Wood Cooler

Hello all, I have a walk in wooden cooler of sorts in my first floor. Its roughly 70 inches tall and has several windows and a door. I was told it was used as a cooler or refrigerator. I believe it to be from possibly the 40s or earlier as this house was built in the 40s but an older man lived there so he may have brought it in. Does anyone have an idea of how this would function, what time period its from, and what would be stored in it? It stays fairly cool inside all the time but doesn't get exactly cold...
I'm also dealing with the issue of the fact that I must put in a new floor and this sits smack dab in the middle of the floor. I don't want to damage it taking it apart. Here are some photos.

 

It's an ice box. Given its size, most likely a commercial one. A private residence would normally have had a much smaller one.

https://www.txantiquemall.com/antique-ice-box-guide-everything-you-need-to-know/

Debora

 

If the white finish is original, more likely from the 20s. If original finish is wood, could be earlier.

 

Ok thanks all for the information. I believe that white paint is pretty old just to look at it.