Cutting Ice for the Ice Houses - Part 2
Welcome back to our series on the Amish tradition of cutting ice for the ice houses. In this second installment, we'll explore the actual process of cutting the ice and some of the challenges faced by the community.
The ice-cutting process begins with a saw rig, a small gasoline motor on two wheels with handlebars and a circular blade. As one person cuts the ice, another breaks the blocks apart, while a third person floats the blocks to the water's edge or the end of the pond. Two more people load the ice blocks onto the wagon, and one person drives the team of horses with the loaded wagon to the ice house. Inside the ice house, two people stack the ice, ensuring the blocks are tightly packed to minimize air space and maximize insulation.
Despite the careful planning, challenges can arise. The icy conditions make it essential to wear ice cleats for traction and heavy gloves to protect hands from the cold and potential injuries. There's also the risk of falling into the water hole, so everyone must remain vigilant and cautious. Community cooperation is vital during this time. The Amish often form "rings" – groups of families who help each other with tasks like ice cutting, threshing, and haying. This sense of teamwork and mutual support is what makes the process efficient and successful.
One memorable incident from a past ice-cutting event involved an English neighbor who was helping unload ice from his truck. Unfortunately, a block of ice fell on his foot, resulting in a broken foot. In another instance, an Amish man from a neighboring community slipped into the water while cutting ice. Thankfully, his brother quickly pulled him out, and he was able to warm up and dry off inside. These stories highlight the importance of safety and vigilance during the ice-cutting process.
Stories from Our Amish Basket Weavers
Here are a few happenings the families dedicated to weaving the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com have shared with us this week.
The Mast Family
When the temperatures drop to single digits, the families in the district hire a driver to pick up the scholars and take them to school. On Tuesday, two younger boys who live next to the Mast family showed up to catch a ride to school with the Mast children, but the van had just left. Phineas Mast, always ready to lend a hand, hitched up the horse-n-buggy and took the boys to school. Despite the bitter cold, Phineas adjusted his plans to ensure the boys arrived on time. His act of kindness is a testament to the strong sense of community and support among our Amish friends.
The Yoder Family
The Yoder family, like many local families, is taking advantage of the bitter cold nights to make homemade ice cream sandwiches. Just before bed, they set out a pan of sandwiches to freeze, usually when it's 10 degrees or colder. Even when it warmed up to about 20 degrees the next morning, the sandwiches were still frozen, just not as hard. Rebecca has graciously shared her recipe with us, and we will include it below so you can try it in your own freezer or even outdoors for authenticity. This delightful treat has become a Winter tradition for the Yoders, bringing joy and sweetness to the cold nights.
The Gingerich Family
The Gingerich family, along with about a dozen other families in the community, relies on a young, recently married Amish man who offers firewood cutting services during the Winter months while he is laid off from his construction crew. This extra help is greatly appreciated, especially with the recent cold weather depleting wood piles quickly. The Gingerich's load of wood was delivered on Friday, and the young man reported that he had seven more loads to produce to meet the high demand for supplemental firewood this Winter. This service not only supports the families in need but also provides valuable work for the young man during the off-season.
"Don't grumble about the mud if you prayed for rain."
— Amish Wisdom
