As the American society grew more accustomed to fresh meats, milk, fruit and produce, the ice industry expanded into one of the most powerful industries in the nation. At turn of the 20th century, nearly every family, grocer and barkeeper in America had an Ice Box with people posting signs in their windows letting the ice man know how much should be delivered.
Ice revolutionized the way Americans ate and drank. A dependable ice supply made it possible to deliver fresh meats, seafood, dairy and produce to distant markets and keep it safe from spoilage in home ice boxes. Fruit growers and packers capable of shipping refrigerated products worldwide became huge multinational corporations.
Home delivery continued for a long time, in the 1920’s apartment buildings were still being constructed with ice doors opening into the kitchen.