Community

Before Refrigerators, Rockland Lake Supplied Ice to New York City

Published

3 months ago

July 31, 2026

It’s hard to imagine today, but before refrigerators and freezers became common, New York City’s food, restaurants, hospitals, and breweries depended on one unlikely place for ice: Rockland Lake.

During the 19th century, this quiet lake in Rockland County became one of the nation’s largest sources of natural ice, supplying millions of pounds each winter to a rapidly growing New York City. At the height of the industry, Rockland Lake was known as “The Icehouse of New York City.”

Every winter, once the ice reached about a foot thick, hundreds of workers took to the frozen lake. Using horse-drawn plows, they carved the surface into a giant checkerboard before cutting enormous blocks of ice by hand.

The blocks were floated through narrow channels, lifted onto conveyor systems, and packed into massive icehouses insulated with sawdust. From there, they were loaded onto trains and barges for the trip to New York City, where they were used to preserve food long before mechanical refrigeration existed.

The arrival of the Rockland Lake Railroad in the 1860s helped turn the lake into the center of a booming industry. Ice harvested in Rockland could quickly reach markets throughout the region, making the county an essential part of everyday life in New York City.

The ice business created hundreds of jobs for local residents, from laborers and railroad workers to barge crews and carpenters. During the winter months, the lakeshore buzzed with activity as thousands of tons of ice were harvested and stored for use throughout the year.

But technology eventually changed everything.

By the early 20th century, electric refrigeration began replacing natural ice, and demand for ice harvested from lakes quickly declined. Within a few decades, the once-thriving industry had disappeared, along with the towering icehouses and rail lines that made Rockland Lake famous.

Today, Rockland Lake State Park is known for its scenic trails, fishing, cycling, and outdoor recreation. Families stroll the shoreline, cyclists circle the lake, and anglers cast their lines where workers once harvested enormous blocks of ice destined for New York City.

Few visitors realize they’re standing at the site of an industry that helped feed and preserve one of the world’s largest cities.

While the icehouses are gone and the trains no longer run, Rockland Lake’s role in New York’s history remains one of the county’s most fascinating—and often overlooked—stories.

Photo image from Yale University

Community

Milla News: Rockland County’s Unofficial Mayor

Published

3 days ago

October 12, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Milla News has become one of Rockland County’s most recognizable social media personalities, earning a loyal following of more than 40,000 people on Instagram and building a reputation for making local news engaging for audiences of all ages.

Affectionately known as the “unofficial Mayor of Rockland County,” Milla has found a unique way to connect residents with the people, places and stories that shape their community.

Beyond his growing presence on social media, Milla is a co-owner of New York Is a Nationality, a popular clothing brand that celebrates New York identity and culture.

A graduate of Ramapo High School, Milla is also focused on giving back to the community that helped shape him. Through his work with local high school students, he shares insights into building a brand, using social media effectively and developing entrepreneurial skills.

By combining local news, social media and mentorship, Milla is helping inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs while bringing Rockland County residents together through stories that reflect their community.

Community

Family Emergency Preparedness: Is Your Family Ready?

Published

4 days ago

October 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Emergencies Can Happen Anytime: Is Your Family Prepared?

Emergencies rarely happen when it is convenient. A severe storm, extended power outage, house fire, medical emergency or other unexpected event can quickly disrupt everyday life. Taking a little time now to prepare can make a major difference when something goes wrong.

Here are some simple steps every household should consider.

Build an Emergency Kit

Keep basic supplies in a place that is easy to access. Your kit should include:

Bottled water and several days of nonperishable food
Flashlights and extra batteries
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
First-aid supplies
Necessary medications and medical supplies
Phone chargers and backup power banks
Blankets and warm clothing
Copies of important documents
Cash in small denominations
Basic tools and household supplies

Remember to check your supplies periodically and replace expired food, batteries and medications.

Have a Plan for Power Outages

Winter storms, high winds and equipment failures can leave homes without electricity for hours or even days. Know where your flashlights are, keep devices charged and have alternative ways to stay warm.

If you use a generator, never operate it inside a home, garage or other enclosed space. Generators must be kept outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents because of the risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Know What to Do in a House Fire

Make sure everyone in your household knows two ways to get out of every bedroom and where to meet outside.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly and replace batteries as recommended. If a fire occurs, get outside and stay outside. Do not go back inside for pets or belongings.

Prepare for Severe Weather

Severe thunderstorms, high winds, flooding and winter storms can develop quickly. Keep an eye on weather alerts and know where you would go in your home if you need to shelter.

During a severe storm, bring outdoor furniture and other loose objects inside when possible. Avoid driving through flooded roads — even a relatively small amount of moving water can be dangerous.

Be Ready for a Medical Emergency

Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit at home and learn basic first aid and CPR if you can.

Make sure family members know where important medications are located and have a list of medications, allergies and emergency contacts readily available. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Make a Family Communication Plan

If an emergency separates family members, everyone should know how to reconnect.

Choose an emergency contact outside your immediate area and establish a meeting place. Make sure children know their full name, address and how to call 911.

Don’t Forget Your Pets

Pets need an emergency plan, too. Keep food, water, medications, leashes, carriers and copies of veterinary records with your emergency supplies. Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels before an emergency occurs.

A Few Minutes of Preparation Can Save Precious Time

You do not have to prepare everything at once. Start with a basic emergency kit, make a family communication plan and learn what emergencies are most likely in your area.

The goal isn’t to expect the worst. It’s to be ready so that, when an emergency does happen, you can focus on keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.