In the February 2025 issue of Railpace Magazine, there is a photo of a short freight delivering three tank cars to B & G Foods in New Jersey. B & G produces B & M Baked Beans, etc. at that location and I wondered if those tankers were hauling molasses. As I studied the photo, I recalled having a supper at a neighbors when I was a youngster. As we were all getting set to a nice family style meal, my friends father passed me a bowl with a serving spoon in it. He asked if I'd "have a bean"? Sure, I took a big spoon full, but that question has always cracked me up. What if I took him literally and spooned out just the one bean?
There's a photo of the Bridgton engine crew lounging on the Bridgton station platform on a hot afternoon. Apparently they'd just had their lunch and were "nooning" as the photo is so captioned. A pretty apt assessment.
Lastly, anytime I'd ask Harry Percival about something squeaking, needing paint or even a home remedy for a mechanical issue, he'd say with conviction..."put the linseed oil to it"! Always made me laugh.
I wonder if any readers have any linguistic experiences you'd like to share?
