On Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m., the Dreibelbis Farm Historical Society will host a presentation of 19th century Pennsylvania German ice harvesting at the Historic Dreibelbis Farm in Virginville. The demonstration will include cutting and harvesting ice blocks from the ice pond, showing how ice was hauled to and loaded in the ice house and a demonstration of the actual tools used. A bonfire and hot chocolate will be available after the presentation, and the farm grounds and nature trail will be open to the public.
The event is free to the public and will be held rain or shine, with only blizzard conditions cancelling. If thin ice prevents walking on the pond, a demonstration of tools and techniques will still be held. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and be prepared to walk on an unpaved, farm lane.
The Historic Dreibelbis Farm is located on Route 143 south of the village of Virginville. The GPS address is 356 Hard Hill Road, Hamburg, PA. Parking is available on-site.
The Ice Harvesting Demonstration is the first of several events to be hosted in 2016 by the DFHS, to fulfill its mission to preserve and protect the historic Dreibelbis farm and to make it available to the public for educational, historical and environmental purposes. Other events, such as the annual Wetlands and Wildflowers Walk, a Spring Peeper Walk and the fifth annual Historic Farm Festival will be held in coming months.
For more information visit www.Dreibelbisfarm.org, visit “Historic Dreibelbis Farm” on Facebook or contact Mark Dreibelbis at 610-488-7896.
