A Chilling History
The first car company to offer air conditioning was Packard in 1939. The option was not popular with consumers. It was bulky, taking up most of the available trunk space, and expensive at $274 ($4,800 today). By 1941, Packard took the option off the market. It wasn’t until the 1950s that A/C returned as an option and more car companies began to offer the luxury. In the 1940s, while A/C hadn’t yet taken off in automobiles, it was becoming slightly more common in the home. Window-mounted units were showing up in stores, and while it was still a luxury item, it was more practical than ever before, though few families could afford one. The average window-mounted A/C unit cost about $350, almost $6,000 today. Jumping ahead several decades, in 2013, Statistics Canada’s Households and the Environment Survey revealed that 55 percent of Canadian households had an air conditioner. Manitoba was the A/C leader with about 80 percent of homes containing a unit. British Columbia was on the lower end with 21 percent, and Newfoundland and Labrador had the fewest, with 9 percent.
5 COOL FACTS ABOUT AIR CONDITIONING
Willis Haviland Carrier is considered the father of modern air conditioning, thanks to his inventions, patents and research. This Carrier Corporation founder developed the first electric A/C unit in 1902. He is credited with the discovery of one of the key principles of cool air: humidity control. Air conditioning was one of the driving forces behind the success of cinemas in the 1920s. At the time, air conditioning had yet to come to the home market. It was still an extreme luxury, very expensive and very bulky. Many film historians thank A/C for establishing the summer movie season. When it was hot outside, patrons could see a movie to cool off. In fact, many theaters advertised cool air as part of the movie-going experience.
Summer Salad SENSATIONAL
It’s officially the season of salads, and fruit salads are summer’s specialty! Enjoy this tasty dish as a side or main course. For some added protein, toss in a handful of slivered almonds or chopped pecans.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound strawberries, thinly sliced • 3 medium peaches, thinly sliced • 1 cup blueberries
• 1 heaping tablespoon fresh basil or mint, chopped • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 tablespoon maple syrup • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
DIRECTIONS
3. Gently toss to combine. 4. Serve immediately, or chill for later.
1. In a medium serving bowl, combine the strawberries, peaches, blueberries and basil. 2. Drizzle lemon juice, maple syrup and balsamic vinegar on top.
Recipe inspired by CookieAndKate.com.
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