Very nice condition for the age.  Rare to find the two still attached. There is some minor fading of the colored paper. The larger ticket is signed by the passenger. Both are dated April 9, 1903. Please see all photos and ask if in doubt.

Major Lamar Fontaine returned from the Civil War to Coahoma County, MS (Lyon) to start his surveying business. He did extensive work surveying for the Illinois Central Railway as it extended into the South. Rail was his preferred mode of transportation whether for business or pleasure.

The larger ticket is punched for a Male, Medium Size, Medium Height and Dark Hair with the punched date of April 9, 1903. Also handwritten is L. Fontain (misspelled) from Holly Springs (MS) to Grenada (MS) and an Account Contract With "Challenge" "Clarksdale" Clarksdale, Mississippi was his home station. The smaller side ticket is handwritten L. Fontain (misspelled) from Grenada to Holly Springs on Apr. 9 (1903.) Since it says on the back that the Conductor will require the passenger's signature and it is not signed, we assume he did not use it for the return. With the two tickets, it appears they were to be used on the same date.

The larger ticket is signed on the back in Mr. Fontaine's distinctive handwriting.

It appears the ticket was an advertising trip ticket for personal use to be used by him from Holly Springs to Grenada and Grenada to Holly Springs on the same date. 

In red, it is stamped NOT GOOD IN COMPARTMENT SLEEPING CARS on both tickets.

This has been passed down in the family and will come with provenance.

Stored in a pet and smoke free home

Dimensions shown in the photos

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