Heatwave Keeps Walla Walla Sweltering
After the weather observer's forecast for a cooling storm fails, frustrated locals turn to unconventional cooling methods.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Weather Observer Newman had a hard time this morning explaining to a sweltering public why the predicted thunderstorm failed to materialize. The observer took the good-natured joshing in the spirit it was tendered, but insisted that the prediction was simply delayed. The only signs of a storm this morning were a few fleecy clouds in a coppery sky, while the sun rose glaring and hot as usual. Walla Wallans had a miserable night, with the government thermometer showing the temperature never fell below 68 degrees. Many residents have taken to sleeping in tents on their lawns, and if the heat continues, it is estimated that half the city may soon follow suit to obtain needed rest.
“Many have taken to sleeping in tents on the lawn, and if the warm weather keeps up, it may be safely said half of Walla Walla will take this means to obtain needed rest.”
Walla Walla's climate has always defined the rhythm of life, and in 1903, without modern air conditioning, the 'lawn tent' was the primary technology for surviving a summer heatwave. This scene mirrors modern heat-adaptation efforts as residents adjust to a warming climate.
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