1. Sleeping on the Porch or in the Yard
Bedrooms in the early 20th century could get hot enough to make a roast feel underdone, so many Americans chose to sleep outside when summer temperatures peaked. Whether on a screened-in porch or just lying on the lawn with a blanket, the outdoor air was usually cooler than a stuffy bedroom. The added bonus? Nighttime bugs and critters were often less of a nuisance compared to the sweltering air inside.
2. Handheld Fans Made from Anything You Could Find
In an age before mass-produced fans, Americans got creative with making their own cooling devices. Some crafted fans out of cardboard, paper, or even woven palm fronds. Why? Because waving something in front of your face as the heat pressed in made a world of difference in feeling even a little bit cooler. Plus, it was a cost-effective way to stay cool during long, sweltering summer days.
3. Ice Delivered Straight to Your Door
Ice was a precious commodity in the pre-AC days, and it was delivered to homes in big blocks by the ice man, who often traveled around with a horse and cart. People would place these massive ice blocks in a pan or even use them in specially designed ice boxes to help cool down a room or keep food fresh. The sight of the ice man was a welcome one as summer temperatures soared, and the clinking of ice in a glass was a small but mighty comfort.
4. Ice Water Baths for the Feet
Back before the cool comfort of air conditioning, folks knew that cooling down their feet was one way to chill out. People would sit with their feet soaking in big tubs of ice water. The reason? This simple trick helps lower your body temperature by cooling down your extremities, and it felt so good after a long day in the scorching heat.
5. Hanging Wet Sheets in Open Windows
The dry heat could be unbearable, so people soaked sheets in water and hung them in open windows to help cool the air passing through. The evaporation of the water cooled the air before it reached the inside, creating a refreshing breeze that kept temperatures down. If you’ve ever walked past an old-fashioned home on a summer evening and caught that faint scent of damp fabric, now you know why.
6. Attending Public Pools or Natural Bodies of Water
Public pools, lakes, and rivers became summer sanctuaries where people would take a dip to cool off. Sometimes, it wasn’t about swimming laps; it was more about immersing yourself in water and soaking up the coolness. Plus, it was a community event—families and friends would gather to swim, play, and escape the heat together.
7. Wearing Special Cooling Garments
Some ingenious individuals came up with clothing that was designed to keep the wearer cooler, like light, loose-fitting dresses made of linen or cotton that could breathe. People also sometimes soaked their hats or scarves in water before wearing them, so when the heat became unbearable, that splash of wetness on the head was like nature’s air conditioning.
8. The Great Window Cross-Ventilation
If you didn’t have a fan, the next best option was using what you had: open windows. People would open windows on opposite sides of the house, creating a cross-breeze that helped air circulate and cool things down. The method worked best when the outside air was cooler than the indoors, and you’d often hear people whispering in their recipes for “keeping it cool” with just air currents.
9. Attending Movie Theaters
Movie theaters were one of the rare public places with early air conditioning—mostly because the film projectors generated a lot of heat and required cooling. Going to the movies was not just for entertainment; it was a great way to cool down on a hot day. Theaters were packed in the summer as people looked for relief in the dark, cool seats with a good movie to distract them.
10. Using a Handheld Ice Fan
Similar to handheld fans but even cooler (pun intended), these were small fans attached to a block of ice that dripped water as you fanned yourself. The melting ice created an additional cooling effect that people swore by. They were the ultimate summertime luxury for those who could afford them.
11. Creating Cool Zones with Wet Towels
People would drape wet towels over their shoulders or sit with them around their necks to cool off. The process of evaporation helped regulate body temperature. It was a cheap, simple fix that made a world of difference when your entire body felt like it was on fire.
12. Spreading Wet Rags Over Door Frames
If a full towel was too big, people would cut smaller cloths and soak them, draping them over door frames. This helped cool the air as it passed through, somewhat like an old-school air curtain. And for homes that couldn’t afford air conditioning, it was a great, if temporary, way to make life a little more bearable on blistering days.
Before air conditioning, people got creative, and these quirky methods show how inventive folks could be in the face of scorching heat. Who knew staying cool could be so resourceful—and often pretty fun, too?
