Ice houses are structures designed to store ice and keep perishable food items cool before the advent of modern refrigeration. They were typically built underground or partially underground to take advantage of the natural insulation provided by the earth. Ice harvested from lakes or rivers during winter was packed in straw or sawdust to minimize melting. These buildings were common from the 17th to the 19th centuries, especially in regions with cold winters. Ice houses allowed people to preserve food, such as meat and dairy products, for longer periods. They played a crucial role in food storage and preservation before the invention of electric refrigerators.