Chester MA... what's with all the old shoe heels??

OK, I've been wanting an answer to this for years:

What's with all the old rubber heels laying along the tracks at Chester MA???

Was there once a derailment that dumped them? Was there once a show store that blew up?? Heel factory in the area???

Am I the only one who has ever noticed them?

JD

Looks like another question I will never get an answer to...

It would be interesting if they came from a derailment many moons ago!

Chester MA Derailment 1964 by Nells250, on Flickr

"Workmen dug a drainage trench to rid the area of the various chemicals."

Not something I think you'd read today!

So far trying to find info on B&A customers has been impossible, but I'd say the location and year of this particular derailment makes sense.

Ridgefielder wrote:"Workmen dug a drainage trench to rid the area of the various chemicals."

Not something I think you'd read today!

...and no mention of protective gear, either--no space suits then.

They were using steam trains in 1964 for work trains? I guess that makes sense.

Perhaps an overzealous editor "corrected" steam crane?

If it was a telephone interview the reporter may simply have misheard, and his railroad knowledge may not have prompted him that "steam trains" made no sense.

It took me a long time to find the pictures but, here is a more likely wreck.
This one was back in 1907 when heels were a more likely cargo.
Also, the cars seem to have shed their contents more thoroughly.
LS

I think the derailment theory is a step in the right direction...I mean, if the shoe fits, no...
I'm sorry, it's Friday, and I'm tired. I apologize for wasting your time and all these electrons. I feel like such a...a... heel...

S

hh660 wrote:I think the derailment theory is a step in the right direction...I mean, if the shoe fits, no...
I'm sorry, it's Friday, and I'm tired. I apologize for wasting your time and all these electrons. I feel like such a...a... heel...

S

Better watch your step....

Sorry, you're right. If I keep it up, they''ll boot me off the forum.
(sincere apologizes to Ms NellsChoo )
S

Best course, tread lightly.

Who knew this board had so much sole?