In the 19th century, ice was one of New England's largest exports. Harvested from local ponds, lakes, and rivers, it was first shipped abroad at a large scale by Frederic Tudor in 1806. New England ice was in high demand in the Caribbean, Europe, and as far away as Hong Kong and India until the 1870s, when Norway became a significant competitor in the frozen water business. Even as ice export declined, ice was still in demand domestically until as late as the 1950s, when home refrigeration was widespread.
This cache is placed at the foundation of the former Quinty ice house, built in 1917 and torn down in 1947. It was efficient for companies to pair two compatible seasonal businesses together, as the Quinty family did with their ice and fuel companies. Three generations later, the Quintys still maintain a local fuel business, and still own this property, which has remained peacefully undeveloped.
This cache is on private land and placed with permission. Please be respectful of the owners and the family of geese living there. The terrain rating reflects a spot where one must jump three feet over open water, or else go around a culvert the long way, which is more rugged and tickful. Street parking and BYOP.