5.02-15: International Harvester 1948 Compressor

HHCC Accession No. 2003.122	HHCC Classification Code: 5.02-15

Description:

AN INTEGRAL HP COMPRESSOR (1 TO 2 HP), BY INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER, MODEL T, CIRCA 1948 ‘ A distinctive compressor in design and styling, marketed by a ‘come-lately’ company to the field of refrigeration machinery, a well known supplier to the Canadian agricultural sector, hoping to secure a market share in the then rapidly expanding, specialised niche market for farm milk can cooling

Group:

5.02 Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Compressors - Commercial

Make:

International Harvester

Manufacturer:

International Harvester Co. , likely a stencil line by possibly by Copland

Model:

Serial No.:

Size:

17x15x19’h

Weight:

70 lbs

Circa:

1948

Rating:

Exhibit, education, and research quality, illustrating compressor design and styling by a new comer to the refrigeration machinery business, looking for a share of the farm milk cooler market in Canada

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Provenance:

From York County (York Region) Ontario, once a rich agricultural hinterlands, attracting early settlement in the last years of the 18th century. Located on the north slopes of the Oak Ridges Moraine, within 20 miles of Toronto, the County would also attract early ex-urban development, to be come a wealthy market place for the emerging household and consumer technologies of the early and mid 20th century.

This artifact was discovered in the 1950’s in the used stock of T. H. Oliver, Refrigeration and Electric Sales and Service, Aurora, Ontario, an early worker in the field of agricultural, industrial and consumer technology.

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Industrial Significance:

In the 1940’s through early 60’s the farm milk cooler trade in Canada, was a strong market for refrigeration equipment. With many small milk producers scattered over the country side, prior to the dramatic changes starting in the 1960’s which would consolidate the industry, weeding the small farm production unit.