Towns having ice companies pretty much were a necessity a century ago, but the need for those places declined, much like the careers of Latin teachers and human computers. Their need declined most likely with the rise of modern refrigerators and freezers, as well as refrigerated train cars. The first ice plant in Newton was constructed in 1898 and was at the end of West Second Street, according to the book “Newton Kansas: #1 Santa Fe Rail Hub 1871-1871,” written by L.M. “Mike” Hurley. It was called the Newton Ice Co. “At first, the Santa Fe purchased ice and stored it in railroad cars near the roundhouse,” the book stated. “Later, a Santa Fe ice storage house was constructed at Fifth and Pine streets on the south side of the tracks.”
Source: Harvey County Now
