The Bethlehem Food Co-Op is hosting a public meeting on Monday January 5th, 7PM-9PM at the Historic Ice House on Sand Island. Doors will open 6:30PM. Join us to learn about co-op developments and participate in the planning efforts for our new store! At this first meeting of 2015, members of the board will present updates (including announcing the first Bethlehem Food Co-Op job opportunity!), followed by Lynn Prior, representing Buy Fresh Buy Local; Chris West, owner of Bethlehem's Bounty CSA; and a brief talk by Stefanie Angstadt of Valley Milkhouse. As usual this a pot-luck event so feel free to bring your favorite recipe to share or a prepared food item, dessert, or drink. There will also be a cookbook swap, so sort your bookshelf before the event!

Some Fact About The Historic Ice House:

The building had thrived as a commercial venture for a relatively brief period, roughly from 1912 to 1926, according to the study from historical consultants Bertland Associates and Ellen Fletcher.

But profits dwindled for the building's owners, Mineral Spring Ice Co., when companies such as General Electric and Frigidaire started selling electric refrigerators in the 1920s. That meant less demand for the "artificial ice" the Ice House produced.

Ice making continued on the site until 1969, though, and the city ran an ice vending operation out of the building until 1976. After that, the building became a warehouse for Musikfest and a center for the Youth Conservation Corps.