14

During the summer months, these ice blocks were picked up about once a week for the family's ice box.

There was no electricity on the Island until the late 1940s. Ice storage was a necessity for summer use. In the next picture, the horses are ready to haul ice blocks on a roller system created by a series of logs.

15

A series of logs for hauling ice
Circa 1930
Pelee Island, Ontario


Credits:
Essex Kent Mennonite Historical Association

16

Winter storms piled ice into enormous icy mounds -- that were fun to climb!

17

George Konrad standing on a pile of Lake Erie ice near the Isaac Klassen home
Circa 1941
Pelee Island, Ontario


Credits:
Essex Kent Mennonite Historical Association

18

Katie Thiessen sitting on an ice pile following a winter storm
Circa 1930
Pelee Island, Ontario


Credits:
Essex Kent Mennonite Historical Association

19

Children had fun playing in the snow
Circa 1930
Pelee Island, Ontario


Credits:
Essex Kent Mennonite Historical Association

20

All year long, Islanders used Lake Erie water whenever there was work to do. In the next picture, Nick Wiens is shown washing his car on the North End beach on a winter afternoon. Later, many people use the East Side's flat rock area to wash their vehicles.

21

Winter in the 1930s
Circa 1930
Pelee Island, Ontario


Credits:
Essex Kent Mennonite Historical Association

22

Skating was a fun activity for friends, but required care. While Lake Erie was an valuable resource for Island families, it also held risks -- like falling through thin ice into the cold lake or canals.

23

Ice skating
Circa 1930
Pelee Island, Ontario


Credits:
Essex Kent Mennonite Historical Association