Antique Railroad Loading Peaches Merchant's Despatch, Wicke's Reefer Occupation

Antique Railroad Loading Peaches Merchant's Despatch, Wicke's Reefer Occupation
Antique Railroad Loading Peaches Merchant's Despatch, Wicke's Reefer Occupation
Antique Railroad Loading Peaches Merchant's Despatch, Wicke's Reefer Occupation
Antique Railroad Loading Peaches Merchant's Despatch, Wicke's Reefer Occupation
Antique Railroad Loading Peaches Merchant's Despatch, Wicke's Reefer Occupation

Antique Railroad Loading Peaches Merchant's Despatch, Wicke's Reefer Occupation

Men standing in front a wagon of peaches awaiting loading, awaiting uploading to a refrigerator box car. The image measures 4 /4/8 x 3 7/8 inches, approximately. Pasted to a 5 1/4 x 4 1/4 inch mount.

Here's what we know for sure: the box car behind the group is owned by Merchant's Despatch Transportation Company (MDT) aka Merchant's Despatch Refrigerator Line. CCCI (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway) became part owners of MDT in the latter part of the 19th century. The refrigerator car is of the patented Wicke's design. Stenciling to either side of the car's door confirms those IDs. The wagon is stacked with barrels of fresh peaches. A man standing on the wagon is holding a large sign that reads Peaches W. (the last few letters are unreadable). A man standing near the center of the photo is holding a Price Baking Powder crate. Here's what we don't know: why is the man holding the baking powder crate holding a saw, and what else is he holding? What is the man standing to his left writing on that note pad? Overall, we think this is a pretty nice little photograph, full of interesting details. Please review the preceding condition description box and photo gallery.
Antique Railroad Loading Peaches Merchant's Despatch, Wicke's Reefer Occupation


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