Maine Ice Harvesting

In 1826, the ice trade was finally underway in Maine. Maine was surprisingly behind the curve when it came to this emerging industry. Frederic Tudor, a Boston businessman, was the man who pioneered the industry in 1806, and created a true, functional infrastructure surrounding it. He started to transport ice in crates surrounded by sawdust, and paved the way for people like Rufus Page, the man who started the ice trade in Maine. Page built the first ice house in the state of Maine on the Kennebec River. You would think that it was a no brianer for Maine to get involved because of its cold winters, temperatures dropping far below that of Boston, but it still took 20 years. Frederic Tudor realized the opportunity and quickly built his own ice house on the Kennebec as well. Over the course of 60 years, Maine built itself up as the top ice exporter in the industry. By the 1880’s over 1 million pounds of ice were harvested from the Kennebec River alone. Maine was known for having premium ice. This category of ice was crystal blue with no flaws and was the most expensive in the industry. By this time, every body of water that could have possibly been used for harvesting this simple product was used. Eventually, Maine was bringing in more annual revenue than the California Gold Rush. Who knew, such a simple product that we take for granted today, could bring in so much money.

The reason why it was so successful was because of the sawdust insulation technique. This allowed the ice to be shipped all over the world in large quantities. Domestically, they used special wagons and for overseas shipping, they used special boats, filled to the brim with ice and sawdust. The sawdust acted as insulation, the styrofoam of the day, and the ice itself acted as the freezer to keep as much frozen as possible. There was obviously some loss but most of the ice made it to its destination and lasted for the whole summer. People kept it in caves or anywhere dark and under tarps to keep it cool. How else are you supposed to enjoy your favorite refreshing cocktail in July without some of the freshest Maine lake and river water in your glass?

The ice trade soon came to an end in the 1920s, when refrigeration entered the open market and was common in most households. However, the tradition lives on in a small town, South Bristol, Maine, where there was still a small ice harvesting operation until the 1970s, when it finally came to a complete end. The owners of the property then donated it and a preservation committee started getting to work on saving the tradition of this Maine pastime. This property was called the Thompson Ice House. Every year the property hosts an ice harvesting festival on President’s Day weekend. 

At this event, people learn what it was like to actually harvest ice. They have all of the original harvesting tools, including large ice saws, a gasoline powered saw called a scribe, hooks, clamps, and the ice house ramp. Everything that you could possibly need to harvest ice in the 1800s is at this house. The saws you will use can be as tall as five feet with teeth up to two inches long. Each one has two handles to pull and push because of the weight and force needed to operate them. If you are lucky enough to get a chance to use one of these tools, you will get a real appreciation for the work that was put into getting ice around the world. However, there is a risk involved in participating. One person every year falls into the pond for an accidental taste of a true Maine polar plunge.

So what does the Thompson House do with all the ice harvested that day? They store it in the house so people can come and purchase it throughout the year. It is also used for their annual ice cream social in July. So whether you’re having a party and want a little piece of Maine history, or going to camp and need some ice for your food and drinks, make sure to stop and pick some up and support this ancient business. If you wish to purchase one of these 200-300 pound blocks of ice or go to the ice harvesting festival, visit the Thompson House website.