Most iceboxes looked like plain wooden cabinets in the early 1900s. Without electric refrigeration, they were fitted inside with a space for ice, which had to be topped up regularly to keep food cool and fresh.
Keeping the butter hard, the milk and cream sweet, and the meat from spoiling, is a part of the housewife’s trouble in the summer time.
White Frost ad from Carter’s Hardware, Sonora CA, 1913
The White Frost Refrigerator was the only cylinder-shaped icebox. A block of ice sat in a compartment under the lid and chilled air was vented into the food storage space below. The makers said their distinctive model was:
- More hygienic – easy-clean curved enamelled steel, food always in perfect condition
- More scientific – better design, better insulated, economical with ice, revolving shelves
- Desirable yet affordable – stylish, special, above-average price payable in installments
Advertising
Excerpts from their ads show what White Frost Refrigerator Co. and their dealers thought buyers wanted. (To read about the manufacturer, designer, patent etc. please scroll down the page.)
…rolled steel, galvanized and beautifully enameled…nothing to swell, warp or shrink…no corners to dig out, no shelter for germs…absolutely wholesome…circulation of air so scientifically directed…there can be no moisture from the ice in the food chamber
Weis & Fisher ad, Rochester NY, 1905
…only sanitary refrigerator on the market, not a splinter of wood, no waste of ice, clean and odorless
Cahn’s ad, Youngstown OH, 1908
…sparkling, cleanly white…harmonizes so well with the modern white kitchens
Trice-O’Neal Furniture Store ad, Florida, 1925
Of course the advertisers wanted to appeal to women, but they also needed to persuade men. An ad in Popular Mechanics showed “Bob” and his wife in icebox-inspired closeness.
Features
- 47in high
- 27in diameter
- Holding up to 110lb. ice
- Double walls insulated with asbestos or aerofelt, and maltha (asphalt) with “dead air space”, later models with granulated cork
- 3 coats of white enamel inside
- Exterior white with nickel or brass trim, or golden oak finish
- Easy to move, on wheels
- White Frost Sanitary Refrigerator an alternative name
- “Crystal” water cooler attachment allowing for an extra shelf – from 1919
Manufacturers and inventor
The first White Frosts were made in Jackson, Michigan even before a full patent was granted in 1906. The president of the company making them was Hugh L. Smith, a hardware entrepreneur and director of at least 2 other businesses. He also bought the Boeck Stove Company.
Charles H. Boeck patented various stove designs and other inventions too. His 1906 refrigerator patent describes him as assignor to the Jackson Metal Stamping Co. In the next few years he patented some improvements to the icebox. His 1919 patent for the water cooler attachment used a different company name: White Frost Refrigerator Co. White Frosts were sold through dealers in many different states, and were also available by mail order from Mechanic Street in Jackson. The price in its first few years was about $30, with a $20 end-of-summer bargain in Paterson NJ. By 1924 a store in Painesville OH was selling one at $74, reduced from over $90.
HomeThingsPast 
I Have a white frost refrigerator for sale in good condition from 1905
LikeLike
is your white frost still for sale, what is the asking price, can you e-mail pictures to me and what part of the country you are at. thank you Rob
LikeLike
Hi Allen,
I am interestet in buying your White Frost !
Please give me your Price.
Best Regards
from Kanada BC
Michael
LikeLike
I have an antique white frost cylinder shaped icebox for sale. it is in good shape. the enamel has worn off but still has all the original hardware and shelving. I live right outside the FT Worth Texas area. leave me a reply if your interested and how to contact you and I will be sure to check it a few times daily. can also see pics on craigslist in this area
LikeLike
looking for round ice box , can you send a few picture and how much you are asking for it.
LikeLike
I let roger Petrie not sure of spelling to refinish my grandmothers ice box in Hobbs,nm.but unable to locate him so I may get it back my mothers 80 th. Birthday coming up in July and she is asking for it so I am looking for it please help if any info.
