The Ice Industry at Wenham Lake

The 19th century brought a whirlwind of new inventions, ideas and industries. Harvesting ice was one of these new and growing industries. Massachusetts played a large role in this industry, taking ice out of their frozen ponds and lakes, and sending it off to warmer climates who were unable to sustain frozen water in their natural environments. Wenham Lake was one of these frozen water sources that companies used to make ice. Allegedly, the water in the lake was so pure and clear that once the ice was taken out, it was able to sustain itself in all types of temperatures and not melt. The ice from Wenham Lake was quite popular and was even sought after in London from the mid 1840s and 1850s. Even Queen Victoria would have enjoyed the ice from Wenham!

Numerous ice houses were built on the lake over time. From 1842-43, Charles Lander was the first person to construct ice houses and conduct business on the lake. He would purchase and level Peter’s Hill to build his ice houses and a spur railroad to the main railway. In the present day, this would be located on route 1A. In 1850, Gage, Hittinger, and Company would purchase the ice industry and build more ice houses. Unfortunately, all the buildings would burn down in 1873. The ice industry continued using Wenham Lake’s ice into the 20th century, but mainly for Wenham, Beverly and Salem. While Wenham Lake is unable to freeze as much as it had in the 19th century due to climate change, it is still worthwhile to remember the once great ice industry that had occurred on the lake right across from you.  

Want to learn more about the ice industry? Check out this history of the Wenham Lake! Just one chapter of Jack Hauck's Treasures of Wenham's History. 

Images: Smith-Julien ice house located at Wenham Lake (1890), an iron saw blade, a sign advertsing the ice from Wenham Lake.