As Tess Simmons pushed her way through the small crowd of onlookers, her best friend, Barbara Watkins, was busy making apologies.
“Babs, get up here!” scolded Tess without averting her gaze from the newly-posted schedule of arrivals and departures.
Overland Limited
Departing for San Francisco
Track 2
2:00 AM
Clumsily squeezing through the congregation of people, Barbara Watkins emerged an amalgamation of embarrassment and exhilaration.
“Tess, you are incorrigible–all these people are looking at us!”
Oblivious to the reactions of those who had been nudged aside, Tess Simmons was intoxicated by the moment. Pointing to the marquis with what can only be described as girlish giddiness, Tess exclaimed, “That’s the one Babs–the train’s here!”
And indeed it was.
Christened the queen of the fleet, Union Pacific’s Overland Limited had formally arrived at Omaha’s Union Station well after the sun had disappeared from the mid-February’s Nebraska sky–on time and bound for San Francisco.
“It’s close Babs–San Francisco’s closer than it’s ever been.”
Hugging each other tightly, 19-year-old, Tess Simmons–the bold leader–and 18-year-old, Babs Watkins–the faithful foot soldier–smiled almost uncontrollably as they headed for Track 2.
Witnessing this youthful exuberance in all its glory, the Overland Limited’s Porter protectively watched as the young girls made their way toward the train. And waiting for them with an ingratiating smile, he politely removed his cap asking, “May I take these bags?”
Playing along, Tess replied with a gentle curtsy, “You may, my good man–and please place them in car number four if you would be so kind.”
Peering over the shoulders of her lifelong friend, Babs Watkins was mesmerized by what was happening. Right before her very eyes, a lifetime dream was about to come true.
Catching them both off guard, the train’s whistle startled them with its shrill reverberation. Looking at each other wide-eyed, they both burst into laughter. As the steam stretched out from beneath the train’s engine, the Conductor called, “All Aboard! The Overland Limited is now departing for San Francisco!”
Embracing her best friend, Tess Simmons pulled Barbara Watkins close. Exhaling a deep sigh, Tess whispered, “Can you believe it, Babs? Can you really believe it?”
When you are kid, it seems like you spend most of your time dreaming about getting out. And if you are lucky enough to have a best friend that shares the same aspirations–well, that can make all the waiting just about worthwhile.Â
But–and as we all know–in this life, few are those who dare to follow through with their dreams.
As the train pulled away on that cold winter’s night in February of 1937, Barbara Watkins could feel the tears streaming down her face as she waved goodbye to her best friend.
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