Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-02-01

"ikahized Ice company on the Ken.
neoec Is now busy filling its bou.e. and tho
scene On the river is a most animated one
ne Pheasant, mild weather of the past week
mas revived the courage Of the ice operation.
ana the outlook has materially changed for
'he better l, is now the first Of February
the sunshine Is growing more powerful. and
out few weeks remain in which ice can he
secured in Maine. While prices cannot range
70 any extraordinary figure, on account of the
amount OF Old ice on hand in the country.
yet the business will probably be fairly re-
muherative to the established companies.
rrivate advices received Tuesday state that
they are securing ice on the Hudson eight
inches thick, and will probably gather
PARTIAL CROP.
on that river. The Ice Trade Journal saws
at this time there are probably 45O. 900 ton.
OF old ice unsold between New York and
Troy. On the Hudson. the electric light is
utilized, and night and day crews are en-
pioyed. The extent Of the business, and its
profit in this State are regulated by the con-
dltion Of the Hudson river and other waters
OF the Middle States. In case the crop in
these waters is large. operations here are
only OF moderate extent: but if the crop there
is failure, then the Pine Tree State piles up
her crystal treasures by hundreds of thou
sands Of tons,and reaps a rich harvest for the
investor, the laborer and her merchant ma
rine. But the season is now so far advanced
that our ice companies are losing their dread
of extensive competition from the Hudson
and will not only fill their houses but stack
all the ice they can.
NOTES AND FIGURES.
The average thickness of the ice which is
being secured on the Kennebec is from IL to
IA inches. 1t is of excellent quality, clear
and free from streaks. The expense of har-
vesting this year has been enhanced bv the
frequent and annoying snow storms, which
delay operations and increase the bill for
scraping. On some fields the surface was
rough, and planning necessary. Wages, too
are higher than in former years. laborer
commands Sl.50 day, and horses the same
Stevedores in the buildings get sI.75.
Should the weather continue mild, laborers
will be in great demand, and good men will
be scarce at any price. Most of our ice is
marketed south of Cape Hatteras. although
in ordinary wears New York and Philadelphia
take generous amount. In no other bust
ness in the world is there such an element of
uncertainty as in ice. The companies are
not sure of crop until their houses are filled
and on the other hand, the season sometimes
lasts beyond expectations. In 1874 they com
menced to cut ice on the Hudson in February,
and continued cutting until the 23d. Then
there came on thaw which stopped the
business in New York. cold wave struck
Maine, in March. and they continued cutting
on this river up to the 18th of that month
Before the 18th of May, ice was worth 81 a
ton on board vessels. The summer proved q
cold one, and dealers got left. Many con-
tracts were thrown up. 1850 was great year
for Maine companies. But in that winter, on
the 9th of February the New FORK Herald said 3:
.sThey are cutting ice on the Hudson above
Poughkeepsie, from to 10 inches thick"
Prices ranged that winter from 81 to So. and
in the summer ice sold in some cases as
high as So ton. Last year was poor one
for the companies, ice selling from 80 to 90
cents throughout the entire year. On the
Kennebec this winter will probably be put
IN 800, 900 tons, in the houses and stacks :;
on the Penobscot, from 20, 900 to 200 tons
will be cut and they have on hand in the
houses at present $1,000 tons. Ice will
also be put up in considerable quantities at
Boothbay. Wiscasset, Rockport and Belfast.
SALES OF Ice.
River. are not in the market yet to any
great extent, although We hear of some sales
being contaminated. Before the cold snap
of last week 5000 tons were placed for New
York parties for SIPS; 5000 tons were placed
IN Friday at sI.25. The Philadelphia
Knickerbockers have sold $4,000 tons to
Baltimore parties for 81. This was old ice,
however. or brewers ice As it is called.
About 10 900 tons of ice are cut on the river
ON long time contracts, at Is cents ton.
This does not affect the general price of the
commodity in any way.
WHAT THE COMPANIES ARE Dome
Saturday Journal reporter visited the
ice fields on the river, and ascertained what
the companies we're doing. The busiest point
seems to be in the vicinity of Richmond,
where some 1900 men are employed At
Browa's, Abbikilldasset, 10 acres were scrap
cd and 80 men employed.-Morse, at living
poin,. has 40 acres scraped and 100 men at
work.. 2. Norton has so acres and lou
men.-Maxwell 4 Groves, 10 acres and 81
men.-One of the heaviest capitalists IN the
business i. Charles Russell. Richmond, who
will put up in the neighborhood of 100000
tons. In his upper house he will put up ~
600 tons at the Hodges place houses al the
south end of the village, $4,000 tons; IN
Bowdoinham, q, OG0 tons. and will stsek O.
600 tons. In his Stearns' point houses he mas
20 600 tons of old ice on hand. tie employs
-, men. and it will take him 30 days to nj