Wells in York County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
Ice House
Keeping food cold without electricity
— Historic Laudholm Farm —
Farmhands cut blocks of ice from a nearby mill pond, packed them in sawdust, and stored them in this building. Ice was vital for keeping the evening's milk and cream fresh for summer morning deliveries.
Even after automobiles became available, horse-drawn sleighs were the easiest way to haul ice over the deep snow.
Around 1895, Maine was exporting a million tons of ice per year. Operations near the Kennebec, Androscoggin, and Penobscot rivers shipped ice to southern states and foreign ports, but ice cut here was used only on the farm.
Ice stored in this building likely supplied iceboxes in the farmhouse, the homes of farm staff, and the creamery.
By the Numbers
80 Estimated capacity, in tons
12 Months ice could be stored without melting
3/4 Distance in miles from mill pond to ice house
1916 Last year used
Current Use:
Storage
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 43° 20.259′ N, 70° 33.046′ W. Marker is in Wells, Maine, in York County. Marker can bereached from Skinner Mill Road north of Laudholm Farm Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 342 Laudholm Farm Rd, Wells ME 04090, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Water Tower (here, next to this marker); Farmhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Hay and Horse Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Cow Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Laudholm Farm: The foundation of the Wells Reserve (within shouting distance of this marker); Creamery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to the 'Sense of Wonder' Rain Garden… (approx. 0.7 miles away); Rachel Carson (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wells.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 96 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
