The Impact and Influence of Refrigeration Technology

Prior to the introduction of refrigeration, iceboxes kept food from spoiling; however they were time consuming, requiring ice replacement several times a week and emptying of trays of water. Food was maintained only at moderate temperatures. The refrigerator gradually evolved from being a luxury item affordable only by the wealthy, to being an affordable and reliable part of the modern kitchen. It was an invention that impacted many aspects of society, contributing to the transition to a consumer society. General Electric of Schenectady, New York, by introducing this enclosed and relatively inexpensive Monitor-Top refrigerator in 1927, used science and technology to bring change to society. The documents in this packet reflect the introduction of the General Electric Monitor Top refrigerator and its impact on American society. Of particular interest are trade literature documents, especially advertisements, which reflect the interests of the developing consumer society.