Many industries could not be as productive during the winter as they were during the summer when the warm air and longer days allowed for more work. In Saratoga , two industries actually thrived during the winter months. Ice harvesting was practiced in the days before refrigeration. Once local ponds had frozen over, large chunks of ice were cut from the pond and stored in ice houses until the they could be it was transported to urban areas and locations with warmer climates.

The logging industry also flourished during the winter months. Because it was a primary fuel source in the late 1800s and early 1900s, wood was in high demand and kept loggers at work throughout the cold season.