A Sultry Summer in 1928

July, 1928 was long before air conditioning commonly appeared in homes and businesses, though it was invented in the 1930s.  People stayed in the shade, used handkerchiefs soaked in water, wore broad-brimmed hats, went swimming, used fans, etc. to make life more bearable when days of hot, sticky weather descended.   These quotes are from Ruth Meredith's diary, but did not appear in Pieces of a Life.  The photo, however, is her graduation picture in 1926 and was in the book.

Thursday, July 26, 1928
"Very trying day.  Very hot.  Had several verified statements to make.  John's car had a flat tire on way home.  We had to get air twice.  Poor John!  Loaned Papa $20."

Ruth was still working at Montgomery Ward's as a stenographer.  The "verified statements" were her job at work that day.  I was surprised that Papa asked Ruth for $20.  I imagine it was because of a tenant upstairs in their rental flat who "skedaddled" (ran off without paying).  Ruth's parents, Lottie and Jim Meredith, counted on the extra money, though the upkeep on the flat was a lot of work.

 July 27, 1928
"Wasn't so hot today, but for some unknown reason I am very tired and listless.  Got new Catalogue tonite.  John was tired too.  I shall now go to bed and read until sleepy."

Ruth and John were probably dehydrated from the run of hot weather, not knowing about electrolytes and hydration.  They saw a lot of movies that summer, always great entertainment, and even went to Ravinia on July 29 with another couple.  They heard a two-hour concert, but Ruth doesn't mention who was playing. The weather was better until early August when it was again "very hot" and "miserable to work steadily."  What a contrast to today when we flick on the air conditioning in the house or car!