Steam ice elevator, Hudson River 1875

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Steam ice elevator, Hudson River 1875

Work was commenced during the winter months, when the thickness of nine inches was reached. Illustration showing the steam ice elevator steadily carrying blocks up to a desired gallery of the storehouse, where they were packed two or three inches apart and covered with loose hay when filled. Date: 1875

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Media ID 23049170

© Mary Evans Picture Library

1875 Blocks Cutting Elevator Frozen Gathering Harvest Hudson Pikemen Store Stored Storehouse Stowing

EDITORS COMMENTS
In this image from the 1870s, we witness the remarkable process of ice harvesting on the Hudson River, as depicted in a print from 1875. The Steam Ice Elevator, an engineering marvel of the time, is shown in operation, steadily lifting blocks of ice from the frozen water's surface to a storage gallery above. During the winter months, when the ice thickness reached a desirable nine inches, the ice harvesting season began. The Steam Ice Elevator was an essential tool in the labor-intensive process of cutting, gathering, and storing the frozen water. The ice blocks, once cut, were transported to the elevator using long pikes, which were then lifted by the steam-powered machinery to the desired gallery of the storehouse. Once at the gallery, the ice blocks were meticulously stowed, with each block placed two or three inches apart. They were then covered with loose hay to prevent them from melting during the storage process. The storehouse, a massive structure, was an essential component of the ice industry during the 19th century, providing a reliable source of ice for various uses, including refrigeration and preserving perishable goods. The Steam Ice Elevator revolutionized the ice harvesting process, making it more efficient and less labor-intensive compared to traditional methods. This image offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the ingenuity and innovation of the 19th century and the critical role that ice played in the daily lives of people during that era.

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