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Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: Biker on Tuesday 07 December 04 16:29 GMT (UK)

Title: Ass Pickle Worker - what is it?
Post by: Biker on Tuesday 07 December 04 16:29 GMT (UK)
I found one of my relatives yesterday who lived in Clerkenwell in the 1850s.  I've looked at the census itself and it is quite clear, his occupation is noted as:  Ass Pickle Worker.

I am assuming he is a pickle factory worker of some sort.  Or is it something else?

Notice that I haven't posted this in the Lighter Side forum although it seemed appropriate for a moment or two  ;D

Regards
Jonathan
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: GRACELAND on Tuesday 07 December 04 16:46 GMT (UK)
;D

    I should think its an  assistant !!
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: Hackstaple on Tuesday 07 December 04 16:50 GMT (UK)
Ass-orted?
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: GRACELAND on Tuesday 07 December 04 17:03 GMT (UK)
 :o ;D :D
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: kmo on Tuesday 07 December 04 22:24 GMT (UK)
Like most trades, perhaps he was starting at the bottom and working his way up?
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: Biker on Wednesday 08 December 04 00:01 GMT (UK)
Thanks for your 'considered' replies :)

On the serious side, I thought Clerkenwell would be an odd place for a pickle factory ...

Jonathan
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: Hackstaple on Wednesday 08 December 04 08:59 GMT (UK)
Apparently there were several such factories there, one being Batty & Co. One need not think of large factories for this nor even huge numbers of workers.
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: Geoff of Devon on Wednesday 08 December 04 15:15 GMT (UK)
I apologise in advance...
BUT you seem in a right pickle.
......GROAN.

SORRY.

Yup, I see Ass as assistant frequently, especially for drapers and grocers.
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: minime on Wednesday 08 December 04 16:05 GMT (UK)
I think, at least, I really hope that it means assistant. If not....better not to ask. LOL!!!

I think this could almost be classified as a "don't assk..don't tell policy." Sorry.  :-[

Minime
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: Biker on Wednesday 08 December 04 16:15 GMT (UK)
Thanks for the riotious input.  I must admit I smiled when I saw it.  I will look up the Batty & Co company if I can, thanks Hackstaple.

Cheers
Jonathan
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: GRACELAND on Wednesday 08 December 04 16:50 GMT (UK)
Posts Like This Makes Family History Worth Doing !!   ;D ;D
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: GRACELAND on Wednesday 08 December 04 16:56 GMT (UK)
Pickled  ;D
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: Biker on Wednesday 08 December 04 17:20 GMT (UK)
The story gets even better (or do I mean worse  :-\). 

Apparently Batty & Co's Clerkenwell factory was famous for making Yarmouth bloater paste, whatever that might be!  No, no, I really don't think I want to know.

Cheers
Jonathan

p.s. I think this thread might more legitimately belong in the Lighter Side now ;)
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: casalguidi on Wednesday 08 December 04 20:14 GMT (UK)
Having recently returned from visiting someone in hospital this "tea time", I think I'd prefer bloater paste!

Casalguidi
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: minime on Wednesday 08 December 04 20:23 GMT (UK)
Bloater paste and pickles???? What a nasty sounding combination. That's a DEFINATE "Don't assk and don't tell!!!!!"  ;D

Minime
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: Geoff of Devon on Thursday 09 December 04 21:19 GMT (UK)
Bloater is a fish and Yarmouth, BUT I guess they mean Great Yarmouth, at the seaside, in Norfolk which is much bigger  :o
So fish paste and pickles! EEEEEUUUGGGGGHHHHHH!! That souns sooooo gross. I feel queasy already.

The Origin of the Yarmouth Bloater
Exactly when the first Yarmouth Bloater was made is not clear, but it is believed to have been around 1835 when a herring-curer named Bishop had a happy misfortune.

It transpired that one night a quantity of fresh herrings had been missed and not processed, so as not to waste these fish Bishop is said to have covered them in salt, spitted them and hung them up in the smokehouse.

On his return the next morning he was amazed by their colour and taste and so proceeded to perfect the cure.

In 1919 a Mr J W de Caux J.P. wrote – “A real Yarmouth bloater is a full herring slightly salted and smoked; it should be eaten within two or three days, as it will not ‘keep’ long, and soon loses its flavour”


Bloater Savoury
This was very popular in Edwardian times, when it was served with toast or Suffolk Rusks as an appetizer or a savoury.

2 Bloaters or smoked mackerel
50g (2oz) Butter, softened
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Egg Yolks
Cayenne Pepper, to taste
Lemon Juice, to taste

Grill the bloaters on both sides, then remove the skin and bones and flake.
Add the butter to the fish and blend well.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper.
Bind with the egg yolks and lemon juice.
Pass through a sieve to produce a smooth paste and turn into a dish.
Serve with fingers of hot toast or Suffolk Rusks.
Serves 2


BLLLLLLLUUUURRRRGGGGHHHHH  SORRY  :-X :-X :-X
Geoff.
Title: Re: Occupation - what is it?
Post by: minime on Friday 10 December 04 13:50 GMT (UK)
I knew that just didn't sound like a combination I wanted to know about. EEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWW!!!!!

And if anyone tells me they craved that when they were pregnant... I know... we all need help. LOL!!!  ;)

Minime
Title: Re: Ass Pickle Worker - what is it?
Post by: jake on Saturday 05 February 05 17:12 GMT (UK)


 
 
1911 price: 3d

2001 price: 43p

Bloater paste is a spread made from herrings that have been first salted and then smoked.  Potted meats and fish pastes were popular for afternoon tea, and exploited a inexpensive method of meat preservation.  The 1911 price is for own brand bloater paste, which was made in the firm’s factory from 1890 until the 1940s, which was packed in ceramic pots and available in a choice of large and small sizes.  The 2001 price is for a 75g jar of Shippam’s bloater paste.

Title: Re: Ass Pickle Worker - what is it?
Post by: suey on Saturday 05 February 05 17:43 GMT (UK)

Shippams had a factory in Chichester West Sussex, right in the town - pooh :-X I can still smell it ....
they are part of the Princes Group now, the old factory has closed, lovely old building still empty while they try to decide what to do with it.. I'm sure we've all had fish paste sarnies at some time or other, I know I have..
Title: Re: Ass Pickle Worker - what is it?
Post by: minime on Sunday 06 February 05 02:12 GMT (UK)
Can't say that I've had any of the above mentioned. I really dislike fish though..sooo..I still have to pass. I know..d**&^  Americans are such wimps. LOL!!!

Minime
Title: Re: Ass Pickle Worker - what is it?
Post by: Hackstaple on Sunday 06 February 05 16:08 GMT (UK)
It took a long time but it finally came to me :D
An Ass. Pickle Worker is one who pickles with  Assetic Acid  ???

Groans...groans... :-[