----- Original Message -----
From: "mopacfirst" <ron.merrick@...>
To: STMFC@...
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 4:42:13 PM
Subject: [STMFC] Re: Inedible [Tank car photo [Was: 1928 Photo of Reefers . . .]]

 




Although I claim no direct knowledge, the words 'inedible' and occasionally 'edible' were often found on tank cars originating from meatpacking plants. Yes, tallow was one, and some cars were actually marked 'inedible tallow'. There are probably some today.

I believe 'edible' was material that came off the packinghouse floor under the same conditions as the meat, that is, it was not contaminated in such a way as to render it unsafe for human consumption. More commonly, this same material was handled in ways that rendered it unfit for human consumption as part of its processing, before it was pumped into the tank car. This latter, of course, was cheaper, and was of no consequence if it was destined for a soap maker or other industrial use.

Examples of this processing might include being shoveled into a bin, or being hosed down from the literal floor, or stored in outdoor tankage, or being conveyed in industrial hoses or piping that was not sanitary.

Ron Merrick

--- In STMFC@... , "Gatwood, Elden SAW" <elden.j.gatwood@...> wrote:

<snip> One was to repaint with different wording or minimal

lettering. One might have been simply to write "inedible" on the end...maybe
a skull and crossbones would have been more effective

Elden Gatwood

-----Original Message-----
From: STMFC@... [mailto: STMFC@... ] On Behalf Of
RUTLANDRS@...
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 1:15 PM
To: STMFC@...
Subject: Re: [STMFC] Tank car photo [Was: 1928 Photo of Reefers . . .]



Just a guess about "inedible" and the location. Probably a car of tallow for
soap or such.
Chuck Hladik

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