HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CROSLEY SHELVADOR OPERATING in the museum is a 1934 model Crosley Shelvador. In the early 1930's the holder of a patent showing shelves in the door of a refrigerator to contain food visited Powell Crosley. He had presented this patent to other manufacturers, some of which thought it would even be "tacky" to put food in the door of a refrigerator. However Crosley showed this at a meeting of his sales representatives and their reaction was overwhelming. The Crosley refrigerator soon became a sales leader even though it did not necessarily excel others in performance. However, housewives were particularly pleased by the availability of food without having to reach too far into the refrigerator. Other manufacturers tried various means of getting around the patent. Among them was Philco who provided a door which opened from either side and Fairbanks Morse who provided an intermediate door. However all manufacturers soon recognized the convenience of having food more readily available through shelves in the door. Powell Crosley Jr. was without doubt one of the most innovative entrepreneurs of his century. The Shelvador, the Icy Ball and his many other developments point out the importance of innovation.  Company PolicyOnline CatalogSolar Research Division MuseumContact |