Dining Car China Collection
Highlights of the dining car china currently on display.
The listing follows the order of display in the museum.
Dinner In The Diner
Dinner in the diner was more than a meal, it was an experience. Until the early 1970's, most meals were prepared and eaten at home. It was a special treat to go to a restaurant, especially one that was traveling at 90 miles per hour.
Dining cars were expected to serve meals to hundreds of passengers in a short amount of time, so railroads chose heavy, institutional-grade china that could withstand the wear and tear of frequent use on board trains. They decorated the plates with patterns that depicted everything from scenic vistas and delicate flowers to bold colors and art-deco designs.​​
Florida East Coast Railway
Pattern: Mistic
Item: Oval Platter
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: February 1945​
The Florida East Coast Railway was founded by Henry Flagler, a key figure in the development of Florida's east coast. Flagler, who co-founded Standard Oil with John D. Rockefeller, began his involvement in Florida in the late 19th century. The FEC operated passenger trains through 1968.
The Mistic dining car china pattern is quite elegant and distinctive. The pattern features a white background with a decorative border that includes stylized leaves and geometric shapes in shades of blue and gold.
Florida East Coast Railway
Pattern: Seahorse
Item: Bowl
Manufacturer: Sterling
Date of manufacture: Circa 1950​​
The Seahorse Pattern china was used in the dining cars of FEC passenger trains, and the intricate design, which includes white seahorses, and reflects the nautical theme associated with Florida's coastal regions.
The Florida East Coast Railway continues to operate between Jacksonville and Miami, though it once extended to Key West between 1912 and 1935. The Labor Day Hurricane destroyed miles of trackage and the route to Key West was abandoned.
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Seaboard Air Line Railroad
Pattern: Orange Blossom
Item: Dinner Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: June 1951​​​
The Seaboard Air Line Railroad (SAL) was a prominent American railroad that operated until its merger with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1967 to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. Known for its slogan "The Route of Courteous Service," the SAL played a significant role in the economic development of the Southeastern United States. The railroad's main line ran from Richmond, Virginia, to Tampa and Miami.
The pattern features a central floral design with a variety of colorful flowers, including red, blue, yellow, and purple blooms, arranged in a bouquet.
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
Pattern: Flora of the South
Item: Oval Platter
Manufacturer: Buffalo
Date of manufacture: Circa 1942
Backstamp below​​
Flora of the South plates are adorned with flowers found along the route of the railroad, and were used on passenger trains including the Florida Special.
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
Pattern: Carolina
Item: Dinner Plate
Manufacturer: Buffalo
Date of manufacture: November, 1953​​
The ACL was renowned for its passenger trains, including the famous Champion, which provided service from New York to Miami. Other notable trains included the Gulf Coast Special and Everglades. These trains were instrumental in bringing vacationers from the Northeast to Florida, especially after World War II.
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
Pattern: Palmetto
Item: Bowl
Manufacturer: Warwick
Date of manufacture: November 1924​​​
The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL), established in 1900, was a major railroad that operated until its merger with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad in 1967 to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. Known as the "Standard Railroad of the South." The railroad's main line ran from Richmond, Virginia, to Tampa, Florida.
The Palmetto dining car china pattern used by the ACL is a charming and distinctive design. The pattern features a green clover-like border around the edge of the plate, with the railroad's logo prominently displayed at the top center.
Southern Railway
Pattern: Piedmont
Item: Soup Bowl
Manufacturer: Buffalo
Date of manufacture: October 1964​​
Manufactured by Buffalo China, the Piedmont pattern featured a double ring of turquoise green with a thin inner ring of gold, giving it an elegant and timeless look.
​The pattern was used on Southern Railway passenger trains, including prominent ones like the Crescent Limited, which operated from New York to New Orleans, passing through Atlanta, GA and Birmingham, AL. Southern Railway invested in high-quality dining car service to attract passengers, and the Piedmont china was a part of this effort.
Patterns and Designs
Railroad china patterns often reflected the colors, lore or traditions of the region served.
