Manuscript Collection

Lancaster and Chester Railway Collection - Accession 1794 M848 (906)

Lancaster and Chester Railway Collection - Accession 1794 M848 (906)

Identifier

Accession 1794 M848 (906)

Inclusive Dates

ca. 1953-1968

Restrictions

Open under the rules and regulations of the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections

Collection Size

24 pieces

Language

English;

Scope and Content Note

The Lancaster and Chester Railway Collection documents the history, operations, and promotional activities of the Lancaster and Chester Railway Company, commonly known as the Springmaid Line. The collection primarily dates from the mid-twentieth century, with a particular emphasis on materials associated with the Springmaid Special, a themed “Gay Nineties” passenger train operated by the L&C.

Materials include a 1968 corporate resolution, railcar diagrams, train schedules, a 1953 dining car menu, a “Springmaid Special Luncheon Menu” from 1968, a Springmaid Fabrics promotional folder, and a series of photographs depicting the train’s interior and passengers. Together, these items illustrate the railroad’s efforts to market first-class passenger service, combining transportation with dining, leisure, and promotional experiences. Photographs document lounge, dining, business, and passenger areas of the Springmaid Special and include identified Springmaid and Springknight representatives, with accompanying descriptions.

The collection also contains historical articles produced by the L&C Railway Company that trace the development of the railroad from the late nineteenth through the twentieth century. These narratives describe the evolution of services offered by the Springmaid Special, including dining and special excursions, as well as the train’s renovation and remarketing in the 1960s. Additional documents, such as a 1968 resolution authorizing seasonal first-class passenger service to Richburg, South Carolina, provide insight into corporate decision-making and regional transportation needs.

Overall, the collection offers valuable documentation of a regional South Carolina railroad and its role in industrial support, passenger travel, and corporate promotion. It highlights the connection between rail transportation and the textile industry—particularly Springmaid Fabrics—and reflects broader mid-century trends in leisure travel, branding, and heritage marketing within the state.

Provenance

The Lancaster and Chester Railway Collection was donated to the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections by the York County Library on May 18, 2022.

Copyright

For information concerning copyright please contact the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University.

Lancaster and Chester Railway Collection - Accession 1794 M848 (906)

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