WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

E.T. Stotesbury was involved in the financing and management of a number of America's great railroads. Beginning in the 1880's, he served as a director and--when his management skills were required--sometimes as an officer of various railroads. One of the privileges of being an officer or director of a railroad was access to private railroad cars that were maintained by the railroads. These cars were often lavishly furnished, and were used to transport railroad officials, prospective investors, business associates and even friends and family to various destinations.

In 1904, Stotesbury became a director of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad (later known as the Reading Company), a position which he held until his death in 1938. In 1907, he was elected to the Executive Committee, and in 1914, he was elected President of the company.

In 1916, the railroad ordered a new private car built for Stotesbury's use as President. It was named the "Paradise," but was called the Reading Car 10 within the organization.

E.T. Stotesbury, grandchildren Frances and Jack Mitchell, and daughter Frances Stotesbury Mitchell next to Reading Railroad private railroad car, circa 1917 (Photo Source: Private Collection)

In the early 1920's, Eva Stotesbury designed a new pattern of china for the Reading Railroad dining cars. The result from the Lamberton Scammell Company was the "Stotesbury" pattern, which incorporated mermaids, scallop shells and an ocean sunset scene on a cobalt blue trim.

Today, this china pattern is valued by collectors for its unique design. Each piece is marked on the reverse with a manufacturer's stamp. The pieces with the "Reading Company" stamp are considered to be more valuable.

Reading Co. stamp

Non-specific stamp

The "Paradise" was used by many dignitaries over the years, including President Harry S. Truman. Today, it resides in its fully restored glory at the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The Reading Company's "President's Car" in its fully restored state at the Strasburg Railroad (Photo Source: Strasburg Railroad)

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