All early farmers needed a wagon throughout the year. When snow covered the ground, the wagon box was removed from its wheels and placed onto a set of skis. The wagon was used for transportation and for work. One of the most important tasks that employed the sled was hauling ice. Large blocks of ice were carved from the river and brought to the ice shed to be used for refrigeration. The ice was placed in ice houses and insulated with sawdust; it could stay cold well into summer.