Railway Reflections

I NEVER GOT TO TRAVEL MUCH GROWING UP, so once I entered adulthood, I was primed for adventure outside my backyard.

Upon graduating from the University of Missouri in Columbia with a bachelor of arts degree, I took an Amtrak train to Chicago. Armed with my very brief resume, I pounded the city’s pavement to find any kind of entry-level job in media in the dazzling city I desired to live in, although I never did.

I remember that trip vividly and fondly, as it was my first train ride and first solo trip. My dad took me to Union Station at sunrise on a beautiful May morning, and although I was a confident person, I was a little nervous. I still remember my chosen outfit for the day was navy blue bell-bottoms and a Liz Claiborne blouse, along with a scarf. I never went anywhere without a scarf in 1979.

It was a long ride; I was able to finish the book The World According to Garp, which was very popular at the time. This adult-ish story explores gender roles and sexuality, among other themes, in a way that was new to me. I felt like a true grown-up. When I smelled fresh coffee, I walked to the cafe car for a cup of coffee and a sandwich. Upon that first sip, my tongue burned from the too-hot coffee. I specifically remember watching a well-dressed lady add ice to hers, so I tried that too.

The cafe car was filled with interesting people drinking iced tea, playing cards, or just reading. Most of the passengers were older than my fresh-out-of-college self, but that didn’t stop me from making small talk. My mom was raised in Arkansas, and I learned about basic friendliness from her. One gentleman inquired about my trip, and when I explained what I’d be doing, he asked, “Are you a Cubs fan or a White Sox fan?” I had to think about that one because all I knew were the Royals.

Eventually, I returned to my comfortable seat where my book, considered scandalous by some, was waiting. That was the thing about the train—you could really relax and not worry about traffic or checking your gas supply or anything.

I didn’t take the Amtrak train again until 2006, and then I wasn’t embarking on a new chapter in life. It was for my daughter, Emily, as she embarked on her next adventure. We were going to tour colleges, and the top two on her list were in Chicago. We went with another mom and her daughter, and the girls shared a sleeping bunk, which turned the trip into a mini slumber party. I didn’t have the chance to devour an entire book this time, but with the wonderful company, the ride didn’t seem so long.

I hope to take another Amtrak trip since it has been almost 20 years since my last one. I wonder what adventure the train will lead me to next?

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Mary Leonard Bullington is a marketing representative for Missouri Life and lives in Kansas City. She plays pickleball and bakes cookies when she visits staff in Rocheport. To read a story about another Amtrak journey, click here.

Amtrak trains crossing Missouri:

° Lincoln Service: Kansas City–Chicago

° Missouri River Runner: Kansas City–St. Louis

° Southwest Chief: Chicago– Los Angeles

° Texas Eagle: Chicago– San Antonio

This article was originally published in the July/August 2025 edition of Missouri Life.