The subway in 2019 could be worse (this is not a compliment, it's just a fact that everything could be worse). It could, for example, have clung to elements from the past, like when scales were on the platforms. Imagine paying to weigh yourself ever, nevermind while waiting on the R train. Pretty dark stuff.
And while a bar on a subway car may sound like a fun idea, give it a second... less than a second, even. It would be a legitimate nightmare, particularly when the train inevitably breaks down and you are trapped (without a bathroom) underground with inebriated humans barrelling through every emotion that may be awakened with the right (wrong) amount gin.
But... it did happen, and while it was very brief, we were left with these images.
The bar was basically a publicity stunt, and one that was geared specifically towards the only people who might enjoy such a thing: a bunch of dudes. The New York City Transit Authority invited "the Young Men's Board of Trade New York City Junior Chamber of Commerce" to enjoy the ride while clinking glasses and eating pretzels. As for what they were promoting, please throw logic aside: In early 1962, they wanted to publicize their clean subways campaign, and this, confusingly, seemed like the way to go.
According to the captions on these old AP photos, that's Joseph E. O'Grady behind the bar, a member of Transit Authority at the time.
O'Grady stands at a bar installed temporarily in the Authority's 'dream car' in New York. The car, which had fresh flowers, carpeting, draperies and pastel lighting, made a special trip as part of a nine-car train on the city's subway lines from Times Square to South Ferry and back.
Seems like this "dream" subway car is missing something, however—oh wait, there it is: according to some, there was also plush carpeting. If true, the absolute worst idea in the history of mass transit. Cheers.
