Ice tongs, Presque Isle, ca. 1910

Contributed by Presque Isle Historical Society

Ice tongs, Presque Isle, ca. 1910

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Description

Ice was an important product in the days before electricity in Aroostook County. Ice was obtained from rivers or lakes in the winter by cutting blocks from the surface of rivers or lakes.

In Presque Isle, ice was cut from the Presque Isle Stream near the Chapman Street area. It was stored in sheds during the summer months, using sawdust for insulation to keep it from melting. This operation ceased in the mid 1950s.

Before electric refrigerators, the ice was delivered to homes for "ice boxes" to keep food cool.

Ice was also used for the shipment by rail of potatoes in refrigerated box cars, known as "reefers." These boxcars were loaded with ice from raised platforms to keep the product cool during shipment. on railroads.

These ice tongs were used to carry the ice blocks.

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About This Item

  • Title: Ice tongs, Presque Isle, ca. 1910
  • Creation Date: circa 1910
  • Subject Date: circa 1910
  • Location: Presque Isle, Aroostook County, ME
  • Media: Metal
  • Dimensions: 39 cm x 42 cm x 11 cm
  • Object Type: Physical Object

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For more information about this item, contact:

Presque Isle Historical Society
PO Box 285, Presque Isle, ME 04769
(207) 762-1151
Website

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