I have in my possession an old -- (127 year old) fare ticket. This is a South Carolina Railroad Co. fare ticket that is good for the fare of one passenger -- (25 miles Charleston ticket) -- dated July 1st, 1873 -- American Bank Note Co. New York.

I was wondering if you would have any information regarding this fare ticket, or information regarding fare tickets from this time in date?

Thanks in advance, Nancy

-- Nancy L. Dreiling (nancy_dreiling@agilent.com), May 04, 2000

Answers

Nancy - Exactly what sort of information are you seeking regarding your South Carolina R.R. ticket? If you mean, were they in common use, yes they were. Every passenger was required to have a proof that they had paid a fare to ride on the train. The ticket was that proof. Without it, they would not be allowed to ride. The ticket was also a means of accounting for the railroad company, as the company's accountants could "ballance" the tickets received against money turned in by station agents and cash fares paid on the trains to conductors. Tickets predate the 1850's. Regarding the S.C.R.R. ticket you have, 25 miles from Charleston in 1873 would have been at, or about, Summerville, S.C., the S.C.'s main line being Charleston to Augusta, Ga., with a branch to Columbia, S.C. Is this what you wished to know?

-- Tom Underwood (tlunder@attglobal.net), May 04, 2000.

I ALSO HAVE IN MY POSSETION A RR TICKET FROM CHARLESTON SC. I WAS WONDERING WHAT THE VALUE OF THIS ITEM MIGHT BE, AS THEY ARE IN MINT CONDITION. PLEASE RESPOND

-- (CRANSTONES@AOL.COM), December 10, 2002.