Historical information

Coolgardie safes were first used on Western Australian gold fields, approx 1890's. Soon became universally used in Australia until ice chests took over about 1940. Some stood 2 meter high by 1 meter square.

Physical description

Frame with hessian attached on all sides. Galvanized iron tray on top holding water which is siphoned down to keep hessian wet. Breeze passing through wet hessian cools contents on shelves inside.