Cranston Man Wins 'Oldest Fridge in RI' Contest

Who owned the oldest refridgerator in Rhode Island?

None other than Robert Midwood of Cranston.

He remembers his mother serving ice cream out of the 73-year-old ice box, pulling the carton from behind a small aluminum panel.

His father, a Ward War II vet, likely bought used and brought home the old General Electric unit when he got back from the war.

The old fridge, which still functions, has been a fixture in Midwood's house for as long as he can remember. Along with food, the fridge contains a lot of memories. But Midwood had to say goodbye to the old ice box after workers hauled it away this week to make room for a new fridge thanks to a $1,000 gift card to Sears that he won as part of a National Grid contest.

Midwood, along with Edward Miracle of Greenville, tied for first place in National Grid's "Oldest Fridge in Rhode Island" contest.

"My wife asked me to get rid of it so after more than five decades, it was time for it to go," Midwood said. "I also believe in helping out the environment and National Grid offered a way to do this and get a huge reward."

The contest is part of the utility company's effort to give customers an incentive to replace older, less efficient appliances. The company and Sears offer a $50 payout to anyone who gives up old refridgerators and freezers for recycling and the program runs year round.

A total of 3,410 refridgerators and freezers were picked up during the contest. They end up recycled and de-manufacturered by JACO Environmental.

For Midwood, saving money on his electric bill is a bonus, but he admits he'll miss seeing the old ice box.

"It has an emotional meaning to me," he said. "It's kind of amazing — it's older than I am."