Yet another "find". I came across a vintage ice pick (all metal). The handle indicates it was "Compliments of Yellowstone Ice Co., Miles City, Mont." and the phone number was "87". The two digit phone number makes me believe it existed some time ago. Does anyone know anything about the Yellowstone Ice Company or when it existed? Thanks!

I know they were around 100 years ago because I come across them in Stardust.

Thanks, Amorette! Any idea when we switched from the 2 digit phone numbers?

My dad's family operated an ice company in Miles City in the early 1900's. They lived on Yellowstone Ave at the time.

Based upon what Amorette wrote, this may be the same (the timing is close, at any rate). Is there anyone in your family that might know something more? Thanks!

I have an aunt in Billings and one in MC that I will reach out to. They might know. This is really cool.

I remember the ice house on Yellowstone in the 40s.

That was the one. Dad used to tell stories of cutting ice on the Yellowstone growing up. My sister and I have some of the ice tongs they used to lift the ice off the river. I think it was stored in a building behind the house.

That would be great! Thank you! I enjoy history and even more when it is shared!

I believe the ice house was on the southwest side of town over by the old OK corral, went there with my father, I think it was an old two story frame building that was full of river ice.

As kids (maybe '48 or so), we used to follow the ice truck/wagon and pick up pieces that had fallen off. Remember doing this on Pleasant Street. Treats were hard to come by!

I received pictures of the ice company my dad's family had. It was not the Yellowstone Ice Company, but was the M.C. Ice Company. Phone number was 93 in one picture and 3B in another.

Can you post the pictures (or some)? It may be a different ice company; however, I would certainly enjoy seeing them. Thanks so much for pursuing this. History is at its best when shared!

Yellowstone Ice company and Miles City were NOT the same. I just mentioned both of them in the 1922 Stardust. One was cutting ice for the NP and the other was cutting in different location for local use.

Karen, I will try to post a few this weekend.
Amorette, which company cut ice for the NP?

Thank you! I look forward to seeing them.

In 1921 at least, it was the Yellowstone Ice Company who was harvesting for the NP. They may have also harvested for local consumption but that wasn't mentioned in the Star articles.

Az a government contractor, I despise acronyms that are not defined.

NP = Northern Pacific, predecssor of the current BNSF railway that runs through town.

BNSF = Burlington Northern Sante Fe.

The only survivor of the Northern Pacific in that acronym is the northern.