Below is the full text of a collections care manual I assembled in 2001 as part of my museum studies internship at RR Museum of PA. It is a case study of how to maintain a restored piece of historic railroad equipment in an enclosed railway museum environment devoid of environmental controls. After the piece is restored and placed on exhibit, it still must be maintained--this manual attempts to establish cleaning schedules, identification of different types of materials (i.e. textiles, formica, wood, metals, etc.) and how to care for them, etc. It gives a new appreciation for the day-to-day struggles of railway museums to maintain colelctions in an era of dwindling funding and resources.

RAILROAD MUSEUM OF PENNSYLVANIA

COLLECTIONS CARE REPORT:

PULLMAN CAR “LOTUS CLUB”
RESTAURANT/SLEEPER

(RR81.1.1)

December 2001
Revised September 2002

Compiled by

Kurt R. Bell
Curatorial Intern
Museum Studies 804
University of Delaware

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 3
A Brief History of the “Lotus Club” 3
Recommended Environment for “Lotus Club” 5
Transportation Issues 6
Insect Control and Monitoring 7
Guidelines for Exhibition and Storage Buffers 9
Asbestos Abatement 9
Lead Paint 10
Recommendations for Public Access and Interpretation 10
General Housekeeping Guidelines 11
Collections Care: Interventive Maintenance 13
When It Is Time to Call a Conservator: Warning Signs 15
Schedule of Tasks 16

Bibliography/References 19
Appendices 20

Introduction

This report outlines collections care recommendations for the Pullman car “Lotus Club” currently exhibited in the Rolling Stock Hall at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Lancaster County. It furnishes the necessary information needed by Museum staff to properly implement routine housekeeping, care and treatment of artifacts inside the car, and monitoring interior environmental conditions. Advanced conservation work will be handled by the conservation staff at the PHMC’s Commonwealth Conservation Center in Harrisburg.

The purpose of this report is to:

orient you with the kinds of collections care issues addressed in the Pullman car “Lotus Club”;
outline how to monitor environmental conditions and discover any active insect infestations;
instruct on basic housekeeping procedures;
provide directions on cleaning procedures for different types of objects and where they may be found onboard the car;
propose a cleaning schedule for maintenance of the car and its collections.

A Brief History of the “Lotus Club”

Pullman, founded by George Pullman in 1867, supplied and operated sleeping cars throughout the United States under contract to various railroads. At the time of his death in 1897 Pullman completely dominated his competition. He pioneered mass production techniques before Henry Ford. Pullman divided his empire into two parts, Pullman-Standard for car construction and the Pullman Company to operate the cards. By the 1920s, over 100,000 people spent the night on sleeping cars which had become known as “Pullmans”. With nearly 10,000 cars in the pool, it was the largest hotel operation in the world.

The all-steel car era began about 1907, primarily for safety reasons. Before this Pullman had custom-built wooden cars for various railroads but began to standardize car construction. Nearly all of Pullman’s wooden cars had names, but the names were applied in a random fashion. By the steel car era names were used to denote the car’s interior configuration. “Saint” series cars had 12 sections and 1 drawing room. “Point” series cars had 10 sections and 2 drawing rooms. The “Hall” series had 4 compartments, a lounge and a brass-railed observation platform. As originally built, the “Lotus Club” was an “El” series car that had 10 sections, and a lounge-observation. These many named cars helped give an air of romance to railroading in the years from about 1910 to the early 1950s.

When originally built in October 1913 as the “El Quivira,” the car ran on the Santa Fe’s “California Limited” between Chicago and Los Angeles. The Great Depression of the 1930s caused a drastic drop in the railroad passenger business. Many sleeping cars and full-sized dining cars were stored because there was not enough business to keep them running. Railroads still wanted to be able to offer both sleeping and dining accommodations to the passengers that remained.

Pullman’s solution to this problem was to rebuild existing cars into restaurant/sleepers, a unique combination that offered both dining and sleeping accomodations in the same car. From 1931 to 1936, about 100 cars were rebuilt to the new Plan #4025D or “Club” series. In the case of the “El Quivira,” the number of sleeping sections was reduced from 10 to 8. A stainless steel kitchen was added in the center of the car. In a concession to both economics and increased train speeds the open observation platform was enclosed and turned into a diner. In addition, air conditioning was added. The “El Quivira” became the “Lotus Club,” named after a famous men’s club in New York City. The “Lotus Club” membership included those who have earned distinction in the fields of letters, arts and the sciences.

As the “Lotus Club,” this car ran on the B&O “Shenandoah” between Chicago and Washington, D.C. In October 1943, it was rebuilt into a Plan #4025Q. The lounge seats were removed and replaced with additional dining tables. In the 1950s, the “Lotus Club” ran on the New York Central and the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie between Pittsburgh and Buffalo. During the 1960’s it ran on the Canadian National “International Limited” between Toronto and Chicago. Many Pullman cars had regular assignments but the cars in the “Club” series moved from one assignment to another as the needs arose.

