Reuban & Minard Harder bought a small machine shop in Cobleskill, NY in 1859. They began making agricultural implements including an award-winning thresher. This became the Empire Agricultural Works. Other products included the Fearless horsepower. Minard passed the business on to his son, George D in 1897. Brother-in-law Edgar S acquired the business in 1901. They were now making the Harder round silo.
George’s son, Frank H, established Harder Manufacturing. They began making oak ice boxes The Kleen Kold ice box became a significant brand. By incorporation in 1918, the company was employing 270 men and working three shifts. The name became Harder Refrigerator Corporation after 1918. This company was in business until at least 1940.
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