The Manchester Coal and Ice Company
The Manchester Coal and Ice Company was founded in 1896 and harvested ice from Lake Massabesic on what is now Manchester Road. Workers came in from out of town and boarded in homes around the Severance Beach area.
Each year in the fall, the area of the lake being harvested was cleared of weeds so the ice would be as clean as possible. Then in the winter, any snow was cleared away by men and horses pulling a large angled scraper. Both men and horses needed to wear cleats to avoid slipping.
Afterwards, the ice was cut into blocks and conveyed up and over the road to two large ice storage buildings and packed in sawdust. The company had their own train station behind the building (which is now part of the Rail Trail). From there, the ice was shipped to Boston via railroad and also put on fast clipper ships to be sent around the world!
Each year in the fall, the area of the lake being harvested was cleared of weeds so the ice would be as clean as possible. Then in the winter, any snow was cleared away by men and horses pulling a large angled scraper. Both men and horses needed to wear cleats to avoid slipping.
Afterwards, the ice was cut into blocks and conveyed up and over the road to two large ice storage buildings and packed in sawdust. The company had their own train station behind the building (which is now part of the Rail Trail). From there, the ice was shipped to Boston via railroad and also put on fast clipper ships to be sent around the world!
The company also sold ice to local men who had businesses bringing it door to door. People would put a card in their window to indicate if they needed ice and how much they wanted. The deliverer would weigh the ice, put the block on his back and bring it in to the customers’ homes!
The Manchester Water Works purchased the land in 1929 but allowed Manchester Coal and Ice Company to use the land and stay in business until around 1960. In March of 1962 there was a heavy snow storm that collapsed the roof of the ice house and the next year it was torn down.
When you are driving towards the traffic circle on Manchester Road, you can still see the remnants of the original harvest areas on the lake and the original foundations of the buildings near Severance Beach, right before the Rail Trail path.
If you visit the Auburn Historical Association during their open house times (the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1-3) you can see the tools that were used in this industry and view more photos.
The Manchester Water Works purchased the land in 1929 but allowed Manchester Coal and Ice Company to use the land and stay in business until around 1960. In March of 1962 there was a heavy snow storm that collapsed the roof of the ice house and the next year it was torn down.
When you are driving towards the traffic circle on Manchester Road, you can still see the remnants of the original harvest areas on the lake and the original foundations of the buildings near Severance Beach, right before the Rail Trail path.
If you visit the Auburn Historical Association during their open house times (the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1-3) you can see the tools that were used in this industry and view more photos.