How did Alabamians survive the Summer before air conditioning?

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Alabama summers are hot. And long. High temperatures are going to be in the 90s throughout the state this week, which means air conditioning units will likely be running around the clock.

So, how did people in the Yellowhammer State keep cool before HVAC?

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[tps_title]1. Architecture[/tps_title]

The rise of air conditioning has brought with it a change in architecture. Pre-AC homes were built with high ceilings, large windows, and wide hallways that reached straight from the front door to the back door to encourage cross breezes. Transom windows also helped warmer air—which rises—escape rooms.