C. W. Miller's Omnibus and Baggage Express Pass, Buffalo, N.Y., 1892

Charles Wright MIller (1837-1921) "revolutionized passenger and baggage transportation" in Buffalo, New York, in the nineteenth century, according to Susan J. Eck in her article, Charlie Miller's Livery Business, which she posted on her Western New York History blog.

"A traveler could purchase a ticket and in a single transaction arrange to be picked up at home or a hotel, transported to the respective train station, and have baggage processed through to the traveler's final destination," Eck explained. "No other company in the U.S. had observed the need for such coordination of travel arrangements, and it was immediately successful."

This pass allowed "M. O. Adams and Family" to travel during the year 1892 using the services of Miller's horse-drawn omnibuses and baggage delivery. The design of the pass reflects the Victorian-era Gaslight Style that used layering to produce a three-dimensional effect. The shadowing under the letters, for instance, gives them a raised appearance, and the superimposition of the curved lines of text -- "C. W. Miller's" over "Omnibus" over "Baggage Express" -- also provides a feeling of depth. A hanging baggage tag behind the text along with a cloud-like background adds to the multi-layered effect.

See also the other side of the pass.

C. W. Miller's Omnibus and Baggage Express, Buffalo, N.Y.

Pass M.O. Adams and Family
In Omnibus until Dec. 31st

No. 2622. 1892.

C. W. Miller.
Proprietor

Printed on the other side:

Not Transferable.

Good in Omnibus only between Hotel and Depot and transfer of Baggage in City.