|
Not a great deal can be said about menus, these are being included to
demonstrate the just how first class the Yosemite Valley railroad was
with respect to passengers.
Unlike the Class-I railroads the menus were small, 5" x 8", and without a
lot of pictures. The YV's menus appear to be utilitarian. The supper and
dinner menus did not even offer wine.
The most interesting feature of these menus is the consistent prices.
The prices remained constant for the same items year after year. But,
in those days the United States was on gold standard. By todays restaurant prices
the YV's prices seemed low, but railroad dining car price in those days
was considered expensive.
An examination of the order form would indicate that it was up to the customer
to complete a "written" order in the diner. Also, note the three percent
California sale tax - not quit the eight and quarter percent we pay today.
The Yosemite Valley railroad did not own any dining cars. During the tour
season the railroad rented a diner from the Southern Pacific Railroad.
|
In the early years, before the Yosemite Valley Railroad had dining car
service, passengers took meals at the Merced Southern Pacific depot or
the Harvey House at the Santa Fe station.
 |