In 1967, after running 4 million miles, the 96-ton car was retired and passed into the hands of a private owner. The last trip was in special hired service for Elmer Layden, one of the “Four Horsemen” of Notre Dame who used it to travel to a game at his alma mater. The “Lotus Club” had outlived most of the heavyweight Pullmans, and was the last of its exact type. During 1968-1969, it was restored to its 1936 appearance by Adams Industries of Union, New Jersey. Because Pullman was still in the railroad car business, the task of restoration was somewhat easier than normal. The company supplied information and assistance in restoring the car to its Plan #4025D appearance. In 1981, the “Lotus Club” was donated to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania by Peter Tilp.

The 82Â’ car is currently displayed with the sleeping sections in both the day and night configurations. Capacity inside the car during the day: 32 persons in the Pullman sections plus diner; by night: 16 persons total, with 8 in the upper and 8 in the lower berths.

Recommended Environment for “Lotus Club”

Temperature: The ideal range for the interior of “Lotus Club” should fall between 65 and 70 degrees F year-round. However, a wider range may be acceptable due to the lack of climate control in the building. Temperature control of the car is not as critical as controlling the relative humidity inside the car. The temperature of the Rolling Stock Hall lacks HVAC controls and fluctuates gradually as the seasons change within the cavernous space. It is recommended that data loggers should be installed at both ends of the car and at one location in the middle, perhaps the men’s lounge, where various readings can be taken regularly to measure both RH and temperature on a year-round basis.

Relative Humidity: RH should be maintained at a stable point between 35% and 60%. As a rule, the lower the RH for collections, the better. Ideally fluctuations should be no greater than 3% in one day, 3% in one month, with slow 10% drift from summer to winter. Metal objects tend to be susceptible to corrosion as the RH increases above 50%.

Rapid fluctuations in relative humidity and temperature causes structural damage such as warping, cracking, and detachment of component parts. Evidence of paint failure is apparent on the ceiling of the MenÂ’s Lounge on the south side of the car and this damage can be attributed to high humidity. Paint embrittlement can be tempered by age but its failure is usually attributed to heat; the higher the fluctuation, the greater of a chance of expansion and contraction of the metal base. High relative humidity promotes problems due to biological attack, corrosion of metal, mold growth and insect activity. Low relative humidity causes paper, leather and textiles to desicate and turn brittle. It also causes wood and other dense organic materials to split and crack. The leather seat in the MenÂ’s Lounge is susceptible to this type of damage.

Mold growth was spotted in the “Lotus Club” in 1990 but has since been removed. It commonly occurs when the relative humidity rises above 65% with little or no air circulation. If humidity levels are too high during the summer season, a combination of air circulation using tiny fans to sweep the air in various directions and a portable humidifier/dehumidifier system should be utilized. As a rule, however, the lower the RH the better for collections.

The following items about the car were noted in Robert BurnhamÂ’s useful Railroad Museum conservation assessment in December 1990:

“…A temperature of 58 degrees F., was noted in the car on the day of inspection…The problems encountered…relate directly to high humidity, as in other cars:

Mold growth on curtain in bathroom;
Mold growth on stove, probably associated with food residue;
Mold growth on window shades;
Rat poison station on the floor. It is strongly recommended that glue boards be used and that the servicing of them be included in the cleaning and other monitoring functions that are to be instituted in the Museum. Baited animals must not be allowed to decay in inaccessible areas.”

Light: All windows and lights should be filtered from UV light sources using UV-resistant neutral density film. Emissions should be achieved at no less than 75 micro watts per lumen. For furniture and leather objects, 15-20 foot candles is optimal. In areas in which textiles and works of art on paper are exhibited, 5-8 foot candles is desirable. For least sensitive materials, such as metal, unpainted ceramics and glass, higher light levels are acceptable. Light conditions left unmonitored causes fading, discoloration and physical weakening of light-sensitive materials such as seat cushions and blankets. Visible light levels in each section of the car can be established by using the most sensitive material as the deciding factor in setting the level. Readings drawn from a light meter on a camera can be utilized to measure light levels in each space.

Historic light bulbs found in some of the hallway closets and in the kitchen should be removed, stored and catalogued as collections objects, and replaced with modern low-wattage bulbs. Sensor-activated lighting is optimal; this practice will reduce the period during which the car furnishings, for example, are exposed to damaging light that can fade textiles, and will be activated only when visitors enter the space or vicinity. Since the current system provides illumination for visitors observing the inside of the car from the exterior, the sensor should be mounted to activate from the outside.

