Former Milwaukee Road Skytop parlor lounge "Cedar Rapids" will be on display at the Milwaukee Art Museum in Milwaukee, WI, as an example of designer Brooks Stevens work and innovative ideas. The exhibition of Stevens' work entitled "Industrial Strength Design: How Brooks Stevens Changed Your World" will run from June 7 through September 7 and will feature his designs that range from kitchen toasters to the Oscar Mayer "Weinermobile".

"Cedar Rapids" has been restored to operation by the "Friends of the 261" and usually graces the rear of excursion trains pulled by the Milwaukee Road 4-8-4. It is one of three remaining "Rapids" parlor lounges and it is the only currently in operational condition. If you are in Milwaukee this summer, check with the museum to determine when the car will be open for viewing. Mr. Stevens also did design work for Harley-Davison, who will be celebrating their 100th anniversary in their hometown of Milwaukee with a huge birthday bash the last week in August. Come on your Harley and take time to visit this unique exhibit and a very unique piece of American railroad passenger equipment from the streamliner era.

Milwaukee Art Museum link:
www.mam.org/exhibitions/_sites/brooks/photos.asp?id=24

Don C.

milw261@sbcglobal.net

From Flimsies, you can also read an article about industrial designer Brooks Stevens and the museum exhibit published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel through the link below.

Cheers,
Keith Albrandt

Designing Man
kalbrandt@rypn.org