Image Not Available for Tongs, Ice
Tongs, Ice
Image Not Available for Tongs, Ice

Tongs, Ice

Object number2008.126.2
Date1920-1929
Mediumsteel; paint
Credit LineGift of Jerry Contristano, Jr.
DescriptionSteel ice tongs, painted red.Dimensions5 x 7.75 x 13.5 in. (12.7 x 19.7 x 34.3 cm)
Historical NotesIce tongs used by Jerry the Ice-Man. Jerry Contristano, Jr. was a local character who delivered ice to various businesses throughout the city until his retirement in 2006. He was known for his constant smile and the Sinatra tunes that blared from his red truck. The sign (2008.126.1) was attached to his truck, he got the idea from an ice company in Bridgeport, Ohio, that had the line “when the ice is gone, the parties over” on their bags, so he had a sign made for $140 with this same tag line, and put it on his truck. He started out delivering ice and coal with his father, Gerardo Constantine, and brother around their hometown of the Hill District in the 1920s, the tongs were used from these early days up till he retired. The family moved to Beechview shortly before their home was destroyed in the 1950s to make way for the Civic Arena. After a stint in construction, he went back into the ice business with his brother in the early 1970s.
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