Question
Here is the question : HORSE-DRAWN BLADES AND SPECIALIZED TONGS WERE TOOLS OF WHICH PROFESSION?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Milkman
- Ice cutter
- Typewriter repairman
- Scribe
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
People used to have to have ice sent to their houses in order to keep their meals cold in the days before refrigerators became common household appliances. Ice was collected from frozen rivers by workers known as ice cutters using a variety of instruments, including saws and blades drawn by horses. The ice was then transported by truck to residences and businesses in the surrounding area. As refrigerators were more widely used, ice cutters gradually fell out of use.
In the days before refrigeration, when winter cast its icy grip over the land, a unique profession emerged that harnessed the power of frozen water: the ice cutter. Armed with horse-drawn blades and specialized tongs, these skilled individuals played a vital role in harvesting ice from frozen lakes and rivers. Their work was essential in providing a valuable resource that would help preserve perishable goods and bring relief during the sweltering summer months.
Ice cutting was a labor-intensive process that required a combination of physical strength, precision, and knowledge of the frozen environment. The tools of the trade were specifically designed to navigate the icy terrain and extract large blocks of ice efficiently. One of the primary tools used by ice cutters was a horse-drawn blade, also known as an ice plow or ice saw. This formidable implement consisted of a long, sharp blade affixed to a sturdy frame. The blade was designed to cut through the thick ice with ease, guided by the strength and agility of the horses pulling it.
The process of ice cutting began by marking out the area to be harvested. Ice cutters would venture onto the frozen surface, typically in teams, and carefully measure and mark the ice into rectangular sections. The horse-drawn blade would then be employed to score the ice along these marked lines, creating deep grooves. The blade was guided by experienced handlers who skillfully directed the horses, ensuring straight and precise cuts.
Once the grooves were made, specialized tongs came into play. These tongs, often made of iron or steel, featured long handles and powerful jaws designed to grip and lift the heavy blocks of ice. The ice cutters would position the tongs around the scored ice and, with coordinated effort, lift the blocks out of the water. The tongs were crucial in handling the weight of the ice and providing a secure grip for transportation.
After being lifted from the water, the large ice blocks were transported to icehouses or storage facilities. These buildings were designed to insulate and preserve the harvested ice for extended periods. The ice blocks would be carefully stacked, often with layers of insulating material such as sawdust or straw, to prevent melting. This stored ice would later be used for various purposes, including refrigeration, food preservation, and even the creation of ice sculptures.
The profession of ice cutting reached its peak during the 19th and early 20th centuries when natural ice was the primary means of refrigeration. Ice was in high demand, not only for domestic use but also for commercial and industrial purposes. Ice cutters played a critical role in meeting this demand, ensuring a steady supply of ice for communities and businesses alike.
However, with the advent of electric refrigeration and modern cooling technologies, the need for natural ice declined rapidly. The profession of ice cutting gradually faded into obscurity, becoming a relic of a bygo