I'm not asking the S88 vs 88 question again !! so it's safe to read on !
As I get more accustomed to this sight I've learned to research old or previous post/threads to avoid the embarrassment of asking a previously discussed subject.
I again turn to the collective knowledge of this forum.
I came across a post from 2016 which of course became spirited at times, and while reading the post about the differences between 88's and super 88's I came across this "The Super 88 also had some straps on the back of the front seat. An owner told me that their purpose was to hang a blanket over them? The 88 was not equipped with these" now I have established already that my Olds is a Super 88 this was accomplished with the aid of people on this forum and the vin # but that information kind of blew me away (the blanket thing) as I look at mine I say to myself I guess they could assist a person getting out of the back seat although they seem a little fragile for that purpose ? and it would just pull the back of the front seat back when attempting exit. Enter the blanket theory, in the 50's I can see the plaid wool blanket hanging on the strap readily available to rear seat passengers adults or children
that may not be as comfortable as the front seat passengers on those frigid northern, eastern or midwestern days . what say you ? do you Super 88 or 98 guys have them ? are they passenger assist or blanket holders ? here's some photos of mine, P.S, I don't have have the pillar grab loops that I have seen on other 1956 Olds sedans. I also do not have the chrome Bands across the headliner. mine is a 2 door sedan if it makes a difference.

 

I think the generic term is "robe rail". Yup, good for holding a blanket or even a robe for comfort of rear seat passengers. Though by 50s they were kind of an anachronism, with factory heaters. They'd become an upscale interior trim feature.

 

I read an article several years ago about the blanket holders. They go way back to when they actually carried blanket for the use of rear seat passengers. I doubt they were used for that purpose in the 50's.

 

Wow who knew ? (obviously not me ) so cool , thanks guys !! next time some one is admiring the car I can say" bet ya don't what these were called " I'm sure their response will be handle to get out of the car duhhh and my response will be nope !!
I was able to find this article.Thanks again you learn something new every day !!! the article did go on to say that they were still common in some vehicles where heaters were a option and started to disappear by the late 50's, one other article stated it also provided a place were passengers could hang wet rain coats etc...

 

I just went out and took a quick picture of my robe rail. That's a vintage Faribo blanket.

 

Well Frank now you went and did it ,you've forced my hand !! I guess I will now have to go out and purchase Green Tartan Plaid blankets (2) one for each side in a attempt to remain authentic, however I think I have time since we have now have had over 30 days of 100 plus heat in the PHX area, I may hold off until we get that cold snap of below 85 degrees !! or drive her 120 miles to the north of Flagstaff.
One of the unexpected side benefits of owning this car so far is the history lessons Im getting and the history I am researching, however one source of disappointment so far is my request to the Downers Grove Historical society for information on the tiny dealer that sold my Olds, on their website I was able to find 1 photo of the dealership.
I e-mailed them with a request for information on the dealership, opening dates, closing dates etc...but as of this post I have had no response at all. I would think I would at least get something stating they have no additional information, as soon as I sent the e-mail I got a pop up that said thanks for your request, so I'll wait and see. (maybe it's a staffing problem or closure due to covid )

 

I could say that now that I finally have the factory AC working, people need that blanket to keep from freezing

 

When I was young back in the day we used the so called robe bar to hang her panties and my underwear so they wouldn’t get soiled while we played Russian hands and Roman fingers in the rear seat! I was always adamant to have her take her heels off to spare the headliner of any damage.

 

I have blue plaid blankets on my 'robe rails' on my '57. My robe rails have metal chain inside the plastic tubing to each anchor. So not so fragile.

 

Thanks BFG you made my day !! it hasn't been the best of days and I needed a laugh, THANKS !!!

 

I'm jealous as far as I know my car is solabunt .And I have always been told that the rear robe rails were called robe ropes.. Don't know, just what the old timers always called them back in the olden times..... Tedd

 

I'll beat Ozzie to this!!

The Master Body Parts Book 1957 refers to this as a Robe Rail (Section 11.898). If you flip to that section, there are parts dating from 1939.

 

So . Thanks !! this has been addressed to my total satisfaction ( I expected nothing less) so Im posing a new question and will start a seperate thread,