A serious conservation problem evident is the shattering and flaking of white paint around several light covers in the Restaurant section of the car. These lights are kept on daily for exhibit purposes. The damage is apparently due to the heat of the lamp itself. Either a refitting must be done to eliminate this problem or the lights need to be operated on a less frequent schedule. In order to preserve the paint that remains, it is suggested that the covers receive conservation work in the near future.

Transportation Issues

From time to time, the “Lotus Club” may be moved around Rolling Stock Hall based on exhibition or conservation needs. In advance of such a move, action must be taken to secure any loose items inside the car. This includes table settings, furniture, open berths, etc. Although switching moves are generally performed under 5 mph, it is advisable for the Curatorial staff to prepare the car for movement to guard against potential damage. Switching crews also need to be aware of any wheel chocks present, set hand brakes, sticking brake shoes, jumper cables, electric land lines, or other debris hanging from the car that might obstruct its movement. All journal boxes should be properly lubricated with oil-soaked cotton waste with brass bearings properly wicked. Air brake systems should be functional at the time of movement. Operating crews must guard against taking any slack during switching, to avoid damaging the contents of the car.

Insect Control and Monitoring

Vigilant inspection is the best deterrent. The use of glue boards in closets and in obscure areas is recommended. Baited snap traps and commercial pesticides should be avoided at all cost. Carpet beetles and webbing clothes moths have been found previously in textiles housed inside the “Lotus Club”; since these pests like to feed on old traps and dead carcasses, it is recommended that the museum staff discard any old, unused traps and debris associated with same. Glue boards need to be checked monthly with notations recorded of the type of pests discovered and the location in which they were found.

Entry or access points for insects must be monitored. Cracks under doorways, holes in Flexolith flooring and broken window sills are ways through which bugs can penetrate the car. While completely sealing the car is not advisable in order to allow air circulation and avoid mold growth, few precautions can be taken. Placing folded ethafoam under door ways using a putty knife is a good technique to prevent bugs from entering, as well as sealing any floor holes from the exterior with flat wood blocks free of infestation or sheet steel.

Damage caused by webbing clothes moths appear as silken cases or lines of silken threads over the surface of textile materials. Signs of damage appear as small holes that have been eaten through by small, white larvae. Materials left undisturbed or long periods of time in darkened places are most severely injured by these insects. Small, buff-covered moths, not over ½-inch across the wings, will be found running over the surface of infested objects when exposed to light. The larvae feeds on wool, hair, feathers, furs, upholstered furniture, occasionally on dead insect carcasses, dry dead animals, bristles, dried hair and leather.

Damage caused by carpet beetles is similar to that of the clothes moth, but minus the webbing effect. It is most often found in lint swept from carpet surfaces and dusty debris inside walls, beneath floors and behind built-in storage spaces. It is recommended to sweep these exposed spaces frequently. The carpet beetle larvae is a fuzzy, slow-moving, light brown or blackish worm about ¼-inch long.

During the fall of 2001, damage was discovered on several textiles in the “Lotus Club.” Holes and silken threads inflicted by webbing clothes moth larvae was discovered a curtain in the Women’s lavatory, and carpet beetle carcasses were discovered on a pillow; both of these objects were frozen and vacuumed by CCC staff and Museum staff. Carpet beetle carcasses were also discovered on some of the antimacassars and on the seat cushions in the Restaurant section of the car. Two years ago, carpet beetles were also found on the carpet sections; each was thoroughly vacuumed through a screen and reinstalled in the car. None were evident in 2001.

In his 1999 pest management report, Dr. Thomas A. Parker, a professional Entomologist, noted the pest damage evident in the “Lotus Club” at that time:

“Sometime in the past, someone placed containers of mouse bait into several of the cars, but particularly the Lotus Club car…It appears that the [old mouse] bait is spilled out around the perimeter of the bait cup. This is not the case. Rodent bait comes already charged with carpet beetle eggs. Upon hatching, the larvae of carpet beetles will devour the rodent bait. The adult beetles will then mate and lay eggs on the rodent bait or will fly to protein-containing fabrics and lay eggs on them. In the case of the Lotus Club car, the carpet beetles moved out into the carpeting of the car and extensively damaged it. Carpet beetle feeding combined with webbing clothes moth infestation has created havoc with the carpeting in this car…Fine trails of webbing on the carpet at the perimeter of the Lotus Club car [were discovered]. This webbing is made by larvae of the webbing clothes moths as they forage on the carpeting. It is obvious that this car has not been vacuumed in years. It is important that all rodent bait be picked up and the carpeting removed. This carpeting is made in such a manner that sections can be lifted out of the car in order to be properly vacuumed. Prior to reinstallation, the car itself should be thoroughly vacuumed.” (66-70)

While it is unlikely that wooden furniture on the “Lotus Club” would be infested, wood-borers can be very destructive pests. If sawdust or powder is discovered at the base of a wooden object, the holes left behind were likely made by a powder post beetle. Average length is about an eight of an inch. They appear flat with a distinct head. Adult powder post beetles lay their eggs in tiny cracks and openings in wood surfaces. When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow deeper into the wood. As they bore through the structure, they weaken it by creating long, hollow passageways.

