Pullman George

George Pullman Signed Railroad Contract 6 Months after the Haymarket Riot


An Auditor's Copy of a contract made between Pullman's Palace Car Company and the Union Pacific Railway Company, signed by George Pullman (1831-1897), the president of the first company, as "Geo M Pullman" at the top of the second page. Also co-signed by Union Pacific Railway Company officer R. Callaway. Dated October 27, 1886. Blind embossed seal on the second page. The "-o M" of "Geo M" is slightly smeared. Expected paper folds and light toning. Some scattered pin holes and staple marks. With light ink impressions on the verso of the first page made by the signatures on the second page. Else near fine. 8.25" x 13.625".


The $100,000 contract stipulated that Pullman's company would provide Union Pacific Railway with 250 coal cars in February 1887, "delays by fires, strikes and Providential hinderances excepted", in return for $400 per car. The Pullman Palace Car Company promised that the cars would "be made in a first class, workman-like manner of the best material for the purpose intended, and in strict accordance with drawings and specifications". The railway company would provide Westinghouse Air-brake apparatus for each car, and assume royalties stemming from the use of other patented equipment.


1886 represented a turning point in the history of American labor relations. In the decade after the Great Upheaval, laborers lobbied for a shorter work day and better wages. Public opinion turned against labor organizers after the Haymarket Riot, in which anarchists coopted a peaceful labor strike and launched a bomb which killed more than ten in June 1886. By the fall of 1886, however, business was able to resume--almost as usual--enabling George M. Pullman to sign this lucrative contract. ($100,000 in 1886 money is the equivalent of over $2,729,000 in 2019 currency.)


A New York engineer and entrepreneur, Pullman revolutionized the transportation industry with the development of his railroad sleeper cars, "hotels on wheels" that lavished the traveler with luxurious furnishings, professionally prepared meals, and attentive service by personal porters.


This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.


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