💙 Roundup Events July 25

The goal of the Heart of Roundup newsletter is to keep community members up to date on area events and fun stories.  This is a passion project and we are excited to bring a variety of exciting new things to Roundup.

Please email any events you know of to [email protected]

As the warmth of summer unfolds around us, it’s not just the sun that beckons but also the rich tapestry of traditions that have defined the season through the ages. Delving into the historical roots of our summer customs provides a fascinating glimpse into how our predecessors celebrated and survived the hottest months of the year.

The concept of summer as a distinct season for leisure and travel began to take shape with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. The development of railways and later automobiles turned scenic retreats like Newport and the French Riviera into popular summer destinations for the affluent. These places not only offered a cooler climate but also became social hubs where the elite could mingle and be seen.

Fashion, too, evolved with these new seasonal migrations. The heavy, layered garments of the early 1900s gave way to lighter, more breathable fabrics. By the mid-20th century, the introduction of the bikini revolutionized beachwear, reflecting broader social shifts towards casualness and comfort.

But how did people keep cool before the luxury of air conditioning? Historical architecture offers clues, with features designed to reduce heat. High ceilings, large windows, and verandas were common in homes before electric cooling, facilitating air circulation and providing shade.

Summer cuisine has also seen its evolution. Ice cream, once a delicacy confined to the tables of royalty, became a public delight by the 20th century, thanks to technological advances in refrigeration. Similarly, traditional foods like fresh salads and grilled meats became staples of the summer diet, celebrating the bounty of the season.

Understanding these historical contexts enriches our appreciation of summer. It reminds us that today’s leisure activities—be they a weekend getaway, a scoop of ice cream, or a simple family barbecue—are part of a long-standing cultural heritage that celebrates the season’s vibrant, albeit sweltering, embrace.

“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” — William Shakespeare

Why don’t oysters donate to charity during the summer?

Because they’re shellfish!

1. Ancient Origins of Summer Vacation: The concept of taking a break during the summer has its roots in ancient agriculture-based societies. Farmers took time off after planting their crops, which later influenced the academic calendar and led to the modern summer vacation.

2. Stonehenge and the Summer Solstice: Stonehenge in England has been associated with the summer solstice for thousands of years. Many believe it was used as an astronomical calculator, as its Heel Stone points directly at the sunrise on the solstice.

3. Invention of the Bikini: The bikini was introduced by French designer Louis Réard in 1946 and named after Bikini Atoll, where post-war nuclear testing was performed. Réard believed his design would create a cultural explosion much like the atomic tests.

4. The Dog Days of Summer: This term dates back to ancient Rome, where “Caniculares dies” referred to the days when Sirius, the Dog Star, rose just before the sun in late July. These were believed to be the hottest days of the year.

5. Ice Cream’s Public Debut: Ice cream became available to the general public in the 18th century. Before that, it was a luxury enjoyed only by the elite. The first advertisement for ice cream in the U.S. appeared in the New York Gazette on May 12, 1777.

6. Historic Heat Waves: The Dust Bowl of the 1930s brought some of the hottest summers on record to the United States. The intense heat and drought devastated American agriculture during the Great Depression.

7. Air Conditioning Transforms Cities: The widespread adoption of air conditioning in the mid-20th century transformed American life, allowing for the growth of cities in hot climates like Phoenix and Miami, and changing the architectural styles that no longer needed to prioritize natural cooling.

1. Explore Local History: Encourage your readers to visit local historical sites, museums, or landmarks to learn about their region’s summer traditions and historical events. It’s a great way to connect with the past and enjoy a day out.

2. Recreate Historical Recipes: Provide recipes or links to traditional summer dishes from different cultures or eras. Readers can enjoy making and tasting historical recipes that have been enjoyed during the summer months across centuries.

3. Host a Period-Themed Summer Party: Suggest organizing a summer party themed around a specific historical period, complete with costumes, music, and food from that era. This can be a fun way to learn about and experience the lifestyle of a bygone age.

4. Read Historical Diaries or Novels: Recommend books that depict summer life in different historical periods. Novels, memoirs, and diaries can provide a personal and immersive view of how people experienced summer in the past.

5. Watch Historical Documentaries on Summer Traditions: List documentaries that explore summer customs, important historical summer events, or the development of summer as a distinct season in human history.

6. DIY Traditional Crafts: Include instructions for traditional summer crafts such as making your own sundial, weaving a flower crown, or crafting a homemade fan. These activities not only offer a hands-on historical lesson but also a fun summer project.

7. Learn About Historical Summer Clothing: Share information or a visual guide about how summe