Other harmful vermin to museum collections include silverfish, termites, cigarette beetles and rodents, such as field mice and rats. While rodents and silverfish have been seen in the Museum, none have been found in the “Lotus Club”. For more information on types of pests refer to the appendices.

If infestation damage is spotted on an artifact, freezing is an effective way to eliminate all stages of insect life. It needs to be vacuumed at low suction through a screen and bagged with the air of the polyethylene bag being partially evacuated by hand. The bag is then tightly sealed and delivered to the Commonwealth Conservation Center in Harrisburg for freezing. A temperature of –20 degree C. is required to kill all stages of any museum insect pest. After storage in a freezer for one week, the infested object is removed and allowed to warm at room temperature inside the polyethylene bag. A single 72-hour treatment is sufficient to kill all stages of any insects found in a museum environment.

Guidelines for Exhibition and Storage Buffers

Melinex Type 516 should be placed between any object placed on a furniture surface. This includes paper, wood, glass, metal, ceramics, leather, etc. Paper items, such as playing cards, waiter checks and menus exhibited on table settings and table tops should have a Mylar buffer. Moreover, mechanical gears that come into contact with bed linens in the sleeping berths should have a Mylar buffer for prevent transfer of oxidation. Ideally, objects that reside in the various hall cabinets should be stored in acid-free tissue and box enclosures.

Exhibition furnishings, such as a fur coat draped over a chair in the parlor/dining car section, requires the use of a muslin liner. It should be placed between all textiles and wood or upholstered surfaces. A fur coat should never be left inside the car for long periods of time. Its proteinaceous materials are a welcome invitation to insect infestation.

Original archival materials on long-term exhibition should be encapsulated in Mylar D sleeves and placed only on sturdy, anchored tables and countertops. Wherever possible, original archival items such as newspapers, signs, leaflets, advertisements, etc., should be removed from the car and replaced with color photocopies or reproductions. Originals should be properly stored in acid-free enclosures in the Museum Archives.

Asbestos Abatement

According to Allan Martin’s 1992 report “Rolling Stock Inspection for Asbestos Containing Materials,” asbestos-containing material was found on pipe lagging around steam lines and water pipes. It was also evident in the Kitchen. The main steam line is covered with material that could contain asbestos, however it is completely encapsulated and enclosed with a canvas cover and is not visible. There is approximately 171 linear feet of pipe lagging.

There is a high probability that this car has asbestos covered insulation in the side walls and ceiling. The amount would be roughly 1500 sq. ft. The exposed areas are small and could be effectively encapsulated. Since this asbestos is totally concealed, and poses no health threat to visitors or staff, no removal should be attempted. If removal was considered the entire interior would have to be removed to provide access for removal. The remaining asbestos material, including that concealed in the side walls and ceiling, should be periodically inspected. These issues are being addressed by Mr. Martin.

Lead Paint

According to Allan Martin, the Restoration Manager, a possible lead paint hazard may exist with the “Lotus Club”. Paint around the windows is chipping, however the paint is intact for most of the car’s interior and exterior; it does not present any immediate health hazard. Any paint removal or sanding of paint will have to comply with state regulations governing the handling and removing of lead-based paint.

Recommendations for Public Access and Interpretation

Visitation frequency dictates the need for cleaning and housekeeping. The “Lotus Club” is opened on an infrequent basis for Museum visitors. Usually it is accessed 2-3 days per year during special events, with 2-3 volunteer guides monitoring interior access. In preparation of any public opening, it is advisable to do light dusting of the car. During public access, the guides need to be vigilant and make sure visitors avoid touching or handling any objects and surfaces, and keep watch for theft or vandalism before it can occur. Guides and volunteers may only handle “for use” demonstration pieces unless advanced collections care training has been received on handling objects by the Curator, Collections Care Manager or an advanced volunteer.

Plexiglas barriers installed unobtrusively at room entrances and along both sides of the dining room and lounge will prevent unauthorized entry of the public and allow restricted access into these areas for viewing purposes only. A cord or ribbon stanchion is a low-cost but effective barrier substitute. An inert Polyester transparent runner should be placed over all carpet sections to act as a buffer from dirt, wear and heavy foot traffic. Plexiglas cases should cover table settings, which would provide security for valuable silverware and china. Immediately following the closing of the car after a special event, it should be thoroughly vacuumed at low suction with a screen. Human touching of wool and other types of textiles leaves behind deposits of fresh skin cells and attracts insects so it is important to vacuum the rugs, furniture upholstery, bedding of any made up berths, and lightly clean all doors, handles, and hallways with a damp cloth.

