REX COLE, Refrigerator

by Kevin Walsh

Rex Cole (1887-1967) was originally a lamp manufacturer, then became associated with General Electric in the 1920s and designed white enamel Monitor Top refrigerators. Famed architect Raymond Hood designed a series of buildings in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, the Grand Concourse, and Northern Blvd. in Flushing for Cole’s showrooms that either looked like refrigerators or featured them in the design! Most are still standing but have been altered beyond recognition. Enamel signs proclaiming Cole’s GE refrigerators can still be found on a handful of buildings around town.

11/15/12

11 comments

GeorgeDunne November 16, 2012 - 12:22 am

The sole building residing on 4th Avenue & 66th Street (Lief Ericson Park) was a Rex Cole dealership. The original building had a circular disc on the roof, to resemble a monitor top, before becoming a Porsche car dealership. It is currently the office of a general contractor.

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Ken B. November 16, 2012 - 10:43 pm

Likewise, the building on the northeast corner of Northern Boulevard and Leavitt Street in Flushing was a Rex Cole dealership.

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William Mangahas November 20, 2012 - 8:10 pm

Kevin,

Where was that sign located ?

It’s in real nice shape for its age. Better call American Pickers and tell them to bring anj extension ladder !

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Kevin Walsh November 20, 2012 - 11:44 pm

2nd Ave and East 6th

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David November 27, 2012 - 11:47 pm

One of these signs are just off the corner of longwood.ave and southern boulevard in the bronx and its in better condition then the one shown

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Gary March 16, 2013 - 5:04 am

Not any more. The Rex Cole sign at Longwood Avenue is GONE. Maybe it was taken by a collector.

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Carlos March 17, 2013 - 10:08 pm

I own a General Electric, Rex Cole refrigerator and it works great. I love the look, and the ice box. Any one wants to buy it. It is in great condition. I also have the antique stove to go with it. Yes, I will be selling it too.

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john June 26, 2013 - 11:08 pm

My grandfather was a general manager for Mr Cole. I wear a ring from 1934 from the knights of refrigerania that my grandfather won for selling the most GE refrigerator. He went through seven sets of tire on his car due to ice picks and the ice man

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Kevin Gault August 6, 2018 - 12:24 am

I recently purchased a book titled REX COLE ON SALESMANSHIP. The book was published in 1935 and is signed and dated (1937) by Rex Cole. Can’t find any other signed copies online. Wondering how rare is Rex Cole’s signature.

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Deborah July 19, 2020 - 2:42 pm

I found one of these signs at 1000 Anderson Avenue, Bronx, NY

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Werner Schulz October 29, 2021 - 6:55 pm

My Dad and my Uncle worked for Mr. Cole as tdelivery truck drivers ( Dad drove truck #10 and my Unclle drove truck
#34) Based at the GE warehouse in Long Island City, NY I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Rex Cole. A fine gentelman.
I still remember the GE Refridgerator Building in Flushing, NY.

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