N&W in 1911--Christmas crush

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Bluefield Daily Telegraph
December 22, 1911

IN CITY AND COALFIELD
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Heavy Passenger Traffic
    The Norfolk and Western has commenced to feel the effect of the real Christmas rush season.  Yesterday its passenger equipment had to be augmented by extra coaches to accommodate the people who are on their way to their homes in various parts of the country.  The traffic into this city has not yet become so heavy that extra trains have been put on, but it is expected that commencing with Saturday some of the passenger trains will have to be run in two sections.   Some relief from congestion will be given this year because of the late shoppers not being given an opportunity to visit Bluefield on Christmas eve, which this year falls on Sunday.  On this account the Saturday business should be extremely heavy, while many will come here on Friday to avoid the rush.
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Crowds Make Trains Late
    Last night the extra demand on the trains and the accompanying delays which make travel about the holidays tiresome on every railroad, caused some of the trains to be late.  Yesterday afternoon's trains also pulled into the depot behind time.  Every train was crowded with people rushing off to their home, being given an opportunity to take advantage of special rates announced for the holidays by the Norfolk and Western's passenger department.
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[It is interesting that the N&W would offer special rates at a time when the trains could be counted on to be crowded without the special rates.]

Gordon Hamilton
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