As previously noted here, the Forty-Niner was a heavyweight train run to handle first-class passengers during the 1939 and 1940 Golden Gate Exposition. This is one of a series of menus, all of which have notable engravings on the covers, made for that train.
Click image to download a 800-KB PDF of this menu.
This menu features an engraving by the noted French artist, André Castaigne (1861-1929). He came to the United States in 1891, and this picture, which he did for Century magazine, was his first well-known work in this country. Although the menu cover calls the picture “A Miner’s Dance,” Castaigne called it “The Forty-Niner’s Ball.” Castaigne did more than 160 other illustrations for Century, which was one of the most popular magazines of its day, as well as many other famous works.
This lunch menu offers entrées of abalone, sausage, chicken pie, omelet, or ham and eggs. The a la carte side has steaks, chops, chicken, and smoked ox tongue, among other things. Multiply prices by $18.50 to get today’s dollars.