Staff entry into the “Lotus Club” should be made through the east end vestibule of PRR P51 passenger coach No. 1651, with egress through the dining car end (west). Due to failure of the linoleum squares on the vestibule trap doors owing heavy use, it is not advisable to use the east end of “Lotus Club” as an entry point except infrequently by staff for routine maintenance or curatorial duties.

Folded textiles should be padded with rolls of crumpled acid-free unbuffered tissue paper, or with muslin “snakes” filled with polyester fiberfill batting. Shift folds or linens and draped edges of table clothes and dresser scarves semiannually so that one area of the fabric does not continually bear the strain of a fold or a drape edge.

All cabinets, lockers and entrance/exit doors should be securely locked when not in use. Access keys are kept in the security office and in the CuratorÂ’s office, and must be signed out.

The restored appearance of the car intends to portray its service life during the Great Depression. In 1968-69, the “Lotus Club” was restored to Pullman Plan No. 4025D, dated September 1936. However, interior furnishings vary greatly from c.1920s through the 1960s. Further research needs to be performed by the curatorial staff to narrow the interpretive focus of the car to portray a specific appearance during its Pullman service, preferably to that of 1936. All furnishings must reflect a specific time period to avoid any ambiguity and confusion that may arise from interpretive programming. For instance, a May 1953 Holiday Magazine shows an actress on its cover and clashes thematically with several 1940’s era newspapers exhibited in the lounge section that deal with World War II events. Both of these time periods do not match the earlier vintage that the car portrays and might run the risk of confusing Museum visitors.

General Housekeeping Guidelines

The purpose of collections care is to preserve museum objects for future generations by taking measures to slow their deterioration. It also allows an opportunity for staff to observe the condition of the collection and to reduce accumulations of dust and grime. The following guidelines govern the general housekeeping of the interior of “Lotus Club” and its structural features:

Vestibule dust and dirt can enter the car through the door way. Regular removal of debris using a stiff institutional-quality broom is suggested. A soft-bristled brush should be used to remove debris on the linoleum trap doors. Liberally wet-mopping with clear water is advisable if needed. Loose or broken linoleum squares should be bagged and tagged; the Restoration Shop uses a special adhesive to repair and reapply linoleum to steel. Keeping the dutch door closed and latched is also a helpful barrier to debris. Door window glazing also requires cleaning (see below).

Carpets can be regularly vacuumed. Deteriorated or fragile original carpeting should be vacuumed through a screen with a low rheostat setting. A vacuum head with a rotating beater bar or brush should never be used on collections objects or valuable reproduction carpeting. Hooked carpet sections can be unfastened and removed for cleaning. Guard against tight spots in corners or near cabinets where they can snag and tear. For carpeting resting beneath furniture, gently remove using two persons. Carpet pads underneath should be lightly dusted and vacuumed as needed. Be vigilant for signs of carpet beetles, which have inflicted damage in these same rugs in the past.

Interior walls, ceiling, pipes, vents and steam radiator lines can be wiped down with a damp rag once a year. Picking up cob webs and dust is helpful. Commercial cleaners should never be used to clean the painted wall of a historic railroad car. Introducing moisture into the car is not recommended, hence the use of a damp rag. Use of a magnetic dust cloth to wipe down the pipes is permissible

Refuse is not permitted onboard the car. If it is found during public programming, every effort should be made to remove it from the car as soon as possible.

Window sills ideally should be cleaned on a weekly basis. Dead insect carcasses need to be removed since they provide protein for other insects to feed on. Clean with soap and water.

Window glazing should be cleaned with a cotton cloth dampened with approved window cleaner. Spray bottles should never be used to apply window cleaning solution directly to any glass surface. Spray only the cloth, then clean the glass; dry with a clean cotton cloth. Extra care must be taken to avoid exposing surrounded wood, metal, or other materials to the cleaning solution. Ensure that no solution is allowed to wick between the glazing the frame; this action could accelerate the deterioration of a window frame.

Window blinds can be vacuumed through a fiberglass screen. Use a soft brush to remove debris from corners, folds and ropes. Use as much care as possible.

Plexiglas should be cleaned using a special Plexiglas cleaner. Follow the instructions and carefully avoid exposing any other materials to the cleaning solution. Do not spray directly on the surface of the Plexiglas. Apply the solution to the cleaning cloth, then wipe the surface of the Plexiglas. Finish wiping the Plexiglas dry with a clean cotton cloth.

Stainless steel can be found in the kitchen of the “Lotus Club.” It should be cleaned well with a non-abrasive commercial cleaner once; subsequent cleanings should be done with a dampened rag or a soft cloth to buff. Grime or dirt may be removed with liberal use of mineral spirits. If rust is discovered, contact a conservator.

