How Rockland County residents stayed cool before A/C at the Blauvelt Homestead
The 1832 Blauvelt Homestead in New City offers a glimpse into the simple but effective ways families kept cool during summer heat long before modern air conditioning.
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The Jacob Blauvelt House on Zukor Road in New City was built in 1832 - long before central air conditioning.
Jennifer Rothschild, of the Historical Society of Rockland County, says the family who lived there relied on architecture, home design and everyday practices to stay cool during hot weather.
“Today we're in the Blauvelt House and I'm going to tell you it's nice and cool, despite the fact that it's plus-90 outside,” Rothschild said.
One method involved keeping direct sunlight out of the home while maximizing airflow.
“On a hot day like this, they may just cover the windows and keep that sunlight out. But in general, in the summertime, the furniture would gravitate towards the windows where they could open the window and get a breeze,” Rothschild said.
She also pointed to the home's layout, which helped create natural ventilation while also being well insulated from layers of brick.
“But as you can see from here, to the parlor bedroom, which we will go next, there would be a nice cross breeze if you would open the sets of windows,” she said.
The home's kitchen was another important feature. It was originally separate before an addition was added to connect the two buildings.
“This would have been a totally separate building that would have ended about here, keeping the fire away from the dwelling. So in the summertime when you're cooking on an open fire, at least it wouldn't be affecting the part of the house you lived in,” Rothschild said.
Even the direction the house faces contributes to its ability to stay cool. According to Rothschild, the home faces south because of the sun.
The house's architectural design also helps block heat.
“It has a gambrel-style roof, which flares out at the bottom, and you see a very deep overhanging eve. It shades the front of the house. So it would naturally shade those windows and keep the heat out,” Rothschild said.
Visit their website to find out more about touring the house and getting in contact with them.
