Coolbaugh Township Historical Association

The Annual Tobyhanna Millpond #1 Ice Harvest is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, weather and ice conditions permitting.

Ice cutting will begin around 9 a.m. and typically continues until 2 p.m., with a lunch break for the harvesters around noon.

This tradition invites visitors to experience living history and take part in an industry that shaped the region more than a century ago. Guests are welcome to help cut ice, guide the ice cakes to the icehouse, stack the ice inside, or simply observe the process.

This free community event is organized by the Leonard/Saxe families with financial support from the Coolbaugh Township Historical Association.

Call the ice harvest hotline at 570-894-8205 for the latest information.

FEATURED HISTORIC MACHINERY

This year marks the debut of the fully restored 1918 Gifford ice saw, powered by a 4-cylinder Buda engine. Thanks to the expert craftsmanship of Mike and Dave Fairservice and Harry Smith, this century old machine has undergone a complete overhaul and is believed to be one of only a few operating saws of its type still in existence.

We will also be running our 1922 Gifford Wood ice saw with its original 2 cylinder LeRoi engine. This saw remains remarkably original and still bears service date markings from the late 1920s inside the chain guard.

GRAB A BITE TO EAT: VFW Post 509, located at 1917 Goodwin Street in Tobyhanna, less than a half mile from the icehouse, will be serving a great and affordable breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and then hot dogs for lunch until 2 p.m.

VISIT THE WILLS MANSION MUSEUM: The Coolbaugh Township Historical Association will open the historic Wills Mansion Museum from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can warm up with hot cocoa and explore ice harvesting tools, memorabilia, videos, and exhibits on local history.

The Wills Mansion Museum is located just over a mile from the icehouse, on Route 611 at the Coolbaugh Township Municipal Complex, 5590 Municipal Drive, Tobyhanna.

* JOIN US *

Mission Statement

Since its founding in 1993, the Coolbaugh Township Historical Association has pledged itself to preserving, interpreting and encouraging community interest in the unique history of the Coolbaugh Township area to ensure that present and future generations can share in and understand their rich heritage.

Vision Statement

The Coolbaugh Township Historical Association, a nonprofit organization representing Coolbaugh Township residents, is committed to the preservation of township history and that of its residents and the surrounding area and the operation of the Wills Mansion showing every-day local history.

Coolbaugh Township is the owner of the Wills Mansion and maintains the structure. The association envisions becoming the best local history museum and township historic association in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The association will develop a strong educational program on local history.