The idea of Banana Peel Gas might sound like an absurdity, but rest assured, it appears in a legitimate source. On January 18, 1968, the New York Times reported that cops around the country were purchasing all sorts of innovative weapons and chemicals to arm themselves during civil disturbances. Tear gas grenades, ceramic body armor and banana peel gas were among the rumored purchases. There was also "The Curdler," a device that was meant to create such an annoying noise that no human would be able to bare it.
The Chicago Police Department allocated $168,000 for three helicopters, command and observation posts to be used during riots.
The NY Times article, by David Burnham, is titled "Nation's Police Arming for Riots." It was one of the first NY Times articles from 1968 that indicated that Chicago was openly preparing for riots during the year.
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