Don't Throw Momma From the Train!

[Eleanor Rose]

The comfort of the Pullman coach of a late-Victorian passenger train by Harry Green (Public Domain)
​

As rail travel became more popular in the 1850s and 1860s, our Victorian friends became fearful these technological advancements would adversely affect mental health. As Edwin Fuller Torrey and Judy Miller wrote in The Invisible Plague: The Rise of Mental Illness from 1750 to the Present, trains were believed to "injure the brain." In particular, the jarring motion of the train was alleged to unhinge the mind and either drive sane people mad or trigger violent outbursts. Mixed with the noise of the train car, many Victorians believed train travel could shatter nerves.

These fears seemed substantiated in the 1860s and 1870s when reports began emerging of bizarre passenger behavior aboard trains. When seemingly calm people boarded trains, they suddenly began behaving in socially unacceptable ways. Eccentric rambling in the nude and vicious attacks were among the cases reported.

Each report caused increased anxiety and concern. There were even beliefs within the medical profession that the vibrations of train cars could have a disastrous effect on people's nerves. Doctors said it was impossible to predict who might be the one to be driven mad. As a result train travel became associated with insanity.

These reports were greatly exaggerated and, in most cases, could likely have been attributed to what we refer to as post-traumatic stress disorder today. However, our Victorian friends were certain riding the train could cause serious nervous disturbances.

 

[captaindrew]

Today that's the way people act the minute they enter an airport!

 

[DBF]

Maybe ladies didn't like the rules of etiquette for traveling:

1. Be Punctual. If you are staying overnight at a hotel give directions that you must be awake by such a time as to allow you for preparation and to arrive on time.
2. Do not dress in conspicuous dress that may appear to be "vulgar".
3. Be aware of the jewelry you display.
4. Carry yourself in a dignified demeanor - you will be respected.
5. Travel as light as you can and if possible only carry a carpet bag containing: "grooming items, a mirror, reading material, "crackers, or sandwiches, if [the traveler would] be long enough upon the road to need a luncheon." The carpet bag was to contain a large shawl, night clothes, and clean linen, and if a woman was to sleep the night in a railcar, a warm woolen or silk nightcap was to replace her bonnet at bedtime". {*}
6. Women were encouraged to give all their valuables to their "escorts" to avoid robbery [as women were often targets for crooks]. "To ensure what that a women's valuables remained safe, she was advised to "have a strong pocket made in your upper petticoat, and in that carry your money, only reserving in your dress pocket a small sum for incidental expenses." {*}
7. Do not carry on long conversations with strangers.
8. Women should expect to carry their own bags and not rely on a "gentleman", lest he has nefarious motives.
9. If a man should bother you - lower your veil over your face.
10. If a woman travels alone - try to find a seat next to another woman.
11. If a woman was traveling with an escort don't keep asking "are we there yet?"
12. Don't forget to bring some "busywork" along for the tedious journey. You are expected to entertain yourself.

The wearing of a "traveling coat" to keep the dirt and soot from the train off your dresses. (Note this lady has her veil down).

(United States Public Domain)

With all these rules no wonder our Victorian "friends were certain riding the train could cause serious nervous disturbances".

https://www.geriwalton.com/traveling-etiquette-and-tips-for/

 

[Mrs. V]

I hate to say this, but I think these rules are not too far from what we observe today when we travel. I was raised to dress nicely when I go to the store or travel. No sweat pants for me. I never carry a large amount of cash, unless it can be secured elsewhere..geez..I am a Victorian! And I love hats...plus being petite, zaftig and with little feet? I'd have my pick o the menfolk..ha-chacha!