Sleeping berths should be cleaned annually. This entails wiping the steel berth walls with a damp rag. Each of the pillows, pillow cases, linens, and blankets should be vacuumed through a fiberglass screen. Shift folds or linens semiannually so that one area of the fabric does not continually bear the strain of a fold or an edge. Berths may be unlocked using the cross-shaped chromed berth key (kept in the womenÂ’s hallway storage closet) and should be carefully retracted with support provided by two persons. Made up berths should be rotated semi-annually to avoid structural stress to any one section at a given time.

Upholstered furniture, seat cushions and window shades can be vacuumed through a fiberglass screen. Use a soft brush to remove debris from corners, folds and pleats. Use as much care as possible and avoid using pressure that might abrade the fabric. Be cognizant of signs of any insect infestation; bugs like to lay their eggs in dark places, especially in folds and under seat cushions. If antimacassars cover the seats, two people should remove them carefully before vacuuming the top cushion. This may require first lifting the seat from its frame before removal and setting it back into place when finished. The Leather seat in the MenÂ’s Lavatory will require careful dusting or vacuuming through a screen. Oil and solutions should never be applied to historic leather.

Rubber floor tiling may be found in the MenÂ’s/WomenÂ’s Saloons and Lavatories. Do not use solvents or water-based cleaning solutions; this action could damage or destroy historic rubber. The best approach is to clean by careful brushing or vacuum cleaning. If deterioration is discovered, a conservator must be consulted.

Wood slated flooring in the Kitchen needs to be cleaned carefully. The narrow grooves between the wooden slats needs to be vacuumed with a slender nozzle attachment to remove dirt and debris. Damp mop where deemed appropriate by Curatorial staff; small amounts of liquid detergent (Ivory Liquid, Orvus Paste) may be added to the bucket. After floors are thoroughly dry, apply a coat of wax (JohnsonÂ’s Paste Wax) to the floors. Ideally, a runner should be applied to the floor for the long-term preservation of the wood.

Collections Care: Interventive Maintenance

For specific guidelines on cleaning and handling furniture, glass, ceramics, mirrors, metal, iron, pewter/lead, and leather, and for the frequency of cleaning, see Appendix 1: Objects: Routine Cleaning & Interventive Maintenance, excerpted from Allan Martin, Artifact Care Guide and Housekeeping Manual, 14-27; see Appendix 2: Object Handling Guidelines, also from Martin. Refer to Appendix 3 for new information on the Care of Rubber and Plastic Objects, published by the Canadian Conservation Institute. Appendices 4 and 5 addresses insect infestation issues as they pertain to the “Lotus Club.”

The following summary list of objects is broken down by type of material and location inside the car:

Category Object Description Location

A. Ceramics Dishes Restaurant/Dining Room
Bowls Dining Room
Sink MenÂ’s/WomenÂ’s Saloons

Toilet Bowls MenÂ’s/WomenÂ’s Saloons

B. Metals Ashtray WomenÂ’s Lavatory Hair Receptacle WomenÂ’s Lavatory

Toilet Paper Holders MenÂ’s/WomenÂ’s Saloons

Thermos/Carafe Restaurant

Serving Tray Restaurant

Tumbler Restaurant

Fan Restaurant

Soap Dishes MenÂ’s/WomenÂ’s Lavatories

Radio MenÂ’s Hallway Closet (top)

