Meat safes were used to keep meat and vegetables cooler before the availability of ice and then kerosene or electric refrigerators. The safe would be placed on a bench in a cool place. Water would be placed in a small container on each leg to stop ants getting into the safe there would be another water container at the top also to stop the ants. Pieces of damp hessian would then be hung over each side. As the wind hits the hessian it causes the water to evaporate and the items inside the safe to stay cooler. This meant that the items inside the safe would last a day or two longer. Meat safes were being used throughout the time period showcased by the displays at Churchill Island and this expands understanding of how refrigeration worked prior to electricity.painted pale yellow metal meat safe with square grid hold pattern for air flow. No internal shelves. Broken hanger hook. Catch no longer works. Re-painted from dark green. Raw galvanised base. Four feet, knobs top and bottom attached to rod at four corners. Pressed dome top.meat safe, early refrigeration, food preservation, evaporation techniques, farming