Here in Florida we are into late spring and witness to the humidity known to Floridians. It begged the question for us
"What did Floridians do to keep cool before home air conditioning became commonplace?
So with my handy little computer (phone) I set out to find the answer.
It appears that Floridians can thank Dr. John Gorrie. The Apalachicola physician created the technology that led to refrigeration and air conditioning.
Gorrie invented a system that blew air over ice to help refresh his patients who suffered from malaria and yellow fever.
Despite being mocked for his innovative idea and called a fraud, Gorrie patented his “Machine for Artificial Production of Ice” in 1851.
In 1902, Willis Carrier built on Gorrie’s technology and introduced the first electrical air conditioning unit.
Air conditioning started popping up in some public places, like theaters and hotels, in the 1920s. In the following decades, A/C would be added to restaurants, train cars, supermarkets and homes of the rich.
Air conditioning wouldn’t creep into homes until the 1940s and 50s. Swampy Florida, currently home to over 21 million people, used to be the least populated Southern state.
Many residents like us were snowbirds, fleeing as the mugginess of late spring set in and returning in December.
Floridians who stuck it out during the hottest months simply formed their lives around the stifling temperatures, wearing shorts and sandals to work or even government meetings. They cooled themselves with paper fans and guzzled iced tea... & They Swam! Floridians trapped cool morning air inside their homes with closed windows and depended on ceiling fans for relief. Evenings were for savoring breezes on the porch.
The heat even influenced architecture, Florida Cracker style homes featured shiny metal roofs, tall ceilings that allowed warmth to rise, and wide windows and porches to welcome airflow.
Air conditioning became more popular after World War II, ushering in a new era of tourism. By the 1960s, units that were more efficient and affordable made air conditioning more common in average homes.
By the 1990s air conditioning was a billion dollar industry — the “greatest single source of energy expended for Foridians & the US population.
Life as we know it today includes "Air Conditioning" and today we are hoping to have it in our little temporary Florida Cottage.
We're Crossing Our Fingers For Cooler Days Now!
Nana
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