Silverware Restaurant/Dining Room

Thermometers, wall-mounted Various Locations

Menu Holders Dining Room

Appliances/Utensils, various Kitchen

Pitcher Dining Room

Silver Coffee Creamer Dining Room

Ash Tray Lounge

Rack, Oven (iron) Kitchen

C. Furniture Armchairs WomenÂ’s Lavatory/Lounge
(w/upholstery) Bunk Ladder Restaurant/Berths

Side chairs Lounge

Love Seats Lounge

D. Glass Panel Case, Fire Extinguisher MenÂ’s Hallway

Drinking Glasses Dining Room

Mirrors MenÂ’s/WomenÂ’s Lavatories

E. Linoleum Trap Doors Vestibule Platform

F. Wood Clothes hangers Hallway Lockers/Closets

Tables, hinged Restaurant/Dining Room

Curtain, sliding MenÂ’s Hallway

Pencils Dining Room

Cutting Board Kitchen

Muddle Kitchen

G. Textiles

Bed linens Berths

Pillows Berths

Pillow Cases Berths
Blankets Berths

Towels M/W Lavatories

Antimacassars Restaurant

Mattresses Berths

Curtains/Portiere MenÂ’s/WomenÂ’s Lavatories

Tablecloths Restaurant/Dining Room

Napkins Restaurant/Dining Room

Fur Coat Lounge

Carpets/rugs, hooked Various Locations

H. Leather Seat MenÂ’s Lavatory

I. Plastic Cup Dispenser Kitchen

J. Paper Signs Storage Lockers/Closets

Advertisements/Posters Hallways

Forms Storage Closets

Drinking cups MenÂ’s/WomenÂ’s Lavatories

Matchbooks Storage Closets

Restaurant

Dining Room

Deck of Cards Restaurant

Newspapers/Serials Lounge

Tags Storage Closet

Toilet Paper (rolls) MenÂ’s/WomenÂ’s Lavatories

Doilies Restaurant

Menus Dining Room

Meal Checks Dining Room

Telegraph Pads Lounge

Napkins Dining Room

When It is Time to Call a Conservator: Warning Signs

Monitoring the objects in the “Lotus Club” for signs of damage during routine housekeeping is an important preservation strategy. Warning signs usually become visible only after a certain amount of deterioration has already taken place. Once damage to an object becomes apparent, prompt action is warranted. A distinction must be made between preservation measures taken by Curatorial staff and those that should be handled by a professional conservator. When in doubt, the safest course of action is always the best approach.

Do not attempt to undertake any remedial conservation repairs or treatments yourself. Arrangements will be made with the Commonwealth Conservation Center in Harrisburg for the proper conservation work to be performed. If any of the following signs of damage are apparent, notify the Curator of Collections or the Collections Care Manager:

Ceramics: Breakage, cracks, loss of glaze.

Metals : Tarnishing, powder (active corrosion), blue corrosive layering, fragmenting, sweating, orange spots, flaking, pitting, material losses;

Furniture: Softened glue, mold growth, white spots, warping, twisting, splitting, blue embrittlement, loosened or detached parts, cracks, open joints, flight holes, frass (fresh wood powder), low level munching sounds, bug carcasses;

Glass: Breakage, cracking, surface droplets (weeping), discoloration (cloudy patina or purple);

Wood: Splitting, splintering, cracks, flight holes, frass, insect infestation.

Textiles: Embrittlement of fabric, insects, mold, mildew, fading, small cuts in fibres, fabric deterioration, insect infestation, darkening, staining, rot;

Leather: Embrittlement, red rot, flaking, fading, insect infestation.

Rubber/Plastics: Embrittlement, hardness, cracking, shrinkage, chalkiness, stickiness, pigment discoloration, general instability.

Paper: Embrittlement, discoloration, mold, weakened paper, adhesion of papers, holes, musty odor, fuzzy spores, drying, cracking, splitting, powdering, bleaching, fading, dust piles or droppings, holes and abrasions, visible insects, vermin/rodent infestation.

Schedule of Tasks

Time should be allocated for a major and thorough cleaning of the contents of each room and hallway on the “Lotus Club” This would involve the washing of glass and ceramics, waxing of furniture, and polishing/stabilization of metals. Advanced cleaning/washing and conservation of structurally unstable objects needs to be made by the CCC.

Daily Tasks:

Clean exterior windows of “Lotus Club.” It should be free of fingerprints and residue left by museum visitors looking in;

Remove trash, dust and debris from entrance areas and vestibules;

Clean car interior from daily special events that required entry;

Make sure car is locked and secured when not in use;

Clean any Plexiglas barriers with the appropriate Plexiglas cleaner.

Weekly Activities:

Conduct walk-through inspections of the hallways, lockers, closets, menÂ’s and womenÂ’s saloons and lavatories, kitchen, restaurant, dining room and lounge, checking for accumulated debris, mold and mildew problems, water leaks, peeling paint, burned out bulbs and signs of pests. If any of these conditions are present, the Curator of Collections and the Collections Manager should be notified;

Be cognizant of any new evidence of damage and deterioration; Check for objects that have been moved or are missing.;

Inspect all glue boards and pest control devices; change as needed;

If car is opened to the public on a regular basis, the carpet should be vacuumed through a screen once a week. Areas of heaviest traffic should have a protective runner in place along frequent traffic paths;

Monthly Activities:

Dust furniture using a soft, clean cotton cloth. The cloth may be slightly moistened with water from a sprayer bottle. Other light dusting may employ magnetic dust cloths.

(Note: Light dusting of objects should be kept to a minimum because dust can be abrasive. Do not use a feather duster because it cannot be washed. Feathers may break off and cause scratches on the objects. A clean cotton cloth or soft clean brush is sufficient. Care must be taken when dusting objects to avoid damage from handling. Dust rags should be laundered on a regular basis.)

Vacuum all historic carpets, floors and runners, with emphasis on getting into corners and behind furniture. Historic carpets and rugs should be vacuumed through a flexible screen. Be careful not to strike furniture with cleaning tools.

Vacuum window sills. Wipe with a moistened cotton cloth all baseboards, heating vents, radiators, ceilings where cobwebs and debris tend to accumulate.

Rotate paper artifacts on display with reproductions to avoid deterioration.

Quarterly:

Vacuum historic upholstered furniture, cushioned seats, and textiles (including tablecloths and berth bed linens) through a flexible screen.

