Ice famine
Encyclopedia
An ice famine was a scarcity of commercial ice, usually during the hot summer months, common before the widespread use of the refrigerator
. It often resulted in the widespread spoil
age of food and medicines, and in some instances in death from heat stroke.
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is a common household appliance that consists of a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump that transfers heat from the inside of the fridge to its external environment so that the inside of the fridge is cooled to a temperature below the ambient temperature of the room...
. It often resulted in the widespread spoil
Spoil
Spoil or spoils:*Plunder taken from an enemy or victim.*Material removed during:**excavation**mining**dredging*An Australian rules football tactic, see One percenter #Spoil...
age of food and medicines, and in some instances in death from heat stroke.
Instances
- In 1918 ammoniaAmmoniaAmmonia is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula . It is a colourless gas with a characteristic pungent odour. Ammonia contributes significantly to the nutritional needs of terrestrial organisms by serving as a precursor to food and fertilizers. Ammonia, either directly or...
was diverted to manufacturing munitions which led to a shortage of commercial ice. Harvesting of natural ice and storage for summer was increased. - 1911 Eastern North America heat wave1911 Eastern North America heat waveThe 1911 Eastern North America heat wave was an 11-day heat wave in New York City and other Eastern cities that killed 380 people starting on July 4, 1911. In Nashua, New Hampshire, the temperature peaked at 106 degrees Fahrenheit. In New York City where 146 people and 600 horses died....
.