This morning I had to get up early to get a front end alignment done on my wife's car. On the way I noticed one of my neighbors having a yard sale, and they had an older Coca Cola ice chest for sale. As I drove by I thought what a neat planter box that would make. I didn't have time to stop and I figured it would be gone by the time I got back.
It was still there when I got home so I stopped and bought it for $40 bucks. I did research on it online and it appears to be made sometime during the 1940's to early 1950's. This model was made by Westinghouse, Style Number is 128399 and Model Number is WE-6. This was used at retailers and is a cooler that is filled with water and ice and there was some sort of refrigerant system that kept the water cold.
It is really large, 3 feet wide by 4 feet long. The interior is 28 inches deep and is some sort of stainless steel / galvanized metal. It's really rough looking with surface rust, but I think that makes it perfect for a planter. I am going to fill it with soil and put it out on my gravel patio.
Of course I want to plant veggies in it, but my wife told me I have to put flowers in it. She wins...this year :) I know I couldn't build a planter box of this size for $40 dollars, so I think it was a good deal and it will look neat. I will post something when I get it all set up.
Side Shot
Front shot
The bottom is open where the cooling system used to be, I am thinking about putting some storage under there for garden supplies.
Here is what it looked like new
13 comments:
Can't wait to see what it looks like with your plants in it. That will make a really cool planter.
Very cool!
That's going to look great!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm impressed with all that you are accomplishing!
Emily
Cristy - I think I am going to plant it full of lettuce in the fall.
Ribbit - Not as cool as your pool!
Emily - Thanks, I appreciate that.
I just wanted to say that wanting to plant veggies in any kind of planter that shows up on the property is normal for us dedicated gardeners. I almost grew pumpkins in the wife's planter bench one year. :)
EG - There is no doubt that brother, I find myself looking for unusual things to plant vegetables in now that I am serious about my garden.
What an awesome find! If it was me I would be sneaking in some vegetables along with the flowers.
Ed - Sssshhh, don't give away my master plan. :)
I just came over from garden junk. That planter will be fantastic. The idea of using the bottom part for storage is great.
Thanks Granny, I sure hope it works. I just have to figure out how I am going to build a shelf down there.
I can just see melon vines creeping over the edge! Can't wait to see it in use!
Thanks Toni, I have gotten a lot of good ideas from people. Hopefully it will turn out good.
Kris , I could really use the support arm and the ID tag off of that coke cooler. If you want to sell email me at jonmike54@yahoo.com
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