These photos are of two models of water cooler manufactured by the Westinghouse Electric Company some time in the 1940s. These are not simply water bubblers, like those commonly seen in public places. These models were designed to be used in a different setting, such as an office. They both have a freezer compartment for ice cube trays, as well as a refrigeration compartment to accommodate bottled soft drinks, with enough room to store bag lunches. One model even comes equipped with a bottle cap catcher. The design of these is very practical and machines like these must have appeared in many workplaces across the US.
Produced: 1940s
Manufactured by: Westinghouse Electric Company
This item is not for sale. We show restored items in this blog to encourage discussion, prompt questions and further the hobby of collecting and restoration. We also enjoy sharing the photos of the many items we have restored over the years.
9 responses so far ↓
1 Paul van Nobelen // Feb 3, 2010 at 7:13 am
Hello,
I have 2 orange coolers that look like the watercooler with the glass bowl on it here above.
they are coin-operated and vend a cup.
they cool en pump juice around the glass bowl.
the display behind the glass says “coldrink”
do you know what brand they are, or can you telle me anything about these machines, i cant find anything of these machines on the web.
i can send photos.
excuses for poor language.
you have a very nice site.
thank you and greetings from The Netherlands
Paul van Nobelen
2 vintagevending // Feb 3, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Paul,
A lot of these machines were made generically, so that they would be able to vend different types of drinks. We don’t know much about them, but we would absolutely love to see some pictures. Please email them to questions@vintagevending.com.
3 Mitchell // Mar 22, 2010 at 11:21 am
I have an old GE water cooler Model No 21JLA1A. Thing is, when I called GE to find a part # for the drip tray, they didn’t have any knowledge that this product exists. With extensive exploration, I can’t find ANYTHING on the world wide web. If anyone has ideas for me to investigate, please email me.
MitchellGuertin@aol.com
4 Randall Mueller // Dec 23, 2010 at 11:58 am
I found an old icebox that is missing the name plate and the top ice holder, I want to refinish it but would like to find pictures of OLD ice boxes and parts, Any help would be Appreciated. Thank You.
5 joe // Feb 3, 2011 at 6:39 am
I have a Westinghouse water drinking cooler from an old executive office, model w-130, very art deco in style and probably from the late 40’s and it works just fine. It’s in great shape or I wouldn’t have lugged the heavy thing home. Looks great in the spare room, but I’m not going to plumb it in. Would anyone be interested? Have pictures.
6 Leslie Ingram // Feb 8, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Hi, I found a westinghouse water fountain or water cooler, anyway it looks like the water fountains I use to take a drink of water out of when i was in elementary school which was located in our cafeteria. The model of the unit is W4C the measurements H 48″ W 14″ D 14″
7 Leslie Ingram // Feb 8, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Sorry, can you give the value of the unit as well as the date it was manufactured. Thank you.
8 Dan Patterson // Feb 10, 2011 at 11:06 am
I have a Westinghouse that looks very much like the one pictured – but without the storage compartment. My grandfather rescued it probably about 50 yrs ago and had it in his kitchen until he passed away in 1996. I had planned on installing it in my home, but by the time I had the space to do it, the inside tank had rusted. What is the value of such a piece and how restores these?
9 Mark // Mar 1, 2011 at 1:41 am
Hi Joe, I’d be interested in the Westinghouse but hit me up soon if you can because I’m about to buy one locally. Please send me pics or contact me. Thanks.
Mark
mark_durbin@hotmail.com
Leave a Comment