Where Would We Be Without Ice?

Where Would We Be Without Ice?

Jon Gorrie Museum State Park
Located on Sixth Street in Apalachicola, FL off U.S. 98
Hours: 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday.
Details: 850-653-9347
Admission: $1 per person, children age 6 and under are admitted free.

An important contribution to history and health was made by a young physician named John Gorrie who moved to Apalachicola, Fla.,  in the early 1800s. This was the area’s heyday when it was a prominent port of trade, commerce, and shipping in Florida. Gorrie served as postmaster, city treasurer, town councilman, and bank director.

Concern for his yellow fever patients motivated Gorrie to invent a method for cooling their rooms. He became a pioneer in the field of air conditioning and refrigeration by inventing a machine that made ice, and received the first U.S. Patent for mechanical refrigeration in 1851.

A replica of his ice-making machine is on display at the museum, as well as exhibits chronicling the colorful history of Apalachicola, which played an important role in Florida’s economic development.

Don’t Miss
11th Annual Forgotten Coast’s Chef Sampler
Feb. 11, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Area chefs will put out their finest fare eat the Fort Coombs Armory, Avenue D and Fourth Street in Apalachicola. Tickets are $50 each or tables can be purchased. Payment is due at the time of reservation. Proceeds will benefit the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce. Details: (850)653-9419 or info@apalachicolabay.org