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San Francisco Chronicle

The Virginia City Experience, 1955-1966

The following is excerpted from a "Letter to the Editor", that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, in the Autumn of 1995. The writer, a Joseph J. O'Donohue I of San Francisco, was responding to the recent article by Chronicle staff writer Carl Nolte, about a 21 car private train that was being run round-trip from Los Angeles to British Columbia. Included in this special train was, The Virginia City, and Mr. O'Donohue was kind enough to share his reminiscences in this letter.

"Editor -- I thoroughly enjoyed Carl Nolte's article about private railroad cars. As one recalls yesterday's pleasures, few can vie with remembrances of blithesome days spent aboard the dear, old Virginia City. It was (the late Chronicle columnist) Lucius Beebe's custom to invite several friends to accompany him on his yearly trek to Colorado in order to attend the opening of the opera in Central City. It was my good fortune to have been his guest on several of these trips, and in all honesty, it must be said that there simply is no better way to enjoy the glories of the American West than from an observation car platform whilst imbibing in a glass of good French champagne.

"In the evening there was an extended cocktail hour with Persian caviar and Strasbourg Paté, followed by four-and five-course dinners served in the most recherché fashion with music by Strauss, Lehar and Victor Herbert in the background. All in all, a heady performance."

It should also be noted that in his article about the 21-car all private train to British Columbia, that Carl Nolte described The Virginia City as "The star of the train." Positioned in the highly coveted rear most position, The Virginia City was truly a sight to behold! Those lucky enough to have experienced some or all of the trip aboard the car will never forget the experience.

While we may not make regular trips to British Columbia, it is important to note that everyone who rides The Virginia City has the experience of a lifetime!