As I worked with the ALPLM's photograph collection over the summer, I reflected on how people in these 19th and early 20th century photographs stayed cool before the invention of air conditioning. Today, nearly all American homes and public buildings have air conditioning, and it is difficult to imagine a time without it. However, photographs let us look back at some of the methods people used to protect themselves from the summer heat.  

The first method is shown by the two images below. The first was taken August 8, 1860, outside Abraham Lincoln's home. Notice all the light colors Lincoln and his supporters are wearing. These lighter colors were often lightweight fabrics such as linen. Both men and women often wore hats made of more breathable materials as well, with straw hats standing out as a popular choice to keep cool outdoors. Below that, a May 1858 photograph gives a more detailed view of Lincoln in his summer wear.

The practice of wearing light, breathable garments in warmer months continued well into the twentieth century. Here’s a photograph of Robert Todd Lincoln wearing a boater hat, which appears to be made of straw. He also happens to be on the golf course in this photo, which was a popular pastime for wealthy men in warmer months.  

Other methods included hikes and picnics in shaded parks and swimming at beaches to keep cool in summer. 

This beach photo is from our Sadorus Family Collection. The family settled the town of Sadorus, in Champaign County, Ill., so perhaps this swimming spot is in that area.

This photo from our Federal Writers' Project Collection shows a pool built from an old stone quarry in Naperville, Ill.

   
Deer Park, near LaSalle, Ill., was a wide gorge 100 feet deep. The back of this stereoview card says, "There is a fine spring at the further end of the park or amphitheater, its water is pure and cool even in the sultry days of summer, at which season it is visited by pleasure seekers almost daily, from various parts of the country, as it is a delightful place of resort." 

Another way to keep cool was designing buildings with architectural features that encouraged air movement and let warm air escape. Throughout Springfield, historical buildings constructed in the 19th century generally have tall windows that would be opened to allow cool air to flow through buildings. The Old State Capitol, Governor’s Mansion, and St. John’s Hospital are good examples. Many of these windows also had louvered shutters, which were designed to block the sun but still allow for air flow through the slats.

At this event, air conditioning units for private homes were introduced for the first time, though these products would not catch on until after World War II. Ultimately, the widespread availability of air conditioning brought with it a decline in the previous practices. Lighter fabrics are style choices, not summer necessities. Large windows are more about letting in natural light than breezes.