LikeLike
Hi Mica,
I am looking for two White Frost’s and saw your ad albeit a few year old ad about selling a White Frost. I live in Keller, Tx 76262 and can meet at your convenience to get this deal done ASAP. Please respond with the status of your White Frost..
Thanks,
Daniel S.
LikeLike
I HAVE ONE JUST LIKE IN THE PICTURES NEEDS A LITTLE WORK BUT ITS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE FOR ITS AGE THE HINGES ON THE TOP NEED SCREWS I LIVE IN SOUTH JERSEY NOT FAR FROM WWB OR CBB BEST OFFER LOOKS JUST LIKE THE ONE IN THE PICTURE AT TOP OF PAGE LIKE THE ONE FROM 1906 HOME PRODUCTS JACKSON MICH ON LID
LikeLike
I have one that is also in excellent shape and I am in the Cleveland Ohio area. All original nothing broken. I can provide photos if needed. I would consider selling it if someone is interested. Thank you!
LikeLike
Hi, Mark
I know this message is getting to you a couple years late, but if you haven’t sold the White Frost and would entertain shipping I would like talk about your icebox. I live in Keller, TX 76262
Thanks,
Daniel S.
LikeLike
Looking for a water cooler for my White Frost Ice box
Send me an email and pics if possible.
LikeLike
We also have a white frost ice box for sale. You can view our listing at http://tulsa.craigslist.org/atq/4356773963.html
LikeLike
Just going through all the listings trying to find a White Frost. If yours is still available could you respond as I am in Keller,Tx 76262 not terribly far from you.
Thanks,
Daniel S.
LikeLike
I have a white frost ice box and am in need of hardware for the lid as wall as a latch. Need a source to find these specific items. Also, need graphics for for front. This is for a restoration we would like to do. we just found this piece.
Mine is insulated with granulated cork, could anyone tell me what year they started using the cork. Any help would be great
LikeLike
Does anyone know where I could find the decals to redo a 1908 white frost fridge if a such thing exist
LikeLike
Did u try eBay?
LikeLike
Besides of being the field of fashion, you may also prepare the costly expenses
of the profession you may want to take on. Instead
try a nice pair of wool or cotton chino dress trousers with a button down shirt, sweater vest, tie,
and sport jacket. Healthy clear beautiful skin is a must for models because bad skin does not photograph
well.
LikeLike
As a result of the need in controlling and regulating industry through both direct and
indirect methods, two steps must be carried out.
Also consider how well the package can interact with other
software you use. The online offering will cost you $99
to setup up with monthly fees.
LikeLike
The parcel of land contains a hangar that the city of Allentown leased,
starting in 2000, as a storage facility for its
Streets Maintenance Department. If you’d like to employ a handyman to setup your new cooking
area, be sure that he’s acquainted with all the items. Also, if a certain neighborhood
becomes too roughshod, anyone with any mobility will go elsewhere, to a nicer neighborhood’thus we see cumulative adverse changes over time, as well as the immediate differences.
In that event, the Secretary will remove that item from the Consent Calendar and place it for
separate consideration. Ruby and Rails leverage
each other and the two most valued beliefs of lesser
lines of computer encrypting and group collecting over configuration are deduced from this
amalgamation. You will want to include these things in your lease agreement.
In all of the above cases, if an agreement cannot be reached between the parties as to the value attributable in the respective transaction then either party is at liberty to appeal to the
Leasehold Valuation Tribunal, which is an independent legal body that can settle certain types of leasehold dispute without the need
to go to court. This will improve the appearance of the bookcase and add a unique focal point to whatever room it is in. After I’d
backed up a bit, I looked forward to the place to turn around and I
saw this womans mouth, with out the sound since I had the windows rolled up, say, ‘you f.
$189K or BO 209-957-6971 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting””””’.
