<P> The ice trade , also known as the frozen water trade , was a 19th - century industry , centering on the east coast of the United States and Norway , involving the large - scale harvesting , transport and sale of natural ice for domestic consumption and commercial purposes . Ice was cut from the surface of ponds and streams , then stored in ice houses , before being sent on by ship , barge or railroad to its final destination around the world . Networks of ice wagons were typically used to distribute the product to the final domestic and smaller commercial customers . The ice trade revolutionized the U.S. meat , vegetable and fruit industries , enabled significant growth in the fishing industry , and encouraged the introduction of a range of new drinks and foods . </P>
<P> The ice trade , also known as the frozen water trade , was a 19th - century industry , centering on the east coast of the United States and Norway , involving the large - scale harvesting , transport and sale of natural ice for domestic consumption and commercial purposes . Ice was cut from the surface of ponds and streams , then stored in ice houses , before being sent on by ship , barge or railroad to its final destination around the world . Networks of ice wagons were typically used to distribute the product to the final domestic and smaller commercial customers . The ice trade revolutionized the U.S. meat , vegetable and fruit industries , enabled significant growth in the fishing industry , and encouraged the introduction of a range of new drinks and foods . </P>
where did they get ice for ice boxes
where did they get ice for ice boxes
from the surface of ponds and streams
from the surface of ponds and streams