Make a hole in the side of a hill. Line it with logs and a log floor and roof. Cover with fill material.
In the winter, set out square wooden boxes, open at the top with water.
Put the ice blocks in the hole, after you line the hole with straw.
Make your mint juleps in July as required.
I actually used 5 gallon buckets when I did it.
It's like all the rest of it. It sucks.
Modern technology is great.
LOL. Modern Technology is great! Did the ice really last till July? August? How hot was the summer?
I still remember the old fashioned ice box, that we had to get a big block of ice for about once a week. It was lined with metal inside.
It took years before we quit calling the refrigerator the ice box. LOL.
The Mennonite communities in my area have these Tyveck wrapped (spray foam insulation?) ice houses. I have yet to inspect them to see how they do it.