Entering the “Orchis,” the fifth and last car on the train, I found the polite and obliging porter, George Custis, busily engaged in the duties pertaining to his position. His passengers all looked comfortable and George looked happy.
“George, do you like fun?” I quietly asked as he passed near me to deposit a huge telescope valise in the state room. “Yes, sir; somewhat,” he replied, with a questioning look in his eye. “You will have a circus on your hands, my boy, or I fail to read the combination,” I added, as he emerged from the state room. I had glanced down the line as I entered the car and noticed among the occupants some well-known characters for fun and frolic, and conclude there is a picnic in store for the porter and passengers of the sleeper “Orchis.”
Turning now to the business that brought me to the “Orchis,” I find that the state room is occupied by Messrs. Charles Sloane and William Haas. Brother Sloane is a member of Quaker City Division No. 204, and a conductor on the Philadelphia Division; he is the Nimrod of the party, and has come equipped with fishing tackle and rifle. He is well acquainted with some of the best hunting grounds in the West, and is familiar with the haunts and habits of bear and deer. Brother Haas is a member of R. B. Hawkins Division No. 114, and a conductor on West Penn Division; he has a kodak with which he expects to secure some interesting views. Brothers Sloane and Haas enjoy the privileges and liberties of single-blessedness, but are not averse to the society of ladies.
Section 1 by Messrs. Joseph Schuler and John B. Crispen. Brother Schuler is a member of R. B. Hawkins Division No. 114, and a conductor on the Pittsburgh Division. Brother Crispen is secretary and treasurer of Renovo Division No. 333, and a conductor on the Middle Division, Philadelphia and Erie Railroad. He is a bachelor, young in years, and inclined to be shy in the presence of the ladies.
Section 2 by Messrs. T. J. Denniston and J. J. Restein. Brother Denniston is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division; he is a bachelor, arrived at the years of discretion, cautious and modest in his habits, an excellent conversationalist, whose companionship is appreciated and enjoyed by all. Brother Restein is a member of Wilmington Division No. 224, and a conductor on the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Railroad. He keeps his kodak always handy, for it is his purpose to try to obtain some of the best views of incidents and scenery on the trip.
Section 3 by Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Elder. Brother Elder is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division.
Section 4 by Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Leary. Brother Leary is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Schuylkill Division; he has been but a few days married, and both bride and groom receive the congratulation of many friends in being so fortunate as to be able to take such an enjoyable wedding tour. May sunshine, health, and happiness be ever theirs.
Section 5 by Mr. P. J. Barrett and his sister, Miss Anna S. Barrett. Brother Barrett is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division. Being a single man, he had no wife to accompany him, but he did the next best thing and brought his sister, a commendable act that redounds to Brother Barrett’s credit. A man that is good to his sister will be good to a wife. Mark it!
Section 6, Mr. William H. Post and daughter, Miss Ella L. Post. Brother Post is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division. Mrs. Post being unable, on account of ill health, to accompany the excursion, permitted her daughter to take her place, a privilege the young lady highly appreciates and enjoys.
Section 7, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Climenson. Brother Climenson is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Philadelphia Division.