J. L. Comeau Ice - 1965

J. L. Comeau Ice - 1965

In 1849 when the Marlboro Branch of the railroad was completed, a large ice house was erected by N.J. Wyeth where the Front Street houses now stand. It was of brick construction and held 40,000 tons of ice which was cut on the mill pond and shipped to Boston. About 1864 it ceased to be used, and the Assabet Mfg. Co. purchased and tore down the building, using the brick for mill construction. The granite arch and keystone may be seen over the door of No.12 mill near Main Street. Until early 1930's ice was cut on the Assabet River just above the Ben Smith Dam and above Russell's Bridge. It was stored in houses located across the tracks from the town pumping station and also on the Stow side of the road near the bridge. J.R. Bent and later C.C. Murray and finally John Zaniewski cut above the dam. W.O. Strout and J. Leo Comeau cut above Russell's Bridge. Both houses have since been destroyed by fire. Mr. Comeau, until a few years ago, cut ice in West Concord and later purchased ice in East Acton. For the past few years has purchased artificial ice from Lowell, making the trip daily to and from Lowell and delivering the ice in Maynard. Leo Comeau died in 1965.

1965-08

Donated by Ralph Sheridan

2015.313

2015.314

Photo prints

Two 3.5 x 3.5 prints

PB58