There is nothing like the warmth of summer. It’s a wonderful time to relax, enjoy the sunshine, sip a cool beverage, and jump in the lake. But during the routine tasks and obligations of life when we can’t escape the heat, we can definitely lose our cool.
For example, in July 1936, Winnipeg temperatures soared to 111 F (44 C) and people said it was hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. A reporter from the Winnipeg Tribune proved it was not. But it was hot, and there was no escape. Homes and businesses were not cooled in the heat of summer. That’s just how it was for everyone including the Dickies From Gunton: Canadian Brothers in Two World Wars.
On a hot summer day, things heated up. Homes, businesses, stores, banks and public buildings alike absorbed the heat. Life went on.
At home, people would do the housework early and then close all their windows and draw the blinds in an effort to keep the midday heat out. Later, it would be time to open the windows to let in fresh and cooler air. Children played outside. Cooking and baking would be done in the cooler evening hours. Yet often, the summer heat would linger well into the restless night.
Schools and businesses also got very hot. No one wore shorts and tank tops to school or to do their work or errands. People dressed more formally. Professionals wore jackets and ties. There were no compromises, even if you felt like you were about to faint.
When you don’t have something, perhaps you don’t miss it. If you are used to the heat for most of your life, perhaps you do not want a home air conditioner. The expense, the cold draft, the noise of the fan might interrupt your summer warmth. Or you may welcome this new opportunity for a reprieve from the heat.
According to Statistics Canada, in 2017, over 60 per cent of Canadian homes had air conditioning. While some still do not, at least public places are cooled. A trip to the mall or grocery store can offer some relief.
Summer is an enjoyable time, but the heat can make it tough to keep our cool.