Refrigeration without Electricity

I received the most wonderful book! An anthology of 1935 Progressive Farmer Magazines! In looking through these little treasures of history, I found some really interesting advertisements. The rural wife could have all the convenience of the city without electricity. Most farm families where without electricity. (President Johnson actually ran for office in the late 30's on the premise of State-Wide electricity in Texas) How was this refrigeration possible without electricity? Kerosene or gas! In the city, many families had gas refrigerators. But, that was not an option for most farm families. So, how was a farm home to keep dairy fresh? Kerosene! Yes, this ever so useful fuel could also be used to refrigerate!

How does a Gas or Kerosene refrigerator work? Coolants such as ammonia work by heating the coolant. The ammonia and water heat to a boiling point, the gas moves to a condenser and becomes a liquid again. At this point it moves to an evaporator, and mixes with hydrogen gas and evaporates, this causes the cooling. The Cycle then repeats.

You can read more about the process here.

The neat thing is, basically any regulated heat source can be converted for Refrigeration! How cool is that??

I am now on the hunt for one of these antique awesome gems! But, a small gas unit can be bought for camping, RVing, or in a situation in which you don't have electricity. Some even have the ability to be powered from multiple power sources. 

~Have you found any antique goodies to add to your emergency supplies?~