Flora of the South, produced by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad included hibiscus, jessamine, and poinsettia flowers, evoking the sense of a tropical destination.
New York Central’s Mercury pattern incorporated the sleek geometric forms and bright colors of the Art Deco
movement of the 1930’s.
The Pirate pattern was used on the City of New Orleans and Panama Limited trains of the Illinois Central. The Pirate pattern represents the swashbuckling spirit of New Orleans.
Southern Railway
Pattern: Peach Blossom
Item: Oval Platter
Manufacturer: Buffalo
Date of manufacture: Circa 1942​​
The Southern Railway's Peach Blossom dining car china pattern was a simple design introduced in 1925. It featured a rust-brown and gray motif with baskets of peaches and vines, symbolizing the Southern charm and hospitality. The pattern was customized for Southern Railway with top marks or backstamps, often including the slogan "The Southern Serves the South"
Pennsylvania Railroad
Pattern: Purple Laurel
Item: Oval Platter
Manufacturer: Scammell
Date of manufacture: Circa 1940​​
The Purple Laurel dining car china pattern was a design used by the Pennsylvania Railroad. It featured a laurel wreath motif in purple. This pattern was produced by manufacturers Shenango China and Scammell China, and it was often backstamped with the PRR's iconic keystone logo.
​It was introduced in the late 1930s and remained in use through the early 1950s. It was used on the Broadway Limited, which was the railroad's flagship service between New York City and Chicago.
Pennsylvania Railroad
Pattern: Liberty
Item: Oval Platter
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: February 1922​​
The Liberty dining car china pattern was a design used by the Pennsylvania Railroad. It featured a white base color with all red lettering, including PRR's iconic keystone logo. The pattern was produced in the 1920's and used throughout their system.
​This piece was dropped at some point, but it is not known when the damage occurred. It is one of the only pieces in our collection of historic tableware that has visible damage.
New York Central Railroad
Pattern: Mercury
Item: Dinner Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: November 1951​​
The Mercury pattern was a striking design used by the New York Central Railroad. It featured a cream base with reddish-brown stripes and the "NYC" monogram, exuding a sleek and modern aesthetic. This pattern was introduced in 1936 and remained in use until around 1967.
The Mercury china was specifically created for use on the Mercury trains, a series of streamlined passenger trains introduced by NYC in the mid-1930s.
These trains, such as the Cleveland Mercury, Chicago Mercury, and Detroit Mercury, were known for their Art Deco design and luxurious amenities, including elegant dining services.
New York Central Railroad
Pattern: DeWitt Clinton
Item: Celery Trough
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: TBD​​
The DeWitt Clinton china pattern was used by the New York Central Railroad and is named after the historic DeWitt Clinton locomotive, one of the earliest steam engines in the United States.
This pattern was used between 1925 and the early 1950's, and featured on prestigious trains like the 20th Century Limited and the Empire State Express, which were known for their luxury and elegance.
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Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad
Pattern: George Washington
Item: Service Plate
Manufacturer: Buffalo
Date of manufacture: Circa 1932​​
This pattern, used on the C&O's flagship train, the George Washington, featured intricate gold detailing around the border. At the center of the plate was a portrait of George Washington, surrounded by a gold line.
The china was introduced in 1932 when the George Washington train debuted as one of the first air-conditioned trains in America, traveling between Washington, D.C., and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
Pattern: Centenary
Item: Dinner Plate
Manufacturer: Shenango
Date of manufacture: Circa 1950​​
The B&O's Centenary dining car china pattern was introduced in 1927 to celebrate the railroad's 100th anniversary. The pattern featured a blue and white design with intricate details which included the B&O Railroad's logo and imagery related to its history, such as depictions of historic locomotives and trackside scenes.
It became one of the most celebrated designs of railroad china and was reproduced for the B&O Railroad Museum's gift shop long after they ceased passenger train operations.
