Rose Ice & Coal Company building being leased; has been in operation since 1933

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A building in downtown Wilmington that has been operating since the 1930’s is now being leased.

Rose Ice & Coal Company was purchased by Valley Ice, a company based out of Virginia, which is now leasing the Rose Ice building on 1202 Market Street. Valley Ice will be operating out the building next door. Valley Ice owner Todd Holtzman says no matter who leases the building, they hope to keep the exterior relatively the same.

Rose Ice & Coal was founded in 1933 by the Rose family, and Archie Harris purchased it in 1973. He operated the business for over 50 years. Alfred Thomas has worked for the company for 50 years and says out of all of his time working there, he feels his job has been that of helping others.

“Over the years of working here, it almost makes me feel like I’m a public servant. Because of the product we produce for this community and outlying communities, because of having the capability to take care of our own people,” said Thomas.

Thomas added that one of his favorite things about working there is that students from New Hanover High School still remember him all these years later.