Wednesday, May 28, 2008

TIPS FOR STAGECOACH TRAVELERS

The best seat inside a stage is the one next to the driver. Even if you have a tendency to sea-sickness when riding backwards...you’ll get over it and will get less jolts and jostling. Don’t let any “sly elph” trade you his mid-seat.

In cold weather don’t ride with tight-fitting boots, shoes, or gloves. When the driver asks you to get off and walk do so without grumbling, he won’t request it unless absolutely necessary. If the team runs away…sit still and take your chances. If you jump, nine out of ten times you will get hurt. In very cold weather abstain entirely from liquor when on the road, because you will freeze twice as quickly when under its influence.

Don’t growl at the food received at the station…stage companies generally provide the best they can get.

Don’t keep the stage waiting. Don’t smoke a strong pipe inside the coach. Spit on the leeward side. If you have anything to drink in a bottle pass it around. Procure your stimulants before starting, a “ranch” (stage depot) whiskey is not “Nectar.”

Don’t lean or lop over neighbors when sleeping. Take small change to pay expenses. Never shoot on the road, as the noise might frighten the horses. Don’t discuss politics or religion.

Don’t point out where murders have been committed especially if there are women passengers.

Don’t lag at the washbasin. Don’t grease your hair because travel is dusty. Don’t imagine for a moment that you are going on a picnic. Expect annoyances, discomfort, and some hardships.

Omaha Herald, 1877
From the Historical Museum
June, 1988

6 comments:

Nicole McCaffrey said...

LOL I love it. Sure does make long waiting times at the airport and the cost of gas a bit easier to swallow, doesn't it?

Anonymous said...

Lots of common sense there, amazing how much of it applies to today. Maybe you should post it on oe of today's travel sites, lol, and see the reaction.

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

You know, I hadn't thought about how much nicer traveling today seems now that we know what traveling in the "olden" days was like. I could post it some place where travelers could see it, but it might make the airlines smile too much and be able to say - "see we're not so bad!" :)

Susan Macatee said...

I know I was born in the right century. Don't think I'd like traveling in a stagecoach.

Denise Eagan said...

Oh man, I just read this. I love the don't show women where murders have been comitted. What a hoot!

Ann @ Philippines Weather said...

Thanks for sharing those info! Your post really gives insight to the readers especially to travelers.