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Silsbee Ice House Museum and Cultural Center |
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The Silsbee Ice House, located at Ernest Avenue, was erected by Gulf States Utilities in 1928. In 1943 ownership was transferred to H.C. Hopkins and C.F. Young. Later, Newton Hopkins took over for his father. At that time Ice House production was about 30,000 tons of ice a week. He later sold the company to Sparkle Ice Company.   When refrigeration was invented, people no longer needed block ice for their ice boxes so demand slowed. The Ice House continued to produce ice, however, for recreational events and a variety of local companies. In 1983, the Ice House closed and remained unused until 1990. The idea to turn the building into a museum was that of Silsbee resident Helen White. After enlisting a group of like-minded people, the Hardin County Arts and Education Foundation was established.  On September 12, 1991, the Ice House received an historical designation from the Texas Historical Commission. With the help of volunteers and donations, the badly deteriorating building was restored to a usable condition, and the volunteers began to acquire permanent works of art and historical pieces for display. To exhibit the artwork, these volunteers designed a fine art gallery where exhibitions continue to draw art lovers year round. It has featured the works of notable artists such as Rev. Tom K. Simms, Sparky Balla, Betty Iles, Robynna Prescott, Jerry Newman, Roger Ratliff, Goldie Winger, and Kim Allen. Included in their permanent collection are works by the late Maudee Carron, Bucky Milam, Peggy Osborne, Frank Gerriets, Lynn Sweat and Frank White. Recently, the Ice House accepted a generous donation from the City of Silsbee's Economic Development Corporation for renovations. Seeing the enthusiasm of its current board of directors and their plans for a variety of future events, the City believed it would be a worthwhile project. The Ice House now has a newly leveled and finished floor in its lower section which has added 2,000 square feet of usable space to accommodate group meetings, workshops, historical acquisition displays, and a variety of other activities. A new handicap access ramp has been installed as well as new windows and doors. The walls and ceiling have been painted, a new kitchen area installed to provide a refreshment preparation area, and a new entry walk has been added. Contact Sue Bard, our curator curator@sysmatrix.net |
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