Before the Fridge

Before fridges established themselves as an essential feature of the kitchen keeping food fresh, particularly in the summer months, was a definite problem. In the early 1960's and yes I do remember those years, very few families had the luxury of a fridge.

My maternal grandparents had a food safe in a shaded area of their garden. It was constructed of wood and fine wire mesh. The mesh was of a sufficiently small gauge that flies and wasps were excluded. The woodwork was painted a muted green colour. This was where the meat, milk and butter was kept.

Clearly it wasn't as efficient as a modern fridge but it was cooler than their kitchen. My paternal grandparents didn't have a food safe but they did have the advantage of a cellar. That was probably a better and more proficient home for their comestibles. There is no doubt that peoples' standard of living has improved dramatically. Unfortunately most people take this for granted or worse as their entitlement.