This is an icebox where all the perishable foods would have been contained. The technology for refrigeration did not exist in the 1930s, so a large icebox like this one would have been used instead. The icebox would have been insulated very well and large blocks of ice would have been used to keep the interior cold.

Food did not last very long in the 1930s because very few preservatives were used. Most of the food made would have gone bad within a few days, and therefore would have had to been sold very quickly. The icebox would have allowed the farmer to keep the food for just a little while longer, but it was worth it. Any food that could have been kept for just a day or two longer, meant that it could be sold or eaten, both of which would have benefited the farmer greatly. Within a business such as dairy farming, an icebox would have been almost essential. Imagine trying to keep your milk and butter fresh without your refrigerator!