An "Icehouse" is a structure used for storing ice and perishable food before the advent of modern refrigeration. Typically built underground or partially underground, these buildings were insulated with materials like straw or sawdust to keep the ice from melting. Ice was harvested from lakes or rivers during winter and stored for use in warmer months. Icehouses were common from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, serving homes, businesses, and even hospitals. They played a crucial role in food preservation and were essential for the food industry before refrigeration became widespread. Today, many icehouses are preserved as historical sites.