The "Millionaires' Special" Commute: Club Car 553 to Chicago

Getting Here Timeline
The "Millionaires' Special" Commute: Club Car 553 to Chicago

Chicago Tribune, March 31, 1929.

Club car 553, 2014.

Club car 553, 2014.

Chicago Tribune, March 31, 1929.

Chicago Tribune, March 31, 1929.

The first private coach on a suburban line was started in 1929 by a group of Lake Foresters. The club car, called “The Deerpath,” was attached to an existing Chicago and North Western train. It left Lake Forest at 8:00 a.m. and returned in the afternoon.
The train car, which is owned by the members, has been replaced over the years. At one time, “The Deerpath” was joined by “The Cowpath,” and a third car. The club car has continued its run in to the 2010s, leaving Chicago at 5:03 p.m.
Newspapers of the day described the interior as containing 54 comfortable chairs, all covered in plush blue fabric, and two bridge tables. A private porter, Lester Green. dispensed service in a specially designed kitchen and buffet. He stayed with the car during the day to receive packages for the riders. The reported fee in 1929 for the privilege of membership was $15,000 plus the cost of a regular ticket.