Norfolk & Western Railroad
Pattern: Yellow Bird
Item: Oat Meal Bowl
Manufacturer: Shenango
Date of manufacture: January-June 1952​​
This pattern was used on Norfolk and Western trains like the Pocahontas and the Powhatan Arrow after World War II. Produced by Shenango China, this pattern featured a tropical yellow bird surrounded by colorful flowers on an ivory background. A maroon band encircled the design, adding a touch of sophistication. The Yellow Bird pattern is highly sought by collectors today. Interestingly, similar patterns were produced by other manufacturers, but only the Shenango version with the maroon band was officially used by the Norfolk and Western Railroad.
Pullman Car Co.
Pattern: Indian Tree
Item: Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: April 1947​
The Pullman Car Company's Indian Tree dining car china pattern was used during the mid-20th century on trains around the country that utilized Pullman sleeping and dining cars. Produced by Syracuse China, this pattern featured intricate floral and tree motifs inspired by traditional Indian designs and included the word 'Pullman' on the plates. The vibrant colors and detailed artwork made it a standout choice for Pullman's dining cars..
Amtrak
Pattern: National
Item: Salad Plate
Manufacturer: Homer Laughlin
Date of manufacture: 1980​​
The Amtrak National dining car china pattern was introduced shortly after Amtrak began operations in 1971. This pattern featured a clean and simple design with a white base, a bold blue band around the rim, and a thin gray line separating the blue band from the center.
The china was produced by several manufacturers, including Hall China, Mayer China, and Homer Laughlin China. It was used in Amtrak's dining cars until the early 1980s, when the company transitioned to more cost-effective disposable tableware.
The Backside of a Plate
A unique feature of railroad dining car china is the backstamp. The underside of pieces are usually marked with the manufacturer and a code indicating the month and year it was made.
Backstamps sometimes featured custom logos which included the railroad name and pattern design.
Shenango, Sterling, Buffalo, and Syracuse - all American manufacturers - specialized in railroad china, and produced tableware for dozens of railroads for nearly a century.
Great Northern Railway
Pattern: Mountain and Flowers
Item: Dinner Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: March 1961​​
The Mountain and Flowers china pattern was used by the Great Northern Railway in its dining cars from the late 1940s through the 1960s. The design was inspired by the wildflowers found in Glacier National Park, such as the dark pink and yellow Columbine, yellow Globeflower, and pale pink Springbeauty. The larger pieces, like the dinner plate pictured, featured a gray landscape scene in the background depicting mountains and trees with the colorful flowers.
It was used aboard their flagship train, the Empire Builder.
Great Northern Railway
Pattern: Mountain and Flowers Dinner Plate Reverse Side
Item: Dinner Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: Circa 1960​​
Early versions of the dinner plates were backstamped with poetic descriptions of Glacier National Park's beauty, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. This pattern became iconic and is highly sought after by collectors today.
Great Northern Railway
Item: Placemat
Description: Great Northern Country - Food Basket
Date of manufacture: Circa 1960​​
The Great Northern Country - A Great American Food Basket placemat was a promotional item used in the dining cars of the Great Northern Railway. It celebrated the agricultural richness of the regions served by the railway, emphasizing the variety and quality of food produced in "Great Northern Country." The placemat featured colorful illustrations highlighting contributions to America's food supply, tying the railway's identity to the prosperity of the region.
Illinois Central Railroad
Pattern: Pirate
Item: Service Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: September 1968​​
The Illinois Central Railroad's Pirate dining car china pattern was a vibrant and unique design introduced in 1957 on its prestigious passenger trains, the City of New Orleans and the Panama Limited.
Produced exclusively by Syracuse China, this pattern features colorful depictions of pirates, palm trees, and pirate ships. The Pirate pattern was only made in the dinner plate size and was paired with Syracuse China's Coral pattern plates when in use.