LikeLike
Islamorada tarpon fishing involves the fishing of an prehistoric rare fish tarpon through the scientific name Magalops Atlanticus which is a prehistoric fish considered to be one in every of the diverse & interesting
creatures across the country which can be present in both side
of Atlantic also referred to as as the tarpum tarpon or else the
silver king due to it’s majestic appearance & colour which
lays 15 million eggs. Keep in mind the Cooper Mountain resort design their activities.
Be sure to vacuum floors, rugs and upholstery your pet comes in contact with regularly.
LikeLike
They might be a good fashion declaration at home however,
not in Spain. Surgical treatment for Gynecomastia is considered the fastest and
most effective way to reshape the male breast.
Every bride wants to look their radiant best on their wedding day.
LikeLike
I have 1 I’d like to sell what’s the value of the refrigerator white frost 1906 651-347-9059 Gary
LikeLike
Houseboats in Echuca are ideal houseboats which have the accommodations
that allow you to relax and explore the lake with all the comforts of
any regular home. Connect “A’s” positive terminal to “B’s” negative
terminal. A camera and photo album are another way for a
family to record their boating trips.
LikeLike
I have this old refrigerator but it needs some work. It is galvanized and missing a hinge. I am not sure how to make the repair on the top lid where the ice goes as it has a rusted out spot. I need information on how to repair galvanized tin. What is the age of this refrigerator and what is its value? This will decide how much work I can afford to put in to it. Thanks
LikeLike
I have restored a white frost ice box from early 1900s. I need for claw feet to finish the project. Please let me know where I can find them
LikeLike
I have just professionally restored my white frost ice box. I need the covers for the casters. I think they are called claw feet. I may consider selling the unit. Please call Bill Lipuma at (248)-765-1289.
LikeLike
I have a White Frost round icebox for sale,,two small dents,orig. paint is about gone but all there and in good shape.Could even be used if wanted to.,,950.00
LikeLike
I have a round icebox for sale good condition just needs paint
LikeLike
fostersandy581@ail.com
LikeLike
I just wanted to see if your White Frost was still available? If so, where are you located and
/or would you be willing to ship. I live in Keller, Tx 76262
LikeLike
If anyone is still considering selling their White Frost, please respond to this email. I am ready to make this happen and not play around. I live in Keller, TX 76262 for those that have the ability to ship.
Thanks in advance,
Daniel S.
LikeLike
I do happen to have one of these that I could sell. It’s in good shape. Shelves are missing and there is a little rusting on the top shelf where the ice would have gone. All great hinges and door latch. Doesn’t have the crystal water cooler on the side.
LikeLike
Hi..I had a white frost round chest a few years back and regret selling it, so I’m interested in seeing what you have. Please call me, 716-679-8101…if u do not answer, please leave a message/number I can call you back at. Thank you!
LikeLike
I have an old 1908 white frost round chest that I would like to sell. Has claw feet and all the racks in it. Is missing the water cooler. Has some rust around the edges but hinges all still work. Can call me if interested 770-366-3065.
LikeLike
I have a White Frost Refrigerator that has been restored but is missing the racks. I would like to sell it. You can call 4172307985. If no answer leave a message.
LikeLike
I have a White Frost Refrigerator that is in good condition, however is does needs to be rehabilitated…. Anyone interested please email.
LikeLike
I have a White Frost Refrigerator that is in good condition, however it does need to be rehabilitated. If interested, please email : azmedtrans@mac.com
LikeLike
I also have a white frost refrigerator for sale in descent shape
LikeLike
Feel free to email me ron.dufore@yahoo.com
LikeLike
Hi I have the one pictured above in ok shape with hinges, no water cooler.
I need the latch for my other one if anyone has one please call 661-803-2190
LikeLike
I have a 1906 White Frost Refrigerator/Ice Box for sale. Three rotating shelves. Live in Tulsa, OK Asking $1,000 or best offer. Can email you pictures.
LikeLike