White Frost Refrigerator - Revelstoke, British Columbia
Posted by: T0SHEA
N 51° 00.010 W 118° 11.882
11U E 415936 N 5650526
This most interesting White Frost Refrigerator is located in the Revelstoke Museum located at 315 1st Street West. There is a very nice Heritage Garden next to the museum.
Waymark Code: WMVK96
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 04/28/2017
Views: 0
This actually is called a refrigerator, however technically it is an ice box. There is an ice storage compartment on the top that allowed cold air to circulate to the compartment below.
The White Frost refrigerator was manufactured in Jackson, Michigan by the Metal Stamping Company circa 1909.
Though the unit is in poor condition showing years of use, it is by far the most unique refrigerator we have seen with its cylindrical design.
"The White Frost Refrigerator was the only cylinder-shaped icebox. A block of ice sat in a compartment under the lid and chilled air was vented into the food storage space below. The makers said their distinctive model was:
More hygienic – easy-clean curved enameled steel, food always in perfect condition
More scientific – better design, better insulated, economical with ice, revolving shelves
Desirable yet affordable – stylish, special, above-average price payable in installments
The first White Frosts were made in Jackson, Michigan even before a full patent was granted in 1906. The president of the company making them was Hugh L. Smith, a hardware entrepreneur and director of at least 2 other businesses."
There is a sign as follows:
Before electric refrigerators, most households had an icebox.
A block of ice would be kept in the top section, and food stored below.
Ice would be chopped from the Columbia River in the winter and stored in icehouses for delivery to customers.