Light dusting of objects (2 to 4 times/year) because dust can be abrasive. (See Appendix 1 for object cleaning guidelines).

Vacuum and dust all lockers, closets, saloons and lavatories. Report any indications of pest activity, structural or condition problems.

Remove old exhibit props if and where they may have accumulated from events during the past year (i.e. Christmas garlands). In the future only use linen tying tape to hang ornaments. In the future, removal of props should take place immediately after the event.

Twice/year:

Vacuum window curtains and clean retractable blinds;

Exterior of car, including roof, vestibule, diaphragm, sides and undercarriage/trucks, should be dusted and cleaned, per cleaning instructions provided by the Collections Care Manager;

Yearly:

Wipe inside windows and mirrors with a slightly damp cloth and wipe dry;

Wipe all stainless steel surfaces as needed; also wipe all small metal parts, including door handles, hinges, rings, knobs, etc.

Wash woodwork using a mild detergent such as Ivory liquid or Orvus; then rinse with water and dry with a cloth;

Wash rubber floor tiling in the menÂ’s and womenÂ’s saloons and lavatories.

Bibliography/References

Brian Howard, Commonwealth Conservation Center (PHMC)
April Berry, Commonwealth Conservation Center (PHMC)
Susan E. Hanna, Western Regional Curator (PHMC)
Allan Martin, Restoration Manager, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (PHMC)

Accession Files RR81.1.1, RR84.36, “Lotus Club” restaurant-sleeping car, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Curator’s Office;

Bachmann, Konstanze, ed., Conservation Concerns: A Guide for Collectors and Conservators, Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1992;

Burnham, James A., Conservation Assessment for the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg, Pa: The Author, December 1990;

Canadian Conservation Institute Handouts 2/5-6/6, 1992-1996;

Fischer, Charles F., and Hugh C. Miller, eds., Caring For Your Historic House New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1998;

Guldbeck, Per E., and A. Bruce MacLeish, The Care of Antiques and Historical Collections, Nashville: American Association for State and Local History Press, 1984;

Jessup, Wendy Claire, ed., Conservation in Context: Finding a Balance for the Historic House Museum, Washington, D.C.: National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1995;

Martin, Allan, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Artifact Care Guide and Housekeeping Manual, Strasburg, Pa.: The Author, 1996.

__________, Rolling Stock Inspection for Asbestos Containing Materials [ACM], Report, Strasburg, Pa.: Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, 1992.

Paine, Crispin, Standards in the Museum Care of Larger & Working Objects,

London: Museums and Galleries Commission, 1994;

Parker, Thomas A., PhD., Pennsylvania Railroad Museum: Integrated Past Management Site Survey and Program. Report. June 18, 1999. 33pp.

Schultz, Arthur W., Gen. ed., Caring For Your Collections,

New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1992;

Appendices

Object Handling Guidelines, excerpted from Allan Martin, Artifact Care Guide and Housekeeping Manual, Strasburg, Pa.: Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (1996), 6-10

Objects: Routine Cleaning & Interventive Maintenance, excerpted from Ibid., Artifact Care Guide and Housekeeping Manual, 14-27.

Information absent in MartinÂ’s report on the Care of Objects Made from Rubber and Plastic, published by the Canadian Conservation Institute, CCI Notes 15/1, 1997, has been included herewith.

Clothes Moths and Carpet Beetles, compiled by Gary E. Bennett and Timothy J. Gibb, Public Health Insects Leaflet E-18, published by the Department of Entomology, a Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Publication, October 1989.

Fabric and Stored Product Pests, compiled by Dr. Thomas Parker, Pest Control Services, Inc., Lansdowne, Pa., 1989.

Mr. Bell,

Please contact me off list.

Rich Cizik
Ct Eastern RR Museum
Willimantic, Ct
rcizik5519@earthlink.net


Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum
rcizik5519@earthlink.net

Kurt;

Wow - thanks for posting this. Better documentation is always on our agenda for our equipment; I am frequently on the lookout for ideas on how to document our projects properly, but with the minimum of (volunteer) effort.

John Stewart
Ottawa.

Shay running.
freewrl-1@rogers.com

Kurt;

You might be interested to know that a sister car has been preserved. The Circumnavigators Club is at the Western Railway Museum.

Plans call for her to be displayed in the new car barn that is now being disigned.

The car's historic moment came early in World War II when she was part of an inspection train that was used by FDR to inspect a number of military bases in this country.

Ted Miles



ted_miles@nps.gov

Kurt

Excellent resource! Much of it mirrored training I had while an interpreter (and sometimes cultural resources volunteer) at Steamtown, and there were some new concepts as well. I especially liked the phrase "Baited animals must not be allowed to decay in inaccessable areas."

A must read for all.

Dave Crosby

bing@epix.net