Pat, Yes, I think that was common in the 19th and early 20th century but how was it used and how long into the summer would it last? Did they may ice cream?? With fresh strawberries?? Hmmmmmmmmmmm!!! -eddie My grandmother grew up near the New River at Mouth of Wilson. During the summer months, when wood was cut for the winter's use, for construction, etc., all of the sawdust was carefully saved to use as insulation for the ice cellar. When winter arrived and the river was frozen over, her father and brothers would take a sled pulled by large work horses to the river. Slabs of ice would be cut and loaded onto the sled and pulled back to the cellar [cut into the side of a steep bank] and packed in sawdust, This was always one of my favorite stories told to me by my grandmother, and I thought the group might enjoy it as well. Pat Burris ==== SW_VA Mailing List ==== #6 HELP is available from the sysop/owner anytime at: ehoward@conknet.com or swvaroot@swva.net