THE WAUPACA REPUBLICAN

October 28, 1904

 

L. Starks & Co.’s New Potato Cars

           

            Wednesday of this week eleven brand new potato cars, belonging to L. Starks & Co. were distributed along the Portage branch of the Central, three being side-tracked in the yards in this city.  The cars have a capacity of 60,000 pounds, and 1,00 bushels of potatoes can easily be shipped in each, - about double that of an ordinary freight car.  They are built of the latest pattern, very substantial and nicely lettered on the outside.  The walls are double, with tarred building paper between, the interior being finished in the best grade of yellow pine.  Each car is provided with double doors, with heavy weather strips extending around them, and when closed they are air tight.  Provision is made in the center of each car for a heating stove, so that in the coldest weather there will be no danger of freezing.  The cars are also provided with small doors at either end, so that when necessary they can be quickly and thoroughly ventilated.  L. Starks & Co. have 250 of these cars now in use, and they are found to be much more convenient and safe than the ordinary car.  We understand the company will build many more of them in the future to supply their needs.  These cars were designed by L. Starks, who has had the building of them under consideration for a number of years.   - Plainfield Sun.