The Hidden History of Ice Harvesting in New England

That industrialists made fortunes from ice-a product that is so ubiquitous today-may seem bizarre, but the birth of the ice industry is a crucial historic development, says Andrew Robichaud, a Boston University assistant professor of history who is writing a book on the ice trade, which took off in the 1820s and lasted about 100 years-until refrigeration rendered it unnecessary. By the year 1847, Robichaud says that 353 ice-packed vessels left Boston Harbor on their way to the American South, as well as international ports like Rio de Janeiro and Hong Kong. Boston alone exported almost 75,000 tons of ice that year, and used another 27,000 tons here. Much of it came from Fresh Pond in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a kettle hole lake about five miles outside downtown Boston.
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[@freshpondreservation]

What a wonderful video!

[@Righthand_]

Such an underrated video. Well edited and great summarization. 10 out of 10.

[@Cupcakegamer-jo6td]

It's all about frozen heart!

[@alexkim123]

what's the title of the ice industry book by Prof. Robichaud?

[@captainclarky5352]

What I'd like to know is how to transport heat from equatorial countries to colder countries. Molten tungsten perhaps?

[@stephen6621]

I wonder how much the ice cost

[@razzle1964]

Having just learned about this, on tv on a UK comedy quiz show, I thought you’d have made more mention of how the ice was a favorite across the royal families & elite of Europe! That’s the kinda quality of tv we have in the UK. 😉😅✌️

[@nicolenew1708]

OMG

[@nicolenew1708]

😊😊😊

[@Mj00527z]

How can I believe this is real?