More In The Past

Archeologists have also found the remains of ice houses in China that dates back to the 7th century BC. There are also a few pieces of evidence that suggest that these ice houses were also in use before 11oo BC. Alexander the Great used these ice houses around 300 BC and some evidence also suggests that Romans used them in the 3rd century AD.

From One Place To Another

New England was filled with opportunities. People were trading in ice and all thanks to a few ice houses that were in constant need of more ice to keep the temperature low and fulfill the demand of the people who wanted to buy the ice. People trading in ice also traded them to the south of the United States and throughout the Caribbean Sea.

Lost In Time

After the invention of refrigerators, ice houses lost their uniqueness. They were forgotten and people never looked back as now they were able to hold ice or create new ice every day inside their homes. Soon, people started selling the ice in the groceries store. The ice soon became so common that everybody was able to afford it.

Spreading The Commodity

North America was one place where the majority of ice was bought. It was transported in ships and since there was no refrigerator 50% of the ice used to melt away during the transportation, hence, resulted in more demand of ice to keep the supply up. Because less amount of ice meant that the ice won’t last much longer because the ice houses required more ice to keep the temperature low.

When Of No Use

After the invention of refrigerators, the ice houses lost their purpose of existence. Between 1939 and 1945 old ice houses were used as ice and food stores. The best part was that they were massive and could hold a huge amount of other commodities. Basically, these ice houses acted as storerooms. But then during WWII, they found a new purpose.

New Purpose

Since WWII ice houses were used as garden sheds, fruit stores, and wine cellars. Ice houses became really useful as they saved the cost of electricity. Inside the ice houses, the temperature was naturally low and then stocking up commodities inside in large amount was much convenient than storing things inside a little fridge that required 24/7 electricity which was almost impossible.