Brochure and Timetable for Wabash Railway's "North Star Limited," St. Louis, Missouri to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, 1929

The Wabash Railway, with origins dating back to 1838, was a strong Midwestern carrier until Amtrak took over the national passenger railroad system in 1971.

By the early 20th century, dining cars were an expected convenience of the railroad experience, and various railroad lines vied to offer outstanding service. The rigid multi-class dining service of the late 19th century was becoming more egalitarian -- the idea that delicious food, elegant spaces, and excellent service were accessible to anyone who rode the rails (this often excluded African Americans).

This 1930 flyer describes the dining service offered by the North Star Limited, a train running between St. Louis and Minneapolis-St. Paul that was operated jointly by the Wabash Railway and the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway. During its heyday, this line was fast and efficient (as implied by the designation "Limited." It boasted Parlor-Cafe-Dining Cars "of the newest pattern, especially designed for comfort and convenience." The Dining Cars offered the choicest foods, "prepared and served by experienced chefs and waiters." The lounge was equipped with "deeply cushioned individual chairs and davenports" and the new invention of radio. All cars were lighted by a "brilliant overhead lighting system with all lamps conveniently placed for reading." These types of "short-haul" passenger trains declined with both road improvements and the increasing use of cars and buses.