Ice Harvesting: A Cool Chapter in History

A discussion about the art of ice harvesting and a display of tools used in this trade will be featured at the ’s upcoming potluck dinner.

The event will be held Sunday, Feb. 12 at the , 37 Wheeler Road, North Grafton. A social hour will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m.

The program will feature Ken Ethier, an area lecturer, who will offer a presentation on "The Challenges of Ice Harvesting in Central Massachusetts." When refrigeration was still an idea of the future, almost every pond in Central Massachusetts was harvested for ice. A few individuals in Grafton still remember the days of ice houses on our local lakes.

The speaker will discuss this dangerous and precise business and will demonstrate antique ice harvesting tools.

Those planning to attend should make reservations with Nancy Deschenes and indicate their contribution to the potluck. She can be reached by phone at: 508-839-2944; or by email at jeanan2@verizon.net.