The
August 22, 1940 issue of the Bossier
Banner announced the beginning of operations for train service between
Kansas City and New Orleans.
“Beginning
regular schedule Monday, September 2nd, the Kansas City Southern-Louisiana
and Arkansas Railway will inaugurate the ‘Southern Belle,’ streamlined train
service, between Kansas City and New Orleans.”
“Described
as the ‘Sweetheart of American Trains,’ the three new super-streamlined
aluminum trains will offer the traveling public served by these lines
unexcelled service and comfort, available on few railways in this country.”
“The
inaugural run of the train will be made Friday of this week, when the train
will carry railway officials, newspaper men and contestants for the ‘Miss
Southern Belle’ beauty contest. This
contest, sponsored by the lines, will see 13 beauties, from as many cities
along the route, vie with each other for the honor of being the new
streamliner’s sponsor with the title of ‘typical Southern Belle.’ “
“Since
Saturday of last week the trains of the line have been using the mammouth [sic]
Mississippi River Bridge at Baton Rouge, thus eliminating the ferry at
Angola. A short section of trackage of
the Texas and Pacific, from Torrence to Baton Rouge, is being utilized to get
from the capital city, via the new bridge, to Torrence. It is expected that when the piece of track
has been improved, and improvements are already planned, the scheduled,
already shortened considerably by the use of the old L.R. and N. line, via
Coushatta and Alexandria, and the use of the new bridge, will be curtailed even
more.”
“A
bird’s-eye view of the train on paper shows that it offers all the comforts and
conveniences that modern science and engineering skill can provide. It is powered by diesel engines, eliminating
smoke and dust. It is air conditioned
throughout. Although each of the three
trains purchased for this service is an articulated unit, they are designed to
use standard equipment if the need arises.”
“The
trains include baggage, mail and express car: chair cars, lounge, diner and bar
car and ten-section bedrooms. There are
bedrooms for day use by weary travelers.”
“The
inauguration of this Kansas City to New Orleans service will provide faster,
more comfortable travel for people from the Middle West to the port of New
Orleans. It is predicted by many that
these trains will result in increased passenger travel through Shreveport, to
New Orleans and Port Arthur, also served by the lines.”
“Officials
of the lines have announced that the train will remain in New Orleans through
Sunday, on display to the public. It
will then be brought back to Baton Rouge, where it will be open to the public
until it comes to Shreveport, to be open to public inspection between the hours
of eight a.m. and nine p.m., Thursday, August 29th.”
“While
the train is in New Orleans a full program of entertainment is planned for
those who make the trip. The
sponsor-beauty contest, a dance, sightseeing and other pleasures have been
planned by the railway.”
“It
is expected that scores of Bossier Parish people, especially those who have
availed themselves of the splendid service offered by the lines on ‘The
Hustler,’ The Shreveporter’ and the ‘Flying Crow’ in the past will visit and
inspect the ‘Southern Belle’ while it is on display in Shreveport.”
The
train whose operating speed was 40-42 mph, ended service on November 3, 1969.
Learn more about the train lines in and out of Northwest Louisiana when you visit the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center.
By: Ann Middleton
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