Tuesday, July 10, 2007

I actually found one (actually 22 of them)




So it turns out, when I actually got into one of the 22 REXFORD Coop units yesterday, I discovered that these were what were installed in the kitchens when they were built in 1957.

All in one with range, oven, dishwasher, sink, storage, backsplash plugs and cords for the blender and toaster and everything else....all with a one piece stainless steel counter. WOW!





The one in the unit that's for sale is not in good shape, but the clients that are considering it are probably sitting at the computer right now figuring out if they can get parts and pieces to restore it. The other unit that we saw was complete with the transluscent plastic slider panels above the counter top, and though their dishwasher component had been replaced, they used the front panel from it to create a matching end cap to the side of the whole unit. I didn't get a picture of it, unfortunately.


Check out this GE ad for the "kitchen center" circa 1951 which I found in a whole site devoted to Levittown, and the Levittown Museum in Pennsylvania.


If you want a great look into the world of the POST WAR HOUSING BOOM, this site will hook you for an hour or 2. Have fun!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Oooh... now that's an original "hot-chrome" Kitchen if I've ever seen one. Every thing old becomes new again..