Ice Harvesting Demonstration
On Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 1:30 p.m., the Dreibelbis Farm Historical Society will host a presentation of Pennsylvania German ice harvesting. The demonstration will include a demonstration of antique ice harvesting tools and (weather permitting) cutting and harvesting ice blocks from the ice pond. We’ll explain how ice was hauled to and loaded in the ice house. The first presentation will begin at 1:45; a 2nd presentation will be at 2:30. We’ll offer horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides for a small fee. A bonfire, homemade soup, and hot chocolate will be available and the farm grounds and nature trail will be open to the public.
The event is free to the public (wagon/sleigh rides and food for a small fee) and will be held rain or shine, with only blizzard conditions or pouring rain cancelling. If thin ice prevents walking on the pond, a demonstration of tools and techniques will still be held. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and be prepared to walk on an unpaved farm lane that may be icy or muddy.
The Historic Dreibelbis Farm is located on Route 143 south of the village of Virginville. GPS Address: 356 Hard Hill Road, Hamburg, PA. Parking is available on-site.
The Ice Harvesting Demonstration is the first of several events to be hosted in 2025 by the DFHS, to fulfill its mission to preserve and protect the historic Dreibelbis farm and to make it available to the public for educational, historical, and environmental purposes. Other events, such as wood duck/screech owl nest box walk, the annual Wetlands and Wildflowers Walk, a Spring Peeper Walk, and the annual Historic Farm Festival will be held in coming months.
For more information visit www.Dreibelbisfarm.org, "Historic Dreibelbis Farm" on Facebook or contact Mark or Janine Dreibelbis at 610-451-1193.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2840429-0
