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Living in Washington Before Air Conditioning: The President’s Miserable Summer

Take a look back at Washington before air conditioning and how the President's summer was made miserable by the heat. Learn more about the history of Washington DC before modern comfort.
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December 5, 1923. Probably Washington, D.C. 4x5 glass negative, National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress.
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Seems odd that the President would sleep outside, but this was Washington before air conditioning. I’m sure it was miserable living here during the summer. Frankly, it still is pretty miserable during the summer.

Sleeping porch on the roof of the White House Erected during the Taft Administration
Sleeping porch on the roof of the White House Erected during the Taft Administration

Source: Library of Congress

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