Cooling Strategies in the 1800s
The 1800s were a time of discovery and innovation when it came to staying cool in the summer months. People in the 1800s had to be creative in order to stay cool in the heat – there was no air conditioning! Here are some of the strategies people used to stay cool:
Fans – People in the 1800s used handheld fans, stationary fans, and even “windmills” to create a cooling breeze.
Shade – People would try to stay in the shade as much as possible, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Trees, awnings, and umbrellas were all popular methods of providing shade.
Clothing – People would wear light, loose-fitting clothing to help keep them cool. They also used hats to protect their face and head from the sun.
Ice – Ice was not widely available in the 1800s, but those who had access to it used it to cool down. People would put ice in drinks and cold compresses to help keep them cool.
Water – Water was often used to cool down, both inside and outside the home. People would take baths, swim in nearby ponds, or simply splash water on themselves to cool down.
The 1800s were a time of incredible ingenuity when it came to staying cool in the summer. People had to be creative and make use of the resources available to them in order to beat the heat.