Illinois Central Railroad
Pattern: Coral
Item: Oval Platter
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: September 1960​​
The Illinois Central Railroad's Coral dining car china pattern was introduced in 1935 and remained in use until 1971. Produced by Syracuse China, this pattern featured a coral-colored stenciled overspray of branches and leaves on a white background, creating a striking and elegant design. The pattern was exclusively used by the Illinois Central Railroad and became a staple in its dining cars, enhancing the passenger experience on trains the City of New Orleans and the Panama Limited.
Chicago and North Western Railroad
Pattern: Flambeau
Item: Bowl
Manufacturer: Shenango
Date of manufacture: Circa 1970​​
The Flambeau pattern was named after the Flambeau River in Wisconsin, reflecting the railroad's regional connections and branding.
The pattern was introduced in the mid-20th century and was used on notable trains like the Flambeau 400, which operated between Chicago and the Twin Cities.
Milwaukee Road
Pattern: Pioneer
Item: Dinner Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: November 1956​​
This pattern was introduced in 1927 and was produced by Syracuse China.
The Pioneer pattern was used on notable trains like the Hiawatha, which was famous for its speed and luxury. The china added a touch of refinement to the dining cars, aligning with the high standards of service that the Milwaukee Road was known for.
Milwaukee Road
Item: Placemat
Description: Milwaukee Road Green Route Map
Date of manufacture: Circa 1958​​
Dining car placemats used on the Milwaukee Road were made of paper and featured route maps, showcasing the railway's extensive network. These placemats served both a functional and promotional purpose, providing passengers with a visual representation of the routes while dining. They highlighted key cities, scenic landmarks, and connections, emphasizing the Milwaukee Road's role in connecting the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest.
Milwaukee Road
Pattern: Traveler
Item: Dinner Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: March 1958​​
Backstamp below
The Traveler dining car china pattern was introduced in 1946 and produced by Syracuse China. It featured a distinctive design including Canada geese in flight. The pattern was exclusive to the Milwaukee Road and was used on its Hiawatha train dining cars.
The design was part of Syracuse China's "Econo-Rim" dinnerware line, which was specifically created to save space on dining car tables. The pink shading was achieved using Syracuse's "shadowtone" technique, while the black details were hand-painted, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.
Great Northern Railway
Pattern: Glory of the West
Item: Oval Platter
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: June 1953​​
Backstamp below
The Empire Builder was the railroad's premiere passenger train, started in 1929 and named after James J. Hill, who was nicknamed 'The Empire Builder' for creating a successful, privately funded transcontinental railroad.
Amtrak continues to operate the Empire Builder between Chicago and Seattle/Portland.
A Collector's Gift
The Central Florida Railway Historical Society
received most of our china collection as a gift from the Chapman S. Root family in April 2000.
Mr. Root’s family designed the original Coca-Cola bottle, and later became a bottler for the soft drink company, based in Daytona Beach, FL.
An avid collector of railroad items, Mr. Root purchased railroad cars, artifacts and ephemera throughout his life. After his passing, the family donated thousands of items to the Society.
The Central Florida Railroad Museum proudly displays one of the largest museum collections of dining car china and silver service in the country.
Santa Fe Railway
Pattern: Adobe
Item: Dinner Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: January 1951​​
The Santa Fe Railway's Adobe dining car china pattern was produced by Syracuse China and featured a warm, earthy color palette inspired by the adobe architecture of the Southwest.
The pattern was introduced around 1947 and was used on Santa Fe's famous passenger train, the El Capitan.
Santa Fe Railway
Item: Placemat
Description: Principal Routes of the Santa Fe Railway
Date of manufacture: Circa 1960​​
The Santa Fe Railway's paper placemat featuring the Chico mascot was an iconic piece of dining car memorabilia. Chico, a young Navajo boy, served as the railway's mascot and symbolized the connection to Southwestern culture and heritage. The placemat often showcased Chico pointing the way, alongside colorful illustrations of the railway's routes and destinations.
These placemats were used on famous trains like the Super Chief and El Capitan, adding a touch of whimsy and cultural appreciation to the journey.
