Do You Remember When There Was No Air Conditioning?

by Evelyn Horan

Just recently on one of these hot “dog-days” of summer that are common where I live, I was reminded of how much I appreciate our air conditioner that keeps us cool and comfortable all day long. I remember when I was a child living on a farm in Texas, the way to cool the house was to open doors and windows hoping for an occasional breeze.

Do you remember hand held fans? Every lady had one in various colors and designs. Often, in church, on a warm Sunday morning, ladies would fan themselves throughout the long service. In school, we children knew how to make an “accordion” fan from paper, by folding the sheet of paper back and forth until there were accordion-like ridges of folds. Then we could quietly fan ourselves during lessons.

Red Open Hand Fan Isolated on a White Background.

As a young person, I recall automobiles were not air-conditioned. I’m sure many folks can remember this as well. Traveling through desert-like terrain was a miserable experience to be endured. Open windows for ventilation allowed hot air in to create chapped lips and burny scratchy eyes. Often times my mother put a wet cloth around her neck to try and keep cool, as she tried to breathe the warm air. Traveling without water in the car could be a dangerous oversight to our physical health. We drank lots of water to prevent dehydration, and believe it or not, we never had to seek a bathroom!

Isn’t it wonderful that wherever we travel, wherever we go–shopping malls, markets, theaters, and restaurants, we are comfortably cool because of the marvels of air conditioning? Since I find it difficult to breathe comfortably in hot weather, I am extremely grateful for modern day regulated air-conditioning services all year round that help me to “age with a cheerful attitude.”

About the Author

Evelyn Horan is a former teacher/counselor. Her articles and stories have been published many times in periodicals for children and adults in both secular and religious publications. She holds General Elementary, General Secondary, Pupil Personnel, and also School Psychologist life credentials in the state of California. Horan is the author of a number of books including Aging Requires a Gentle Attitude. Learn more about her work at http://www.authorsden.com/evelynhoran.

• airconditioning comfort
• evelyn horan