Coolerator: Acclaimed in Hollywood, built in Duluth

The Coolerator Company manufactured refrigerators and sold them in every state and 74 foreign nations. It began in 1908 as the Duluth Showcase Company, a manufacturer of store fixtures in Downtown Duluth. Operations moved to 50th Avenue West and Wadena Street in 1921. The focus switched to iceboxes in 1928 and the business was renamed Duluth Refrigerator Company. It became the Coolerator Company in 1932 and opened a manufacturing plant in New Duluth in 1935.

The company changed ownership numerous times before ceasing operations in June 1954. One site became Zayre Shoppers’ City and is now the West Duluth Menards; the other was acquired by Chun King Company and is now a vacant lot.