In the late 19th century, severe weather often presented formidable challenges to cross-country travel, none more dramatic than a snow blockade on the Union Pacific Railroad. This particular incident, recounted by William Daugherty in 1891, ensnared a well-known Nevadan named Bob H. on his journey from New York to San Francisco, creating an unexpected week-long detention in Wyoming.
Bob H., an early resident of Nevada and a contemporary of Mark Twain, was renowned for his good nature and mischievous spirit. Happily married to an estimable lady and devoted father to two children, he carried immense pride in his family. His parlor, for instance, boasted a large oil painting of one of his children, posed nude in a seashell, a piece he proudly highlighted to all visitors, valuing it more than any other curio in his extensive collections.
The Unexpected Delay and Resourceful Passengers
Despite his deep affection for his home and family, Bob H. consistently displayed gallantry and attentiveness towards the gentle sex. Fortunately for him, his wife possessed an amiable disposition, making their home a truly attractive haven. When the aforementioned snow blockade struck, the passengers found themselves in a surprisingly agreeable predicament. Far from being in distress, they enjoyed the comforts of a well-provisioned dining car and an ample supply of coal. Throughout their week-long imprisonment, they maintained a cheerful atmosphere, finding much enjoyment in their unique situation.
Crucially, daily mail service was maintained over the obstructing snow drifts by a carrier on snowshoes, allowing all passengers to communicate with their loved ones. Bob H. was among the first to seize this opportunity, meticulously writing a letter each day to “his best girl.” Unbeknownst to his fellow travelers, who assumed he was a devoted lover, these heartfelt missives were destined for his wife.
A Husband’s Clever Correspondence
Bob’s letters to his wife were filled with sweet content, lamenting the fate that kept him from his family. He declared that his only source of solace amidst his surroundings was the companionship of a charming little girl named May. Of all the passengers on the train, May reminded him most of his beloved children back home. This clever narrative kept his wife’s anxieties at bay, painting a picture of innocent camaraderie during the unexpected delay.
He described little May as a “perfect treasure.” She would sit and converse with him by the evening lamps, reminiscing about his beautiful home in California. She shared his table, engaged in playful snowball fights, humorously pulled his ears, and even poured a handful of snow down his back whenever a good opportunity arose. Yet, Bob insisted, he could never take offense at anything she did, for she was simply too sweet for anything. His wife, receiving these daily dispatches, was naturally charmed by the image of this delightful child and was pleased to know Bob had such pleasant company during the tedious hours of the snow blockade. Finally, a telegram from Bob announced the blockade’s end and his expected arrival on the third day.
The Humorous Revelation in Sacramento
A little anxious but eager to greet him, Bob’s wife traveled to Sacramento on the appointed day, curious to see how the snow-bound passengers had fared after their prolonged detention. She arrived first, and as Bob’s train, still white with snow from the Sierra Nevada mountains, rolled into the depot, she watched intently. She spotted Bob stepping off the platform and hurried towards him with a joyful exclamation. However, he was preoccupied, assisting a young lady from the train, and did not notice his wife until she embraced him, laughing, and asked, “Bob, don’t you know me?”
Bob was certainly surprised but not at all abashed. The young lady, who was both pretty and amused, looked on with a hint of inquiry at the newcomer. Facing the situation like a true gentleman, Bob introduced them: “Little May, this is my best girl.” In that instant, his wife understood the true source of his contentment during the extended railroad blockade. Far from being upset, the two women quickly became the best of friends, and Bob’s wife frequently recounted the amusing story of her husband’s clever letters.
A Glimpse into 19th-Century Rail Travel and Resilience
This charming anecdote, originally penned by William Daugherty for the Reno Evening Gazette in 1891, offers a delightful window into the challenges and human spirit encountered during 19th-century rail travel. Such incidents, while disruptive, often brought out the resourcefulness and good humor of those involved. The Union Pacific Railroad, traversing vast and often harsh landscapes, was no stranger to the whims of nature, and a severe snow blockade was a test of both engineering and human endurance.
The story of Bob H., his devoted wife, and the enigmatic Little May serves as a reminder that even in unforeseen circumstances and prolonged isolation, human connection and a touch of wit can transform adversity into a memorable, even endearing, experience. It highlights the importance of communication, even through rudimentary means like a snowshoe mail carrier, in maintaining morale and peace of mind during difficult times. This historical account, updated and compiled by Legends of America, continues to entertain and provide insight into the lives of early Nevadans and travelers navigating the burgeoning American West.
