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How did people keep things cold before fridges were invented?
Well, there were several ways. First, people used root cellars or cold cellars.
A root cellar was an underground room that had a very consistent cool temperature. These cellars were often built in the sides of hills and while they did not keep things freezing, they greatly helped when it came time to have fruits and vegetables in winter. Root cellars have not changed much over the years. Sure, there are better insulation methods now, but the premise is still the same.
But what if you needed ice? Perhaps for making ice cream or to keep the swelling down on a wound?
Then you had to deal with the ice man. The London Canal Museum's website has a great seven slide explanation on the ice trade during the Victorian Period. It covers everything from where the ice was harvested and how it was kept to how it was delivered, much like milk and coal used to be delivered to your doorstep.
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