Historical information

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 hung in the shade on a tree by a hook on the top,and pieces of damp hessian would 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.

Physical description

Painted pale green safe. Rectangular grid pattern of ventilation holes with circles of ventilation holes within the pattern. Surface rust patches. Water reservoir and wire hook added later on top. Internal trays bottom and 1/2 way. Door detached - hinges rusted away. No base apart from shelf. Hanger missing.