Ice Tongs

A large pair of metal tongs with pointed ends. They are sitting against a grey shelf with pots behind it.
Ice tongs in the Larder

Country of Origin: likely Canada 
Year: ca. 1900 
Materials: Iron  

Ice tongs were used to help move large chunks of ice used in refrigeration. These tongs would prevent people from touching the cold and wet blocks and move them into ice boxes. The ice would keep food cold and drain on to a bottom tray of an icebox as it melted. The Harris Family used ice boxes and ice tongs until the 1930s.  

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.