Air Conditioning

Post Date

Fri, 07/26/2013 - 00:36

Categories

Health

Inasmuch as wall units were invented in 1945, I am older than air conditioning as we first knew it.

We got our first wall unit in the 50s. Prior to then, on hot summer days we took midday cold showers, ran through the lawn sprinkler, sat in a kiddie pool, rode our bikes as fast as we could while still wet, went to the beach (without suntan lotion – sunscreen wasn't even invented), read a book under a shady tree, opened the freezer, went down into the basement, drank lots of cold water from the garden hose, used cold compresses and towels, sat by open windows or a fan searching for a breeze, slept outside on the porch on hot nights and filled up with ice pops, ice cream, lemonade or water melon.

Today, despite the threat of power failure, my office is so cold that we need to wear a sweater on these Steaming Summer days while doing all we can do to stay indoors in this age of global warming.

It almost makes me want to return to those "cool" days of yesteryear!

Comments

Riva Schwartz

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No A/C ??? What is your stand on indoor plumbing?

Shelley Simpson

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So now people stay in all year - sitting outside to catch a cool breeze or going to the Park to cool off on hot summer evenings put people in touch with each other. I remember going for ice cream and stopping off to talk to people along the way. Maybe we were hot and sticky, and maybe we even complained, but we has plenty of company. It was a way to be connected which is nice.

Linda Newman

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As I am a "tad" younger than you, I remember our first air conditioner. It was in my parents bedroom. On hot nights, I slept on a cot in their room. I remember my Junior High School graduation. It was held outside on Brooklyn College's campus on one of the hottest, muggiest days of June. (Cap and gown, etc.) After graduation we had lunch at the famous and now defunct Lundy's in Sheepshead Bay. NO A/C. Neither my Dad, nor I touched our lunch even though the food was fabulous. We went home to our respective bedrooms, turned on the A/C and went to sleep in the middle of the day. That's the allergy cure and it works as well, if not better than allergy pills. Before cars were A/C, my Dad would pull over the side of the road, get out and "lose his lunch". He would then continue driving. Now, when I recevie my A/C bill, I always say, I would be happy to pay double.

Linda Newman

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Not padding, I see Joanne is not a fan of A/C.

Erik Scheibe

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Since it was before global warming, it probably wasn't that hot out anyway ;)

Benjamin Geizhals

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Nothing better than opening the windows the last few nights (after the heat wave broke) and enjoying the cool natural air.

Lucas Meyer

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My grandfather had a 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special that was factory air conditioned. The evaporator was behind the rear seat (in the trunk), and there were two clear plastic tubes that came out of the package shelf and went into the headliner and there were four air ducts in the ceiling (kind of like a modern minivan).

Our house in (what today is called) Sleepy Holly, NY didn't have central air conditioning, but we had four powerful room units, one in the family room, one in the living room, one in my parents' room and one in my room. So if we left all the doors open, the entire house got cooled. I was born in 1959, and I don't remember my parents having un-air conditioned cars. They both HATED the heat, and were early adopters.

Rona Gura

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My comments on Ben's blog shows you how essential I feel A/C is.

Amparo Connors

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Give me A/C or endure me as a very cranky girl! But, like Ben, relished sleeping with a lovely natural breeze the last few nights. Do agree too many offices are way too cold and must keep a sweater handy...no way to please everyone!

Liz Saldana

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I'm still waiting for them to make an A/C app for my Iphone!

Corey Bearak

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I really enjoy being outside and when I can plan it -- have not yet much this summer but more the mosquitos (but city sprayed Wed overnight into Thus so we'll see), I set up shop on my deck - concept behind wireless land lines and cell, internet with wireless and MacBook. At the same time, I have tried to not overuse the AC in my office (especially if not suited up). On weekends, the pool offers an opportunity to cool off especially after a lot of hoops and v-ball.
I do recall keeping a light baseball jacket to stay warm at past offices with too much AC.

Donald Bernstein