Special Collections
J.E. Lynn Railroad Memorabilia Collection

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John E. Lynn was a General Passenger Agent for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad office located in Kansas City. He worked for the railroad company in excess of 40 years.

The J.E. Lynn Railroad Memorabilia Collection contains material related to railroading, and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy (CB&Q) line in particular. Inclusive dates are 1896 to 1960; however, the bulk of the material is concentrated during the period of 1930 to 1954, a time when the streamlining of railroad transportation was on the rise. In addition to promotional packets, there are postcards, photographs, tickets and railroad timetables. Much emphasis is placed on the newly developed "Zephyr" and "Dome Train." There are miscellaneous booklets and flyers, including travel brochures and labor union rules and regulations. The material is informative and nostalgic, with images that recall a time when train travel was luxurious, romantic and affordable.

Related collection: Railroads Collection

Special Collections is a non-circulating and non-browsing resource center. The Special Collections Reading Room is open to researchers Monday through Friday during the academic year. Public service hours for the current semester are listed at http://library.umkc.edu/spec-col/index.html#hours but researchers are encouraged to call ahead for verification of hours due to University intersessions and other events. Special Collections is located on the fourth floor of the Miller Nichols Library at 5100 Rockhill Road in Kansas City, Missouri. All inquiries concerning access to the collections should be addressed to Special Collections Library Information Specialists Teresa Gipson or Kelly McEniry.