Ice Harvesting Demonstration — February 7, 2026

Ice was the most valuable mid-winter “crop” produced on a Pennsylvania-German farm. Harvested from frozen ponds or waterways and carefully stored in thick-walled ice houses, the ice would last into the summer months. Having ice on hand helped to preserve foods and keep milk from spoiling in warm weather.

In past centuries, at the Historic Dreibelbis Farm the residents and farm workers would carve blocks of ice from the frozen pond located near Maiden Creek and haul them to the property’s ice house near the farm’s creamery.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 1:30P to 4:30P, the Dreibelbis Farm Historical Society will host a presentation of Pennsylvania German Ice Harvesting.

Programs beginning at 1:45P and 2:30P will include a demonstration of antique ice harvesting tools and (weather permitting) cutting and harvesting of ice blocks from the ice pond. They will explain how ice was hauled to and loaded in the icehouse. A team of draft horses will be on hand for wagon rides (or, if we have 4″ of snow, sleigh rides) for a fee. A bonfire, warm refreshments, and hot chocolate will be available for sale, and the farm grounds and nature trail will be open to the public.

The event is free (wagon/sleigh rides and food for a small fee) and only blizzard conditions or pouring rain will cancel. For last minute information, call 610-451-1193, check the “Historic Dreibelbis Farm” Facebook page.

Attendees should dress for the weather and be able to walk on muddy or slippery farm lanes. Free parking will be available behind the Virginville Grange at 456 Main Street, Virginville PA, with optional wagon shuttles from the parking lot to the presentation on the farm.