ahem......it would have been 67 years ago today according to my math.

ATSF3751 Wrote:
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> Ahem......it would have been 67 years ago today
> according to my math.

I get 68 but hey, who is counting?

     I think young Ms Parker bears a  striking resemblance to the great Jane Russell.  AA

Stanford White
Carmel Valley, CA



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/19/17 17:19 by agentatascadero.