Frigidaire began its life under the name of the Guardian Frigerator Company. The Guardian Frigerator Company was founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and famously developed the first self-contained refrigerator. In 1919 the company was bought by the General Motors Company and adopted the name Frigidaire. The company became so popular among Americans that they began calling every refrigerator, despite the brand, “Frigidaire”. The name “Frigidaire” or the earlier “Frigerator” may have been the cause for the slang term “fridge”. (Frigidaire, Our History).

            During the Second World War, Frigidaire, like many other companies, put a hold on the production of their regular products and started manufacturing Browning .50 caliber machine guns, airplane parts, and other military goods. During this time, they released the “Wartime Suggestions to help you get the most out of your Refrigerator” booklet. (Brazeau)