The Shrewsbury Historical Society presents "Ice Harvesting in New England" on March 23 at 7 p.m. at the 1830 Brick Schoolhouse on the Shrewsbury Town Common.
Ice harvesting was a significant part of Shrewsbury’s industrial past. Commercial ice harvesting from New England’s ponds and lakes for export began in the first decade of the 19th century. By the end of that century, ice harvesting was the nineth largest industry in the United States. Ice harvesting employed tens of thousands of workers throughout New England alone and produced hundreds of thousands of tons of block ice each year.
The presenter, Dennis D. Picard, of Westfield, has the title of "ice harvesting historian." Dennis is a consultant for historical societies and museums. He is a former lead interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village, where he designed many programs still in use today. Picard will show some of the tools and equipment of the early ice harvester’s trade. Dennis will share the interesting tale of this once impressive enterprise that is currently fading from our collective memory.
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This fascinating meeting is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. If you have any questions, please call Erik Larson at 774-230-5826.
