Where would you get an ice cold drink of water in Ladonia in about 1900? Especially, in the summertime. Well, You couldn't of course, if you wanted wintertime ice came with the changing weather.
This was not to last, J.A. Bishop, with his mechanical knowledge, his interest in comfort and his looking for an investment, made a change.
He constructed an "ice House" on the pond just north of his homeplace, actual dates are not available, but from memories of people who were youngsters then, possibley about the late teens and early twenties. Providing ice was such a treat. It was reported that Oma Bishop Little delievered ice to business establishments. We are not sure if they were the only ones. They waere very limited to the amount thet could be made.
It was frozen in 300 lb blocks. The engine power was produced by steam. Wouldn't you think that would really be a major undertaking then. We know J.A. Bishop could fix it.
A narrow street leading off Paris Street down to the ice house was known as "Whistle Alley". The alarm whistle was only blown on special occasions.
Later, ice was brought from Paris.
The ice house was on the corner of Church Street and East Main street. You went ot eh ice house and bough the desired amount 25 lb- etc. Then ice trucks had regular routes through the country. A card placed in a window told the ice man the desired amount needed. If a person was away from home, the door was left open so the ice man could put the ice in the refrigerator.
Some of the early delivery ice men were Bill Taylor, Tom Dodd and Hubert Lewis.
Contributed by Clev Braley and Muriel Burleson