THE FURROW: The online newsletter of Howell Living History Farm

Right now, the pond at Howell Farm has the very thinnest skin of ice on its surface. But based on the weather forecast for the next 10 days, it seems there's little chance of having a proper ice harvest for the public program scheduled for January 28. Today is Thursday. On Monday the high temperature is expected to reach 54, followed by daily highs of 49, 45, 43, 51 and 45.

Visiting school children this week have still been learning about historical ice harvesting practices, but of course not out on the pond. On dry land, they've been learning about the tools of the trade and then helping saw through blocks of ice Howell Farm purchased last week. This ice is rather dirty -- as it's covered in the sawdust that helps keep it insulated in the ice house.