My grandmother and grandfather went to school in this schoolhouse. Can you imagine being stuck in there in the south Georgia heat, along with mosquitoes and gnats? My great-great grandfather built the school.
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@DearAmbellina2113 Actually, they didn't, but everybody was suffering together so they didn't notice the heat and bugs as much. It was just life as they knew it.
@exexec they did. See how the school building is raised off the ground? That space beneath allowed for cooler air to circulate through the building. And see how there is space in the ceiling area, between the top of the door and the roof? That also allowed cooler air to circulate. As for the bugs, they could burn citronella candles or other herbs to keep them away. Sometimes they rubbed oils on their skin to repel bugs too.
@DearAmbellina2113 Good theories, but not accurate in the real world of that area. There was no "cooler air" to circulate. Citronella and similar items of that era only reduced insects by less than 50%. They did wear long sleeves and long dresses to help with the bugs. Nothing kept the gnats out of their eyes.
@DearAmbellina2113 Wow! A bit judgmental aren't we? I base my statement on on-site experience. IF you doubt my statement about the effectiveness of citronella, check the studies. If you question my assertion that there was no cool air to circulate, spend a summer in deep south GA with the humidity and heat. I am always interested in being educated.
