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Consolidated Ice Company
Consolidated Ice Company

Consolidated Ice Company

Maker
Date1901-1910
Object number00033884
NameCeramic tile
MediumGlazed or painted ceramic
DimensionsOverall: 10 x 114 mm, 0.1 kg
ClassificationsVisual communication
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionCircular white ceramic tile of the Consolidated Ice Company illustrated with an Arctic scene. Verso has manufacturer's mark 'Limoges / France' with 'W.G and Co' in a curly border.HistoryThe Consolidated Ice Company transported, stored, and distributed natural lake ice throughout the Pittsburgh region during the first half of the 20th century. The building was originally owned by the Chautauqua Ice Co., which sold ice harvested from Chautauqua Lake in Mayville, New York. By 1901 Chautauqua Ice merged with other local ice companies to form Consolidated Ice Co. Advances in refrigeration technology allowed Consolidated Ice to make its own ice on demand, so the company shifted its focus from ice storage to merchandise storage, establishing Consolidated Storage in 1907. Consolidated continued to sell distilled water until 1948, as well as iced box cars for distributors.