Heinz "57 Varieties" Pickle Tank Car, 1905-1910

Summary

Before the Heinz name was synonymous with ketchup, the H.J. Heinz Company was famous for its pickles. In order to transport its pickles more efficiently from salting houses to factories, the H.J. Heinz Company invented and patented its special pickle tank car. Shipping pickles in this method, as opposed to barrels, ensured that the pickles arrived in better condition and provided additional advertising opportunities.

Before the Heinz name was synonymous with ketchup, the H.J. Heinz Company was famous for its pickles. In order to transport its pickles more efficiently from salting houses to factories, the H.J. Heinz Company invented and patented its special pickle tank car. Shipping pickles in this method, as opposed to barrels, ensured that the pickles arrived in better condition and provided additional advertising opportunities.

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

1905-1910

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

53.41.879

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of H.J. Heinz Co.

Material

Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Gelatin silver process
Mounting

Color

Sepia (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 17 in  (mount)

Width: 20 in  (mount)

Height: 11 in  (photograph)

Width: 14 in  (photograph)

Inscriptions

written on front mount: Pickle Tank Car

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