Back in the day, when train travel was the way to get around the country, Grand Central Terminal was much more than a commuter railroad terminal. The 20th Century Limited, running between New York and Chicago, was quite possibly the most famous train in the world, and certainly the most famous and elegant in the United States.

During its run from 1902 and until it was discontinued in 1967, men boarding the train at Grand Central were given carnations, and women were given flowers and perfume. Passengers disembarking from the train in New York exited from the platform to this room, which became known as “The Kissing Room,” as people waiting for the arriving passengers would often greet them with a kiss.

Now the room is dominated by a large commercial kiosk in the middle of the floor, which made shooting difficult. I particularly had difficulty getting a usable shot of this clock and wall, but in the end I think this one works.