Summary

Alternative Name(s): Esky

'Staykold' model cooler in blue steel. It was made by Clayton Metal Products Pty Ltd in Edwardstown, SA, between 1949 and 1973.

In 1935, Mr Fred W Clayton opened a business at 11 Unley Road, Unley, SA. With his two employees, a tradesman and a messenger, he manufactured incubators, ice cream cabinets and kitchen tables. In 1938, he began to make domestic ice chests. During the war he made large field ice chests for the American Army. In 1947, Fred's son John joined the company, which became known as F W Clayton & Son. A new factory was built at Edwardstown in 1948; it was expanded to produce a range domestic furniture. The Staykold, portable ice box, was produced from this date. It was so popular that a separate factory was built solely to produce this and other metal products. In 1973 Clayton Furniture expanded, building a factory at North Plympton, SA.

Physical Description

Cooler with blue steel shell and white lid. The two-compartment interior of the cooler is galvanized. On the left is space for 12 bottles or 30 cans; a bottle opener is attached to the interior compartment on a chain. On the right of the cooler is a double wire rack for food. Large paper advertising panel on lid. Pair of tube steel handles which pivot above lid. Pair of metal swing catches at front.

Significance

In 1935, Mr Fred W Clayton opened a business at 11 Unley Road, Unley, SA. With his two employees, a tradesman and a messenger, he manufactured incubators, ice cream cabinets and kitchen tables. In 1938, he began to make domestic ice chests. During the war he made large field ice chests for the American Army. In 1947, Fred's son John joined the company, which became known as F W Clayton & Son. A new factory was built at Edwardstown in 1948; it was expanded to produce a range domestic furniture. The Staykold, portable ice box, was produced from this date. It was so popular that a separate factory was built solely to produce this and other metal products. In 1973 Clayton Furniture expanded, building a factory at North Plympton, SA.

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