Re: (erielack) Re: Antique Rail-Car BIDET on EBAY

["Paul Brezicki" <doctorpb_@_bellsouth.net>]

I doubt that the bidet (pronounced "bee'-day") appeared in any North American passenger cars, with the possible exception of some private or business cars. I worked on passenger trains for CN in the 70's, including as a sleeping car porter into Montreal, and never saw a bidet. Bathrooms in passenger cars are too cramped to accomodate non-essential plumbing. They didn't have showers either; this was a sorely-missed amenity, especially on the transcontinental train. I know the Central provided showers on the Century, and perhaps AT&SF did on the Super Chief.

As Jeff says, the bidet permits washing of the perineal area without having to take a shower. It''s a practical and civilized device, very common in Europe and I wish it was common here too.

Paul B

I find it somewhat dubious that the  DL&W would provide such a convenience on 
its passenger trains, since  bidets were primarily a European convenience, 
and were and are considered  something of a luxury on this side of the Atlantic. 
 I mean that only the  very wealthy would be inclined to desire such a thing, 
and that even most  first-class passenger would consider such a thing 
frivolous or  "high-faluting".

Can anyone on this list provide a more definitive  answer to the question?  
Would the DL&W (or any other contemporary US  railroad) have provided the use 
of a bidet for its passengers?

Jeff  Larson
ELHS #2683




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