ashburn ice house
## Discover the Refreshing Oasis of Ashburn Ice House: A Local Gem with a Chilling Legacy
### A History of Frozen Delights
Nestled in the heart of Ashburn, Virginia, the Ashburn Ice House has been a beloved institution for over a century. Its roots can be traced back to the 1800s, when the area was known for its abundance of natural springs and ice formations.
In 1902, John H. Ashburn purchased 25 acres of land and established the Ashburn Ice House as a commercial ice harvesting business. Using a horse-drawn sled, he transported ice blocks from nearby ponds to the facility, where they were stored in an icehouse with a capacity of 10,000 tons.
### The Refrigeration Revolution
As the 20th century dawned, mechanical refrigeration began to replace ice harvesting. The Ashburn Ice House adapted to the changing times by transitioning into a cold storage facility, providing refrigeration services to local businesses and residents.
In 1952, the Ashburn family sold the icehouse to a group of investors who converted it into a skating rink. For the next 30 years, the Ashburn Ice House was a popular destination for ice hockey, figure skating, and public skating.
### A New Chapter as a Community Space
In the 1980s, the Ashburn Ice House closed its doors as a skating rink. However, the community was determined to preserve this historic landmark. In 1990, the Ashburn Ice House was designated as a historic landmark and acquired by the Loudoun County Parks and Recreation Department.
Today, the Ashburn Ice House is a vibrant community space that hosts a variety of events and programs. It includes a museum that tells the story of the ice harvesting and refrigeration industries, as well as an indoor ice skating rink that operates seasonally.
### The Chilling Facts and Figures
* The Ashburn Ice House icehouse was one of the largest in the region, with a capacity of 10,000 tons of ice.
* The icehouse was constructed with 12-inch thick walls made of cork, sawdust, and burlap to insulate the ice.
* The skating rink at the Ashburn Ice House measures 200 feet by 100 feet, making it one of the largest in Northern Virginia.
* The icehouse museum attracts over 10,000 visitors annually.
### The Ashburn Ice House in Action
The Ashburn Ice House offers a wide range of programs and activities for all ages, including:
* Ice hockey leagues for adults and youth
* Figure skating lessons and competitions
* Public skating sessions
* Ice skating birthday parties
* Special events such as live music, dance parties, and holiday celebrations
### Stories from the Ice
Over the years, the Ashburn Ice House has witnessed countless memorable moments and heartwarming stories. Here are a few that capture the spirit of this beloved community hub:
* In 2015, the Ashburn Ice House hosted the wedding of two former figure skating students who met at the rink.
* In 2018, the Ashburn Ice House team won the Virginia Amateur Hockey League championship.
* In 2021, the icehouse museum welcomed a group of local elementary school students who were learning about the history of refrigeration.
### The Humorous Side of the Ice
The Ashburn Ice House has also been the setting for some amusing anecdotes:
* One elderly gentleman was caught on camera trying to skate backwards with his eyes closed.
* A group of friends once rented the icehouse for a private party and spent the night playing hide-and-seek in the dark.
* A young boy once accidentally knocked over a figure skater during a performance, sending him sprawling across the ice.
### The Ashburn Ice House: A Timeless Legacy
The Ashburn Ice House has stood the test of time as a testament to the enduring power of community and the enduring appeal of ice skating. Its transformation from an ice harvesting business to a cold storage facility to a skating rink and finally to a community center demonstrates the adaptability of this historic landmark.
**The Ashburn Ice House is a beloved local gem that continues to offer a unique and unforgettable experience for generations of Ashburn residents and visitors alike.**