Meet frederick mckinley jones, the 'king of cool' behind minnesota's iconic inventions

In the heart of Minnesota, where beer flows and hockey thrives, there's a man behind the scenes whose legacy cools temperatures, freezes time, and fuels the state's spirit.

From radio transmitters to refrigerated trailers

Frederick McKinley Jones, the self-taught inventor born in 1893, taught himself engineering and mechanics after being orphaned at age 11. His journey took him from a small town to the headquarters of U.S. Thermo Control Company, where he revolutionized the transportation of goods.

Jones' breakthrough invention, the Model A, was the world's first successful refrigeration transportation system. This game-changing Innovation replaced the labor-intensive and inconsistent method of cooling goods with ice and salt, making it possible to transport a wider variety of products, from frozen vegetables to fresh meat, across the country.

As the industry evolved, so did Jones' designs. The Model B and eventually the Model C in 1941, mounted to the front of vehicles, enabled refrigerated support for Allied troops during World War II. His technology even helped control the temperature of blood plasma, saving countless lives.

Jones' impact on modern life

But Jones' impact extends far beyond the battlefield. His inventions made indoor ice rinks and year-round hockey a reality, shaping the sport and allowing it to thrive in Minnesota and beyond. With over 60 patents to his name, Jones was posthumously awarded the National Medal of Technology in 1991, cementing his status as one of the most prolific inventors of the 20th century.

Today, his legacy lives on in the form of Luce Line Brewery's