By C. E. Littlefield

(Note: This article appeared in the October, 1930, issue of The Union Pacific Magazine and was reprinted in the Winter, 1989 issue of the Express. The original article was furnished by Bill Cunningham.)

Above. A nine-inch plate in the "Historical" pattern. Photo Courtesy of Meg and Tom Coughlin. Click on image for larger size. Below. A nine-inch plate and closeup of flower in the "Columbine" pattern.

Among the many refinements that have added to the distinctiveness of Union Pacific trains recently is the chinaware decorated with special designs appropriate to each train.

The first of our leading trains to have its own exclusive chinaware was the Overland Limited. The design is historical in nature and consists of five scenes depicting the winning of the West and the coming of the railroad. The first scene portrays a typical Indian setting, then follows the covered wagon, the Pony Express, the Overland Stage and the builders of the Union Pacific, respectively. The historical chinaware was place in use in April, 1927, on the Overland Limited and shortly thereafter on the Los Angeles Limited.

When plans were being made to launch the new Columbine which went into service last May, it was decided to include special chinaware in the equipment of this famous train. Accordingly, illustrations and wax replicas of the columbine flower of Colorado were sent to the china manufacturers with a request that they make up a set of designs. A number of designs were submitted. From these, final selections were made. Deliveries of the Columbine china were made May 16, 1930, just in time to equip all Columbine trains on their first runs.

So much favorable comment came from patrons regarding this unique feature, it was decided that the new Portland Rose train would be incomplete without its special chinaware. So we have the beautiful rose chinaware on the magnificent "Portland Rose" which made its initial run September 12, [1930].

That the specifically decorated ware creates a pleasing impression is evidenced by the commendatory letters that have been received from patrons. One passenger went so far in voicing his approval as to prevail on a large eastern railroad to write to the Union Pacific for specimens of the china with a view to work out appropriately decorated ware for its dining cars.

It requires approximately 1000 pieces of chinaware to supply one Union Pacific dining car. On the Portland Rose, the Columbine, the Overland Limited and the Los Angeles Limited there are 28 dining cars in operation which brings the total number of pieces of the special chinaware up to approximately 28,000 in daily use.

As has already been suggested, this unique feature never fails to make a favorable impression on patrons. A good meal is always enhanced by artistic chinaware. Thus, 28,000 times a day the message of better Union Pacific service is carried to diners, bringing to them added enjoyment in traveling with us, as well as giving a deft decorative touch.

Above. A 8 3/4" soup plate, closeup of flower, and backstamp in the "Portland Rose" pattern. The phrase "For you a Rose in Portland Grows" is the official motto of Portland, Oregon -- Western destination of Union Pacific's "Portland Rose" train. Thanks to everyone who contributed images for this page.

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