The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental (DEEP) is offering a special presentation entitled Ice For Sale on Saturday, February 4 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon, at Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby. Bob McClellan from the Great Burnside Ice Company in East Hartford will discuss the history of ice harvesting, storage and trade. The program is free and open to the public.
The Great Burnside Ice Company located in East Hartford is celebrating 100 years of continuous ice production. The company is still producing cubes, blocks and crushed varieties of ice. Come and see the tools of the past and learn how ice is still a vital part of our everyday activities.
Icehouses once dotted the landscape of Connecticut, housing the huge blocks harvested from lakes and ponds in the state. Before electricity and refrigeration this was a vital part of business in New England. Today we easily reach for this natural resource without a worry as to its availability. How did they store ice in summer and ship it for distribution? How has the ice business changed? The program is designed to be an historical look at our past and fun for families and friends. Activities and refreshments will be provided.
The program is offered free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted. Children ages 8 and older are welcome, but need to be accompanied by an adult. For further information, directions and to register, phone the Kellogg Environmental Center at (203) 734-2513.
