McComb in Pike County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Aluminum Refrigerator Car #51000
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 2, 2022
1. Aluminum Refrigerator Car #51000 Marker
Dancing in the street accompanied the inauguration of this unique refrigerator car that was fabricated here in the McComb shop. Construction began on car #51000 on August 12, 1946 and was completed on September 25 1946, as a one-of-a-kind experimental car. Built according to specifications developed by the then United Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Association, it was unveiled during a lavish ceremony that included the current Governor of the State of Mississippi Thomas L. Bailey, the past governor, Dennis Murphree and ICRR executives: S. F. Lynch, general manager; T.J. Casey, Superintendent of the Louisiana Division; C.O. Young, Assistant Superintendent McComb car shop; and D.G. Travis, Superintendent McComb car shop. Ceremonies included a champagne christening, live music by a New Orleans orchestra, and a banquet on Main Street with dancing afterward.
The freight capacity of the car is 1989 cubic feet with an ice storage capacity of 306 cubic feet holding 750 pounds per bunker. The first load was bananas shipped from New Orleans, Louisiana to Chicago, Illinois. Car #51000 saw limited use and then quietly spent most of her life tucked away in the McComb shop where she was born. Her preservation is due to the efforts of Mr. Edwin Etheridge, the last Superintendent of the Illinois Central Railroad's McComb car shop.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 31° 14.627′ N, 90° 27.067′ W. Marker is in McComb, Mississippi, in Pike County. Marker can be reached from South Railway Boulevard north of Canal Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: McComb MS 39648, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1883 "Club Car Dixie" Office Car (a few steps from this marker); Steam Locomotive #2542 (within shouting distance of this marker); Railway Post Office Car (within shouting distance of this marker); Caboose #9384 (within shouting distance of this marker); Bo Diddley (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Bo Diddley (about 500 feet away); McComb (approx. 0.2 miles away); Brentwood (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McComb.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 2, 2022
2. Aluminum Refrigerator Car #51000 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2022, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 24, 2022, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
