Ice Harvesting

On Saturday we went to Old Sturbridge Village to attend the ice harvest that was taking place. While the girls and I have been to one before Dave never has and has always wanted to. For the last several years this event at Old Sturbridge Village has been canceled for one reason or another. This year we were excited to see that it was a go. We set off, cautiously optimistic that it would in fact still be taking place when we arrived.  

Emma gives it a try. 

And so does Grace.  

"Mama, that was really fun!  And easy!"

Doesn't he look like a pro?

And of course after cutting ice this lead to a discussion about how things were kept cold before refrigerators came to be.  It was a lovely day full of teachable moments and amazing family time. Truly a perfect way to spend a beautiful winter day!

Ice Harvest

We headed over to the pond at the Wayside Inn to check out the ice harvesting demonstration that was going on today.  We had never been to one before so we were very curious to see what would be going on. 

We got to meet Molly and Dolly.  They were there to pull the large blocks of ice out of the water. 

We headed out onto the ice to get a closer look.

Our tummies were rumbling so unfortunately we headed home before we had a chance to see the horses pull the ice.  It was a great day for an ice harvest and lots of people were in attendance.  The girls really got into it!  Many people even commented on how attentive they were for ones so young (which made this mama very proud)!  It was really neat to see up close and personal how ice was harvested back in the days before refrigeration came on the scene. Hopefully they will hold this event again next year so we can get to see the horses in action!