Ice was once treasured as a commodity and harvested to store food in warmer months. Blocks and blocks were quarried from ponds and lakes. This image provides a fascinating glimpse into the ice industry and is kept by the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world to “further the progress of knowledge and creativity for the benefit of the American people.”

Experience ice cutting with traditional tools as part of the hands-on activities at the Annual Ice Harvest and Winter Carnival in Tamworth, New Hampshire, on Saturday, Feb. 12 and Sunday, Feb. 13. Held at Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm, the family fun includes demonstrations on traditional dog sled making, horse-drawn ride pulled by Belgian horses, displays of antique snow-rollers, sleighs, and a tool collection display by the Tamworth Historical Society. Children under 48 inches can enjoy dog sled rides pulled by Chinooks of New England. Snowball throwing contests, snowshoe obstacle course. Coffee, muffins, chili, cornbread and dessert available. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fee, $5. For details, call (800) 686-6117 or visit www.remickmuseum.org.

Farther north is the Thompson Ice House Ice Harvest in South Bristol, Maine on Sunday, Feb. 20. Demonstrations on how ice was harvested for refrigeration in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Ice cutting begins around 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome to help move the blocks to the ice house. Enjoy ice skating, horse-drawn wagon rides, food and drinks, and ice house souvenirs. Free. Information, (207) 883-3145.

Tired of the white, gray, browns outside? Drink in the color-drenched growing displays at the upcoming Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show, Feb. 24 to Feb. 27. This year the event is partnered with the American Heart Association to combine the beauty of nature with popular romantic love stories that touch the heart. Stroll through 28 gardens, each a reminder of favorite movies, songs or novels. Vendors, demonstrations, lectures, and organic gardening technique demonstrations. Inside the RI Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence. Visit www.flowershow.com for admission and hours.

The famous roast beef suppers and social gathering for the feasting at Hartland, Vermont, will cure cabin fever. Now through March 12, the kitchen and dining room staff at the First Congregational Church of Hartland serves up roast beef, delectable pies, rolls, and side dishes that have been satisfying hungry people throughout the region for more than 35 years. Saturdays only, 5 to 7 p.m. Verify availability at (802) 436-2224; visit www.hartlandbrickchurch.org.

Look closely at the above image to see that the horse is wearing skates. The original is a glass negative, stored in the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. It was a gift from the State Historical Society of Colorado in 1949. It is part of Detroit Publishing Company Photograph Collection, which allows a window into the ice industry of years past.

Winterfest at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, Conn., is Saturday, Feb. 26 and Sunday, Feb. 27. Fruit tree pruning workshop (free, but registration is required). Horse-drawn wagon rides or sleighs if the snow stays around with teams from Foxglove Farm. Sled dog mushing demonstrations provided by members of the Connecticut Valley Siberian Husky Club.

For more events and ideas to bust cabin fever or the winter blues, visit our ag events page, linked here.