Historic Pullman Foundation Acquires Rare 1928 'Suitsme' Railcar for West Pullman Museum Display

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Pullman · November 14, 2025

West Pullman's Historic Pullman Foundation has made a significant addition to the neighborhood's rich railroad heritage with the acquisition of a rare 1928 Pullman railcar for display at Pullman National Historical Park. The historic car, known as the "Suitsme," was originally built at the Pullman factory for the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad in Maine, where it served as the rail home to B&A executives for 75 years before being sold in 2003 to the Plymouth & Lincoln Railroad of New Hampshire. The name derives from the original executive who commissioned the car in 1928 reportedly exclaiming, "It suits me!" upon first seeing it.

The foundation's acquisition is part of its broader goal to permanently return historic railcars to the neighborhood, with plans to build a rail yard in front of the former Pullman factory where visitors can regularly view these important pieces of West Pullman history. "It's the luxury that was put into these cars, the use of space," explained Bart Darress, the foundation's communications director. "To build these opulent spaces... it's something to behold." Residents and visitors interested in seeing the Suitsme and learning more about the neighborhood's railroad heritage can visit the Pullman Exhibit Hall at 11141 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, which remains open daily from 10am to 4pm.

Sources:
1. https://pullmanil.org/
2. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/04/pullman-railroad-days-2025/