FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2025 — An iconic piece of Pullman history is being preserved by the Historic Pullman Foundation (HPF) for the benefit of Pullman National Historical Park & State Historic Site. Through a generous gift from Robert Menzies, Chairman of the Aberdeen, Carolina & Western Railway, GLEN AYR, a 1928 all-steel Pullman heavyweight sleeping car with ties to Chicago has been acquired for eventual restoration and public display.
Built for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, GLEN AYR operated on the North Western Limited and provided travelers between Chicago and the Twin Cities the finest in Pullman accommodations. Sold in 1948 to the Atlantic Coastline Railroad, the sleeper was used on Florida trains during heavy winter demand. It eventually became the property of the Aberdeen, Carolina & Western Railway and has been stored in Jacksonville, FL.
“The GLEN AYR is the beginning of a railcar collection that will eventually anchor the Pullman visitor experience,” offered Maria P. Hibbs, president of the Historic Pullman Foundation. “Its preservation will help us deepen public understanding of the Pullman Company’s craftsmanship and its role in shaping the golden era of rail travel.”
A Priority for Preservation and Interpretation
The National Park Service(NPS) has identified the GLEN AYR as a priority railcar for interpretation, consistent with its mission to tell the story of American industry, labor, and innovation. The railcar will soon be moved from Jacksonville, Florida, to a secure facility in Silvis, Illinois, where it will be safely stored while plans for its full restoration and display move forward.
“The GLEN AYR exemplifies the artistry and engineering of the Pullman Company at its peak,” said Joseph C. Szabo, HPF president emeritus and former Federal Railroad Administration administrator. “Owning this car before it risks being lost to time is a milestone achievement for both HPF and our partners in the NPS and Illinois Department of Natural Resources(IDNR).”
Szabo leads the inter-agency Railcar Working Group, established by NPS and IDNR to identify and secure historically significant Pullman cars for inclusion in future interpretive exhibits.
Looking Ahead at Chicago’s national park
Restoration of the GLEN AYR and creation of an appropriate display infrastructure will take several years. However, with this acquisition, HPF and its partners are taking an essential step toward building a vibrant visitor experience that centers on the contributions of Pullman workers and the evolution of railroad travel.
“Each railcar we secure is a step closer to honoring the legacy of Pullman Porters, craftsmen, and passengers whose lives intersected in these rolling landmarks,” added Robert Montgomery, HPF Executive Director.
Significant support came from both CSX and RJ Corman, who assisted with logistics related to the transport of GLEN AYR. “Without their substantial help it would not have been possible for HPF to accept this gift,” said Szabo. “Both CSX and RJ Corman went well above and beyond to make the move from Jacksonville to Silvis possible.”
As the official philanthropic partner of Pullman National Historical Park, HPF depends on member and donor support to make projects like this a reality. Learn more at PullmanIL.org.
Help bring historic railcars to Pullman DONATE HERE
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