GETTING ICE

In days gone by, soft wash water was caught when it rained in tanks or barrels. In winter it was a problem. Usually a barrel was kept in the kitchen corner and filledwith snow if vailable, or ice which was cut and hauled from a slough. It was a nasty, cold job. The blocks were sawn with an ice saw and then lifted with ice tongs onto a sleigh. Usually clothing and mitts were splashed with water which soon froze. The ice was piled in a shaded place and brought in as needed, to thaw for the next wash day and use during the week.