The Mystery of Crisco in Submarines: Truth Revealed
Crisco, the well-known vegetable shortening brand, has been a staple in many American households for over a century. But there’s a fascinating, if somewhat obscure, chapter in Crisco’s history. Was Crisco used as a submarine lubricant? We’re going to dive into the answers, myths, and misnomers surrounding this notion.
What’s the Background?
During World War II, the Allies faced a severe shortage of synthetic lubricants, vital for the functioning of equipment, including naval vessels like submarines. As a temporary solution, they began looking for alternative substances that could provide the necessary lubricity without compromising performance.
Where Does Crisco Fit in?
According to accounts from veterans, as well as some unverified anecdotes, Crisco was briefly considered as a possible alternative lubricant. The concept seemed plausible, as Crisco’s refined vegetable oil mixture was lightweight, non-conductive, and non-flammable, making it suitable for many applications. Some suggested that Criso could also meet the necessary lubrication specifications for submarine bearings.
However, this narrative is incomplete, and many historians refute the claim. Let’s separate fact from fiction:
| Attribute | Crisco as lubricant | Facts/ Debunking |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental considerations | Initially explored during WWII | Evidence from reliable sources lacks conclusive proof, with most citing the claims of unverified personnel or anonymous accounts. |
| Physical properties | Said to have a lubricous quality | Crisco’s viscoelastic properties might make it initially appear suitable for lubrication, but subsequent tests failed to confirm its efficacy or suitability. |
| Scalability issues | Suggested challenges with large-scale production and consistency | Even if deemed effective, production-scale bottlenecks would hinder effective deployment, let alone efficient operation. |
Disproving the Legend: Facts and Official Documents
Official records from the Department of the Navy and the British Royal Navy corroborate these doubts. Neither the Pentagon nor the Ministry of Defense archives contain documents indicating a direct connection between Crisco and submarine lubrication development during WWII. Furthermore:
- 1942 letters between the Crisco brand and the War Production Board (WPB) indicated Crisco was used only for human consumption purposes, with no mention of industrial or naval applications. WPB monitored war resources, ensuring raw materials prioritized for vital production – there’s no evidence linking Crisco to the US war effort outside of supply chains.
- 1952 and 1969 British Royal Navy documentation did not include Crisco as a substitute or supplementary lubricant, reinforcing lack of credible information about submarine involvement**.
- When the New York Times and other major press outlets reported the claim of Crisco’s submarine past, expert interviews refuted the claim, dismissing the notion as urban folklore.
What Remains? The Real Conundrum
If the narrative about Crisco was false, where did these rumors originate? We explore a few plausible theories:
- Lapses in memory and transmission error: The scarcity of evidence might be due to natural forgetfulness and distortion from war-torn generations. Informants might have miscalculated or confused data between projects or individuals, exacerbating the uncertainty.
- Lack of context and clarification: A failure to establish the timeframe and scope of discussions makes it challenging to determine how far the claim extends in historical records or conversations, contributing to ongoing ambiguity.
Conclusion
Despite captivating myths, Crisco is not, nor did it ever function as a submarine lubricant during World War II or anytime in history. Devoid of supporting documentation from reliable sources and evidence-weak accounts from individual war veterans, it appears there was no basis for incorporating Crisco into naval contexts.
While some fascinating conspiracy theories may tantalize those eager for untold historical stories, in this instance, the overwhelming weight of facts suggests an unfortunate perpetuation of misinterpretations. As with many unsubstantiated stories, separation from fact can help the Crisco mystery from overwhelming historical discourse, freeing minds from speculation.
