'57 GE Americana Refrigerator

[dalangdon]

In the latest issue of "Atomic Ranch" magazine, on page 20, there is an Amazing refrigerator that came out of Disneyland's "House of the Future". It was made by GE, and is called the Americana.

Imagine, if you will, a Flair, but where the ovens are is a double-door refrigerator, and where the storage would be is a pull-out freezer with icemaker. Where the burners would be is a countertop with a flourescent-lit backsplash!

I've never seen one of these before, and I think I'm in love! ;-)

 

[gansky1]

There are several around here, Mike in Long Beach has one, Jimmy in Ohio has one, I think the guys in Maryland have one... They are too cool, I saw a MINT one at an appliance store in Lincoln but it was already sold.

 

[appliguy]

Dan, the Americana Fridge with the built in counter did not

until 1963.....and FYI The Monsanto House of the future at Disney land was originally built in 1957 but was remodeled in the early 60's and torn down in 1967 PATRICK COFFEY

 

[dalangdon]

That makes for the clarification, Patrick. That makes perfect sense, because the article states that fridge in question came out of the house of the future when it was demolished in '67. Disney had all the furnishings for it in storage for 30 years, and finally just sent them to a local thrift shop, which is where the owner picked it up for $150. Talk about a score!

 

[dalangdon]

oops, I meant to say "THANKS for the clarification, Patrick". I should never try to edit this early in the morning.

 

[kevinpreston8]

It took me a while Dan...

But I found a pic for you, might be the same one you have in print:

http://rejectshame.com/DavidBlood/MonsantoHouse4.html

Also, the following link provides you a way to purchase a film on the house, and a short teaser:

http://www.extinct-attractions-club.com/New_TLAND12.HTML

 

[scott55405]

Wow that was torn down even before I went to Disneyland, which was in 1969 (no, I have never been back, but maybe I will check it out now that I live here). What a shame, that would be such a cool thing to look at even today.

The refrigerator in question is very cool, I've gotten to see one in person once or twice.

 

[kevinpreston8]

Clarity on fridge....

Ok, now I am curious.

Was this a one off for the show, or Scott, are you telling me this actually was a PRODUCTION unit?

I was assuming this was a fascade or some non-functioning prop for the house, not a production machine. They made this?

If that is the case, that is the coolest and obscurist item since that hanging GD fridge!

Please clarify for me....

 

[kevinpreston8]

Duh never mind

I somehow had skipped over Gansky's message. Someone post a real photo please!!!

 

[scott55405]

Oh my yes Kevin, they were sold for a number of years. The top refrigerator section is kind of reminiscent of the wall fridge, then you have the freezer drawer on the bottom. I always giggle when people think the bottom freezer drawers or french door refrigerators are new (LOL).

 

[veg-o-matic]

I saw a picture of Mike's a while ago and immediately started coveting it. He's got some cool stuff.

Mike, please come back!

veg