By MICHAEL BUSHNELL
Northeast News
November 16, 2016
Billed as the first streamlined diesel-powered train between St. Louis and Kansas City, the Alton Burlington, Ozark State Zephyr graces the front of this linen era postcard sent to Meyer Supply Company of St. Louis on Feb 23, 1937. Built entirely of stainless steel, the train was the flagship of Burlington Railway.
The description on the back of the card outlines some of the services available on the Zephyr: “Daily between St. Louis and Kansas City. Completely air conditioned, tasty economy meals, hostess coach and parlor car porters, colorful interior colors — all at no extra fare!” The personal message on the back reads: “Gentlemen, Sure was coming down in St. Joe. Lots of snow. Is the business still slow? Hope the others don’t call for an explanation. Will not write as regularly as must leave it to the last minute. Tomorrow, Columbia, Thursday Sioux City. Sincerely Franke.”
According to the Burlington Route Historical Society, the Ozark State Zephyr was one of 15 Zephyr trains run by the Burlington Railroad between 1934 and 1953. The General Pershing Zephyr replaced the Ozark State in April 1939. The Zephyr’s routes were ushered into service with the Burlington Zephyr in October 1935, after the Burlington Railroad had put the prototype Zephyr through a host of speed and time trials that were marketed to the public.
The original Zephyr routes were the always-revenue challenged Chicago to Minneapolis/St. Paul and the four-car Mark Twain Zephyr, running between St. Louis and Burlington, Iowa, through Hannibal. The streamlined trains were fleshed out with a gleaming, polished stainless-steel skin that glistened like chrome as the high speed trains shot through the small towns on their routes.
Today, the Mark Twain Zephyr sits on a private siding at a railroad equipment company in Chicago. According to published reports, it is awaiting a benefactor to restore the train to its former glory.