Parmalee Transfer Company was founded in 1853 by Franklin Parmalee to move passengers and baggage between Chicago's downtown railroad terminals. Originally a horse-drawn hack, the company evolved into a motor driven van shuttle and limousine service. The City of Chicago granted Parmalee the exclusive franchise for station transfer trade moving passengers and baggage, which the company held until 1971.
After Amtrak consolidated inter-city railroad passenger services at Chicago's Union Station, Parmalee ceased operations under the Parmalee name, but continues as Continental Airport Express.
References
Parmalee Transfer Company Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA