1964 Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railroad ticket - Philadelphia to Des Moines

The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, also known as the "Rock Island" and "The Rock", was a major mid-western US railroad company from its early days in 1852 until the company was liquidated in bankruptcy in 1980. Serving the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas, the Rock Island was once a prosperous freight and passenger carrier, as well as providing commuter services in the greater Chicago area. It had strong competition from other railroads and, despite several attempts at merger/acquisition, the Rock Island failed to secure a partner; the Union Pacific (UP) had planned to acquire the Rock Island, but the deterioration of its physical plant caused the UP to back away. This ultimately forced the Rock Island to shut down and begin the liquidation of its engines, equipment and track; ironically, the UP ended up with the largest share of the Rock Island assets. Several railroads other than the UP today operate portions of the Rock Island trackage.

For auction is a ticket on the Rock Island from Philaelphia, Pennsylvania to Des Moines, Iowa.  It is dated September 1947. It was for a 1-way coach reserved seat. 

The ticket measures appx 3 3/4 x 2 inches and is printed on medium-weight cardstock. It is in very good condition, with no rips or tears. All writing/markings are from its issuance and use.