Townshippers' Association

Before the invention of modern refrigeration techniques, cutting blocks of ice from frozen lakes and streams was an important wintertime task for local farmers.

Typically, a team of horses was driven to the spot on the ice where the men would cut huge blocks of ice with long cross cut saws. The ice would then be loaded onto sleds and drawn to the ice house. Sawdust was often used as an insulating material in the ice house to stop the ice from melting too quickly.

Winter on Lake Memphremagog. (Photo: Farfan Collection)

Ice houses were found on nearly every farm as it was necessary to cool the cream and milk before shipping them to market. Ice was also needed to make ice cream for the family, a common summertime treat.