"/>
The cooler, a modest witness to the life of yesteryear, was elevated to the rank of public service in Auch in the 18th century. Let's go back in time and discover this little built heritage.
A municipal cooler
If until the 17th century ice was a luxury product, the 18th century saw a desire to popularize its consumption. At that time, a few private coolers were located in the city, notably those of Matalin, of the Archdiocese (current Prefecture), the Château du Garros, or the former hotel de la Pomme d'Or (at the bottom of rue Gambetta).
In 1753, three of these coolers were rented by order of theIntendant of Etigny in order to provide access to as many people as possible, but after a few particularly hot summer seasons, these reserves are insufficient (up to 17 kg of ice are distributed per year!).
In 1783, the construction of the Foirail municipal cooler is decided, guaranteeing large quantities of ice cream for all and at a low price.
For what use?
The first “consumers” are the noble families, dignitaries of the clergy, and other officers of the stewardship, but also bourgeois, merchants and well-to-do artisans. Ice is used for making drinks and ice cream, but its primary utility remains for medical purposes.
How does it work ?
The Foirail cooler has a well-studied construction for good cold conservation: thick walls (0,65m), 2/3 sunk, cylindrical in shape with a depth of 4,2 m and the base of which is provided with a small paved canal for the flow of water.
During the winter, we collect the ice on the surface of frozen ponds and fountains, the SNOW on the meadows. The filling is done in very cold weather and at night. We tamp as we go, garnishing with straw and ending with a floor weighed down by large stones.
The door of the cooler is locked until June 21, opening day. The sale takes place from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. and is carried out by soldiers.
1789 marked the end of the operation of the municipal ice-house, considering it an unnecessary luxury. As a result, ice production becomes private and insufficient again.
Today the curious walker can still see the famous Foirail cooler by leaning slightly above the balustrade on the north-west side of the Allées d'Etigny, 50 m from the Palais de justice.
sources: Maurice BORDES and Edmond ESCAFIT Aspects of Auch in the XNUMXth century
