The first commercially available, Australian-made domestic refrigerator to operate without ice was produced by Edward Hallstrom in 1923. It used kerosene as a power source and was promoted as ideal for outback stations where ice was not available. According to Museum Victoria, Hallstrom introduced the 'Silent Night' which ran on electricity or gas in 1935. However, Hailstorm's great-grandson, stated that the Silent Night refrigerator was introduced in 1928. Although Australians were among the pioneers of refrigeration in the 1850s, the technology wasn't adapted for domestic use until many decades later. The first domestic electric refrigerator was sold in America in 1913. It had an air-cooled refrigeration unit mounted on top of an ice box. The Frigidaire and Kelvinator brands date from 1918 when the first self-contained fridges were sold. Before this food safes were used as well to keep food away from flies and to keep items cool.A significant item used from the late Victorian era until around 1940 when people were beginning to be able to afford domestic refrigerators. After the second world war, most households had replaced their food storage cupboards or safes with refrigerators. The subject item gives a snapshot of domestic life from this time.Wooden kitchen safe with 3 metal perforated panels & 2 shelves inside. Was painted light Green but has been restoredflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, refrigeration, refrigerator, food storage, food safes, edward hallstrom

The first commercially available, Australian-made domestic refrigerator to operate without ice was produced by Edward Hallstrom in 1923. It used kerosene as a power source and was promoted as ideal for outback stations where ice was not available. According to Museum Victoria, Hallstrom introduced the 'Silent Night' which ran on electricity or gas in 1935. However, Hailstorm's great-grandson, stated that the Silent Night refrigerator was introduced in 1928. Although Australians were among the pioneers of refrigeration in the 1850s, the technology wasn't adapted for domestic use until many decades later. The first domestic electric refrigerator was sold in America in 1913. It had an air-cooled refrigeration unit mounted on top of an ice box. The Frigidaire and Kelvinator brands date from 1918 when the first self-contained fridges were sold. Before this food safes were used as well to keep food away from flies and to keep items cool.A significant item used from the late Victorian era until around 1940 when people were beginning to be able to afford domestic refrigerators. After the second world war, most households had replaced their food storage cupboards or safes with refrigerators. The subject item gives a snapshot of domestic life from this time.Wooden kitchen food safe, 2 door with wire mesh at sides. Raised back panel has shaped edges and includes a shelf above bench area that has turned legs. The safe has 4 plain legs.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, food safe, kitchen safe, kitchen furniture, food storage