The business archives of the Pullman’s Palace Car Company and Pullman Company held at the Newberry (2,500 cubic feet, covering the years 1867-1981) are a primary source of immense importance for the study of American social, technological, business, and family history. They include records of the entire firm until the mid-1920s when separate manufacturing and operating (sleeping car operation, service, and repair) companies were formed. After that date, the records mainly chronicle the activities of the operating company.
The employee records of the Pullman Company at the Newberry are primarily for operating company workers (porters, maids, commissary attendants, conductors, shop workers, yard force, clerical, managerial), not manufacturing or town employees. Although some 19th-century personnel records are available, most date from the early 1900’s.
This research guide is available as a PDF file.