Victorian Refrigerator

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A Victorian Refrigerator also known as a ice box is an American piece of history from the 19th Century!

I have always had a love for antique victorian refrigerators. It’s incredibly amazing that over 150+ years ago only ice blocks were used to store and keep food cold since there was no electricity during the time they were used. My, we have come a long way since!  For many years, I always wanted to acquire a true antique icebox in mint condition, but they are incredibly expensive.

Remember while back, I shared some antiques that I purchased from my brother in-law who was downsizing his home? Well, he had an icebox for sale and was asking $500 for it. Oh, how I wanted that gem, but I felt it was a pipe dream as it was not in the budget nor was it a necessity at the moment.  I had hope that, eventually, one day, I would be able to add such a piece to my decor.

Earlier this month, my husband & sister threw me a surprise 50th birthday party earlier this month. Totally threw me off since my birthday isn’t until early November! It was a beautiful celebration with my family & friends. I wondered why my younger sister and her husband flew to Philadelphia from North Carolina for an impromptu visit.  After all the festivities and returning home that evening, my husband & kids said they had an early birthday gift for me and I had to look for it.  I went into the laundry room & right before my eyes was a dream come true! That antique icebox that I wanted so bad & I thought I would never get, well it was sitting right in front of me! My husband & kids contributed to this amazing and thoughtful gift. I am beyond excited and elated to show it off!

I pondered for a few days to find the perfect spot to display my Victorian Refrigerator.

My first idea was to use it in my kitchen and place my microwave on top. My husband thought it might get damaged being a highly used appliance, and honestly, it really didn’t fit as well as I hoped. We thought displaying it in our living room next to the couch and stairs would complement our living space perfectly. The spot couldn’t be more perfect! I am so pleased with how it looks after decorating it with a lamp & filling some of the space with decor. The extra storage it offers is an added bonus!

Since there are no markings on the Victorian Refrigerator, it’s hard to determine the exact age of it. We know that refrigerators/iceboxes were first introduced in a home in the mid 19th century to the1930’s. To keep food cold, a large block of ice was placed in the side top cabinet. Food could stay cold for up to a week before having to add another block of ice. Back in those days, ice was delivered by an “Ice Man.”  Iceboxes were made of wood for ease of construction & were created by carpenters.  Straw was used for insulating the boxes. 

I was really intrigued by all the information I found online while doing my research on a Victorian Refrigerator. 

Until next time,

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