Definitions by Ron Ruth
jerkwater
Q. Why do we call a backward place a "jerkwater" town?
A. Steam engines needed to refill their boilers from water
towers next to the tracks but some "towns" were so small
that they lacked a water tower. When trains stopped in
those places, the crew had to find a nearby stream or well
and, bucket-brigade style, "jerk" the water to the train.
A. Steam engines needed to refill their boilers from water
towers next to the tracks but some "towns" were so small
that they lacked a water tower. When trains stopped in
those places, the crew had to find a nearby stream or well
and, bucket-brigade style, "jerk" the water to the train.