They have a very nice museum in his house in Apalachacola. The idea was to make ice for fever victims. Years ago the houses in the South were built with the air dispersment in mind. High ceilings, long windows and transoms over the doors to the hall. Most hallways went through the house catching the breeze. The wide porches were also to help cool. I'd say the Southern way of life carried on without air contitioning for a long time. We had an attic fan when I was growing up. My parents didn't get an air contition until I had left home. We managed quite well. Now we are spoiled to the point of being grumpy when we are inconvenienced by lack of the cool air after a hurricane.

Pam