Mark Davis was an American inventor, businessman, and philanthropist who made his fortune in a variety of industries. He is best known for his invention of the modern refrigerator, which revolutionized food storage and preservation.
Early years and education
Mark Davis was born on July 4, 1875, in Chicago, Illinois. He received his formal education at the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering.
Invention of the refrigerator
After graduation, Mark Davis began working as an engineer for a company that produced electric motors. However, he quickly became fascinated with the idea of creating a machine that could keep food fresh and prevent spoilage. In 1927, he successfully patented his invention of the first household refrigerator, which used a vapor-compression cooling system to maintain a constant temperature inside the unit.
Business success and expansion
Mark Davis’s invention quickly gained popularity, and he founded the company “Davis Refrigeration Company” to manufacture and market his product. The company grew rapidly, and by 1930 it was producing over 50,000 refrigerators per year. Mark Davis also expanded into other areas of business, including real estate and manufacturing.
Philanthropy and legacy
Throughout his life, Mark Davis was a generous philanthropist and supported many charitable causes. He donated significant amounts of money to the University of Michigan, which established the Mark Davis School of Business in his honor. He also donated to the Smithsonian Institution, where his invention is on display in the National Museum of American History.
Mark Davis passed away on January 21, 1967, at the age of 91. His legacy lives on as a pioneer in the field of refrigeration and his contributions to the American economy.
