I was jus' thinkin'. Maybe some o' y'all
don't know what that "psycho" HEARSE DRIVER'S talkin' 'bout.
So, for yer assistance, here's a list of some o' more common terms of
our little community an', hopefully, accurate definitions.
If we missed a word or term that ya'd like to see here,
or, more likely, our definition is inaccurate, jus' e-mail us at CONTACT.
BIER PINS
Pins found within the coffin area of a
hearse used to secure the coffin
and prevent its shifting while being transported.
There are two basic types: adjustable and fixed. Adjustable prevent
forward and back movement. Fixed prevent lateral movement.
A style of hearse discontinued in the 1940's, evidenced by ornate
carved depictions on the hearse's sides of draperies or columns.
Ornamentation may be
of wood, pressed metal, or pressed metal over wood.
CASKET
The funeral industry preferred term for coffin.
Also used to describe the rectangular CASKET as opposed
to the hexagonal COFFIN.
CASKET KEY
A device resembling a crank, used to lower and lock the lid of a
coffin.
COACH
Another term for hearse.
CHURCH TRUCK
An acordianated (is that a word?) device used to support and transport a coffin to and
from the funeral vehicle. Also used to support the coffin for the
funeral service.
COFFIN
The container for the dearly
departed
(Duh!).
Also considered synonymous with TOE-PINCHER.
COMBINATION STYLE
In small towns that couldn't afford both a hearse and an ambulance,
the "combo" could do both. Equipped with a removable roof
light and storage for medical equipment and supplies, as well as
"jump seats" for attendants.
END SERVICING
The most abundant style of hearse.
Equipped with rollers and skids on the floor of the coffin compartment
enabling easy loading and unloading of the coffin through the rear door
only.
ENDLOADER
Another term for a end
servicing hearse.
FIRST-CALL CAR
A less ornate vehicle used for
transportation of the deceased from place of death, hospital, medical
examiner, etc. to the mortuary. Usually resembling a station wagon or
van. Also known as a service car.
A vehicle resembling an El Camino used for
transporting the deceased under a bed of flowers. Can be used for
carrying flowers only. Has a compartment under the flowers for a coffin.
More popular east of the Rocky Mountains than west.
Style of hearse with no extreme rear side
windows, with ornamental landau irons. Came into vogue in the 1930's and
remains the most popular style. Resembles the landau carriage of
19th century: The most luxurious of carriages and, thus, a status
symbol.
LIMOUSINE STYLE
A style of hearse with windows on the
sides from front to back, enabling easy viewing of the coffin during a
funeral procession.
Funeral industry preferred term for
first-call car.
SIDE SERVICING
A style of hearse equipped with a rear
pivoting/rolling table which is equipped with its own rollers, skids,
and bier pins, enabling loading/unloading the vehicle from the extreme
rear door as well as the side back doors. The table can be motorized or
manual. Less prevalent than the end servicing and no longer built.
A style of coffin that is hexagonal in
shape, common in Europe and Asia, and pre-20th century United States. Example
THREE-WAY
No not that kind of 3-way! Another term
for a side servicing hearse.
Send all questions
& comments about this page to CONTACT
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