Ice-Way Icebox

Q: I’m looking for information about an old icebox with the name plate “Ice-Way Approved Refrigerator with corkboard insulation, built especially for the ice industry.” When was it made and what might it be worth?

A: Ice-Way refrigerators were sold under the brand name “Leonard” and were made by the Grand Rapids Refrigerator Company. The company was founded by Charles H. Leonard in 1881 as the Leonard Refrigerator Company. At first it made wooden icebox cabinets. Electric refrigerators were made in 1918. Leonard Ice-Way refrigerators were made in several styles and sizes. They were clad in porcelain, metal, or wood and lined with enamel or porcelain. Ice-Way refrigerators were sold by furniture stores, hardware dealers, and ice supply companies. Ads for the Ice-Way refrigerator can be found in newspapers in 1929 and 1930. Old wooden iceboxes are collected today to be used for storage. They sell for about $100-$200. The metal iceboxes are not as expensive.