Why were roof gardens popular with theaters? What about Madison Square Garden?
HVAC. Those letters today refer to “heating, ventilation and air conditioning” and those who install and maintain these vital systems. But it wasn’t until 1888 when first generation mechanical cooling systems (fans) were installed in some factories and it took until the 1920s for the general public to experience true “air conditioning” (cooling with the removal of some humidity) in some movie theaters. Large indoor public gathering places before then caused concern with public and medical officials about the healthfulness of “the unwashed masses” mixing together in poorly ventilated buildings. The accumulation of heat and odors after multiple, daily performances by June made most theatres and opera houses unbearable causing them to close for the summer season. It wasn’t until 1911 that the Folies Bergere Theater in New York City was the first to install an air-conditioning system. Back in the 1880s, visits to seaside hotels, outdoor amusement parks, amphitheaters, and new “base ball” p
