08/28/2026
The Millville Historical Society invites the community to celebrate the completed restoration of
the Whitaker Ice Wagon on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the David
C. Wood Mansion, 821 Columbia Avenue, Millville.
This project truly took a village—donors,
volunteers, and skilled artisans all helped bring the wagon back to life. Few communities still
have horse-drawn wagons that once delivered ice to homes and businesses, making this restored
wagon a treasured piece of Millville history.
Franklyn Pangburn, 93, a Korean War veteran who rode the ice wagon as a child, will serve as
master of ceremonies. At age six, Franklyn sat beside his father—and at times his uncle—as
they delivered lake-cut blocks of ice. His grandfather also worked at the Whitaker Ice Plant,
where ice was later produced. Franklyn will unveil the wagon to the public for the first time,
and a recorded interview about his childhood in Millville will be shown throughout the
afternoon in the Mansion parlor.
Spend the afternoon enjoying:
Lemonade, cake, and ice cream with a variety of toppings
Piano and vocal entertainment by Christine Sheil of Sharing the Joy of Music, including a
sing-along.
A display of vintage ice cream utensils
A photo exhibit showing the pole barn construction and key stages of the wagon’s
restoration, including sanding, fire-damage repair, canvas roof replacement, custom
painting, and final lettering.
A chance to help make ice cream the old-fashioned way by turning the hand crank.
Tours of the 1814 Wood Mansion House, which is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places
Photos displayed throughout the Mansion of former Millville businesses that once served
ice cream.
A preview of the Society’s next restoration project: the circa 1814 Ice House, listed as a
contributing building and structure in the Mansion’s National Register nomination.
Time to meet and visit with friends, old and new.
The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available behind the Mansion House
and accessible from Church Street.