Thompson Ice House, South Bristol & McFarland Cove Roads, South Bristol, Lincoln County, ME

Significance: The site was used for harvesting ice by 5 generations of Thompsons from 1826 through 1969. The original Thompson farmstead was founded in 1752 by Thomas Thompson. His descendent Asa Thompson inherited the farm. Asa faced the problem of needing a steady supply of ice in the warm summer months. Two fresh water springs on the property inspired Asa to consider harvesting ice. Asa's son, Melvin, expanded the operation. It is thought that Melvin built the original dam and ice house.

The ice house was built using typical construction techniques of the day. A 4' x 10' sill of hackmatac (larch or tarmac) was laid directly on the clay soil. The walls were framed with 2" x 10" boards and the cavities filled with sawdust for insulation. 4" x 5" rafters framed the pitched roof. The south wall was reinforced with heavy timber buttresses to prevent leaning due to the lopsided effect of the melting ice on the south side.
Survey number: HAER ME-6
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 74000179