You may be surprised to know the original ice machine started right here in the panhandle. The John Gorrie Museum in Apalachicola honors the man who created it.

Dr. Gorrie was trying to find a way to comfort patients stricken by a yellow fever epidemic.

"Without the invention of the air conditioned sick room and the artificial ice machine probably wouldn't be Florida like it is today," said Willie McNair, park ranger.

The ice machine laid the groundwork for modern refrigeration and air conditioning. During the busy season, the museum is full of visitors from across the country, but local visitors are always welcome, and McNair says you'll always learn something new.

"A lot of people actually when they come to the museum are amazed how the ice machine looks. Most people look at it and they think it's moonshine," said McNair.

The Gorrie Museum is open from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. It costs one dollar per person. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

The museum is located on Sixth Street in Apalachicola, one block off U.S. 319-98.