Santa Fe Railway
Pattern: The Turquoise Room
Item: Service Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: May 1969​​​​
The Super Chief was a luxury passenger train operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway from 1936 to 1971. It was known as "The Train of the Stars" because it was a favorite among Hollywood celebrities traveling between Chicago and Los Angeles.
This plate was used in their private dining room, The Turquoise Room, which was located in the Pleasure Dome cars of each train. The plate would be removed prior to the guest receiving their meal on the Mimbreno pattern plate.
Santa Fe Railway
Pattern: Mimbreno
Item: Dinner Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: May 1953
Backstamp below​​​​
The dining car china used on the Super Chief was part of the Mimbreno pattern, designed by Mary Colter of the Fred Harvey Company in collaboration with R. Guy Cowan of Syracuse China. This china featured stylized animals and borders inspired by ancient Native American designs from the Southwest. The distinctive red and white pattern added to the elegance and prestige of the dining experience on the Super Chief.
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Fred Harvey - El Tovar Hotel
Pattern: Champlain, Webster
Item: Dinner Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: Circa 1960​​
The Champlain china pattern was a beautiful and iconic design used at the Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel, which opened in 1905 and was operated by the Fred Harvey Company in conjunction with the Santa Fe Railway.
This pattern was produced by Syracuse China and featured intricate floral and acanthus swirl motifs.
Syracuse China adapted the design for broader commercial use, renaming it Webster to appeal to a wider market beyond the Fred Harvey establishments.
Fred Harvey Restaurants
Pattern: Trend
Item: Divided Dinner Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: April 1971​​
The Trend china pattern was used in Fred Harvey restaurants, which were closely associated with the Santa Fe Railway. This pattern was produced by Syracuse China and featured a simple yet elegant design with floral motifs. The pattern was part of the durable restaurant ware used in Harvey Houses, known for their high standards of service and quality.
Fred Harvey's establishments were pioneers in providing consistent and reliable dining experiences for travelers, and the china patterns they used became iconic symbols of this era. The Trend pattern, like others, reflected the blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal that characterized the Fred Harvey brand.
Union Pacific Railroad
Pattern: Winged Streamliner
Item: Grapefruit Bowl
Manufacturer: Sterling
Date of manufacture: October-December 1972​​​
The Winged Streamliner china pattern was a striking design used by the Union Pacific Railroad in its dining cars. This pattern featured a winged train emblem, symbolizing the streamlined locomotives that were iconic to Union Pacific's fleet. The design included gold pinstriping and ranged in color from rust-red to green or brown, depending on the manufacturer.
The china was produced by several companies, including Homer Laughlin, Syracuse China, Sterling China, and Trenton China. It was introduced in 1936 and used on Union Pacific's famous "City" trains, such as the City of Los Angeles and City of Denver.
Union Pacific Railroad
Pattern: Harriman Blue
Item: Plate
Manufacturer: Scammell
Date of manufacture: Not marked​​
The Harriman Blue china pattern was a distinctive design used by the Union Pacific Railroad in its dining cars. Named after E.H. Harriman, a key figure in the railroad's success in the early 1900's, this pattern featured a light or medium blue scroll design around the rim.
It was used not only in dining cars but also in railroad-connected eating establishments, such as those at Omaha Union Station which were operated by the Union Pacific. The design was also adopted by the Southern Pacific Railroad for continuity on jointly operated trains.
Union Pacific Railroad
Pattern: Challenger
Item: Bread Plate
Manufacturer: Syracuse
Date of manufacture: December 1945​​
The Challenger china pattern was used by the Union Pacific Railroad in its dining cars, particularly on its Challenger passenger trains including the Los Angeles Challenger (Chicago-LA) and the San Francisco Challenger (Chicago-Oakland/San Francisco).
It featured a simple design, and was produced by Syracuse China and others, ensuring durability for use in the bustling dining car environment. The Challenger pattern was part of the Union Pacific's effort to provide a high-quality dining experience for its passengers, showcasing the railroad's attention to detail and commitment to customer service.