Interesting Old Refrigerator

[rp2813]

Does anyone know anything about this type of refrigerator? Even without the sticker, it's reminiscent of what an old milk or ice cream truck was like inside. I'm trying to think of what that cut out section at lower front would accommodate.

More pix below.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/app/1995021642.html

 

[rp2813]

Next pic

 

[rp2813]

Close up

 

[rp2813]

Interesting rear flush-mount arrangement.

 

[frontaloadotmy]

Ralph

I think those were counter top or slightly higher mounted
units. They were usually stainless steel finished. They had
a gravity feed going on with five gallon bags of milk contained in cardboard cartons. In the cut out area was a spring or weight controlled lever that opened a tube pinching
valve that came from the carton/bag. The second side stored the next supply at the ready when the tapped one was finished.
Popular in the kinds of joints where "Flo" waitressed and was always saying, "Well; kiss my grits!" I think some styles even had two "taps" ; one for whole, one for chocolate.
Got to make them shakes fast, you know!

 

[rp2813]

Darrel, that does seem like a good interpretation.

I remember the milk dispensers in the cafeteria at Cal Poly being as you described, and they could have used this type of system.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Nailed it! Darrell, you called it. I think that's exactly what this is. I, too, remember those and remember even seeing a three dispenser model for whole, fat-free and chocolate milks. There was a pinch valve with a heavy stainless steel weight on it and you just raised the weight to pour the milk. Talk about memories! I've not seen one of these in a coon's age and wonder if you can even get the milk 'cartridges' anymore for these...

RCD

 

[westingman123]

I think you can...

there are similar setups at the buffets around here. The milk is always ice cold, just the way I like it.

 

[sudsmaster]

For some reason, all this talk of Flo the Diner Waitress reminds me of the episode of Friends, when Monica is working a diner counter, and accidentally sets fire to one of her fake boobs.

LOL

 

[circlew]

the Cow

Had a Summer job at a Steak'n'Shake in the late '70s, and we had a Norris milk dispenser in SS. We called it the "cow".