Back by popular demand, this talk will explore the history of ice harvesting on Jamaica Pond. Before the 19th century, ice was a commodity available only to the very rich and to those who could harvest it themselves. That changed as the ice harvesting industry became increasingly mechanized. New technologies allowed more people to enjoy the benefits of ice year-round.

By 1880, the Jamaica Pond Ice Company had 22 icehouses on Jamaica Pond with a storage capacity of 30,000 tons.  The company supplied ice to customers in Brookline, West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, South End, Roxbury and Dorchester.  At the peak of the harvesting season the company employed more than 600 men.  The company had a special brewery department with 100 teams of horses that were used to supply ice to 25 breweries in the area. Charlie Rosenberg of the Jamaica Plain Historical Society will discuss this fascinating industry.

This event is co-hosted by the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library. It will be a hybrid event, you can attend in person or by Zoom. Please register for the online option: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p-bq9vQcSvuzol2ZboX3lA

The SNOW DATE for this event is Saturday, January 28th. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. All applicable COVID 19 protocols will be observed.