Historical information

The ice chest kept food cold prior to kerosene and later domestic electric refrigeration. A large block of ice was delivered twice weekly wrapped in hessian and carried on the shoulder of the ice man. The block was placed in the top of the chest and food on the shelves below. Melting ice was drained into a tray at the bottom. The chest was lined with galvanised iron or more expensive porcelain. The ice chest might be insulated with cork or other materials. An effective method of keeping food for a household situated near iceworks.

Physical description

wooden two door. Ice chest compartment door opens; bottom section nailed shut, unopenable. On Casters. Water tray missing. Ice compartment contains drain tray. Hole in base under ice tray. Pipe to drip tray (not visible). Cast hinges crystallising

Inscriptions & markings

Foys Melb