Ice became essential to the improving lifestyle of Americans. The convenience and health benefits of ice are now a necessity. Home ice boxes allowed for storage of fresh meats and produce alleviating daily trips to the market. The ice industry enabled the consumption of a wide range of new products. The diet of the United States changed dramatically.
- Since 1748, it was known that it was possible to artificially chill water with mechanical equipment, much of the ice of sold in the 19th century was “natural” ice.
- In 1855, 75,000 tons of ice sold in New York City
- In 1864 Frederick Tudor passed away a very rich man.
- In 1880, 2.5 million tons of ice sold in New York City.