Born of Ice - Day in the life of an iceman

Packaged ice might seem like a modern convenience, but its story in Canada stretches back over a century, rooted in ingenuity, natural resources, and a growing demand for cold refreshment. From harvesting ice off pristine lakes to producing crystal-clear cubes in state-of-the-art facilities, the history of packaged ice manufacturing in Canada reflects both the nation’s environmental bounty and its evolving industrial prowess. Let’s explore how this frosty industry took shape and solidified its place in Canadian life. The Early Days: Harvesting Nature’s Ice In the late 19th century, long before refrigeration technology reached the masses, Canadians turned to their frozen landscapes for ice. One of the earliest pioneers was James Fairhead, who founded the Springwater Ice Company in 1876 near Lake Simcoe, Ontario. Drawn by the lake’s famously pure water, Fairhead and his crew cut ice blocks during winter, storing them in sawdust-insulated sheds for summer use. This natural ice was sold to...

Ice might seem like a humble ingredient in the world of cocktails, but its journey from natural rarity to barroom staple is a fascinating tale of innovation, culture, and science. Today, we take for granted the clinking cubes or crystal-clear spheres in our drinks, but the story of cocktail ice spans centuries and continents, transforming how we enjoy a well-mixed beverage. Let’s dive into the chilly history of this unsung hero of mixology. The Pre-Ice Era: Cocktails Without the Chill Before ice became a cocktail cornerstone, mixed drinks were a simpler affair. In the 17th and 18th centuries, cocktails—or their precursors like punches and toddies—were served at room temperature or warmed over a fire. Spirits, sugar, water, and bitters defined the earliest known cocktail recipe from 1806, published in *The Balance and Columbian Repository*. Cooling a drink wasn’t an option for most, as ice was a luxury reserved for nature’s whims or the ultra-wealthy who could afford to harvest and stor...

Last year, I faced a difficult situation when an employee struggled with suicidal thoughts. The lack of formal training on handling mental health in the workplace became glaringly apparent. I had to navigate these challenges on the fly, relying on instinct and limited resources. As our company has grown, so too has the need for a clear policy and action plan around mental health. I've been brainstorming ideas, and I'm leaning towards a collaborative approach within our leadership team. When an employee's mental health is a concern, we would create a "cocoon of support" – offering positive interactions, a listening ear, and small acts of kindness. However, there are limits to what an employer can do. Questions arise about appropriate actions and boundaries. When is it necessary to involve emergency services or professional help? How do we balance support with maintaining professional boundaries? I've encountered situations where I had to make difficult decision...

Picture this: a bartender drops a crystal-clear, perfectly square ice cube into your drink. It clinks against the glass, melts slowly, and keeps your cocktail crisp without watering it down. That’s the magic of Kold-Draft ice machines—a name that’s been synonymous with top-tier ice for nearly 70 years. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Kold-Draft didn’t just make ice; they redefined it, turning a basic necessity into a craft. Let’s take a frosty trip through the history of Kold-Draft ice machines and see how they froze their way into legend. The Cool Beginnings: 1950s Erie Kold-Draft’s story starts in 1955, in the industrial heart of Erie, Pennsylvania. The company sprang from the Schramm family, whose roots were in Schramm, Inc., a business known since 1900 for building rugged air compressors and pumps. After World War II, with refrigeration tech booming, the Schramm crew spotted a new opportunity. Why not use their engineering chops to tackle ice? Thus, Kold-Draft was born—a name that no...

Nestled in the industrial heart of Acheson, just west of Edmonton, Columbia Ice stands as a local gem in Alberta’s ice supply scene. This small, family-oriented business has been chilling drinks, supporting events, and even aiding construction projects for over two decades. In a province known for its extremes—blistering summers and bone-chilling winters—Columbia Ice has carved out a niche by delivering frozen reliability to businesses and residents alike. Let’s dive into the story of this Acheson-based operation and why it’s more than just another ice supplier. A Cool Start in 2002 Columbia Ice kicked off in 2002, founded by Peter Boyco as an offshoot of his liquor distribution business in Edmonton. The idea was simple yet brilliant: provide premium packaged ice to gas stations, liquor stores, and resorts around the capital region. Alberta’s hot summers and bustling festival culture made it a ripe market, and Boyco saw an opportunity to fill a gap with quality and service. Starting ...

When you pop an ice cube into your drink or marvel at a perfectly chilled dessert, you might not think about the engineering behind it. But for over 85 years, Vogt Ice has been a name synonymous with ice-making innovation. From its game-changing invention in 1938 to its global reach today, the Vogt ice maker’s history is a cool tale of ingenuity, durability, and a relentless pursuit of quality. Let’s crack open the story of how Vogt turned ice into an art form—and a science. The Spark of a New Era The Vogt ice maker story begins in Louisville, Kentucky, with the Henry Vogt Machine Company, a firm already known for crafting heavy-duty industrial equipment by the early 20th century. Founded in 1880 by German immigrant Henry Vogt, the company had built a reputation for forging everything from steam engines to valves. But in 1938, Vogt engineers took a bold leap into uncharted territory: they invented the world’s first automatic sized ice machine, dubbed the Tube-Ice Machine. Before thi...