Parlor cars or “observation” cars referred to the car placed on the tail end of a passenger train. At the turn of the 19th century, parlor cars generally featured large rear windows where passengers could watch the passing scenery. The parlor car’s most striking and discernible feature was an elaborate wrought-iron or brass railing, surrounding an open rear deck where elegantly dressed ladies and tuxedoed gentlemen could sip champagne while sitting on wicker chairs and watching the countryside pass by.