Railroad Passes of Otto Mears – Railroads until 1906 commonly issued free printed paper or card travel passes to such people as employees, their families, shippers, clergymen, politicians, judges and others whose influence was sought in the railroads' favor.
Prior to 1906, railroads frequently provided free passes for travel to people like employees, their families, shippers, clergy members, politicians, judges, and other influential figures. These passes were typically printed on paper or card.