Are you one of those people who can't stop complaining about how hot and humid it's been lately? Well think about this...we should be grateful that we're even having a summer...because there was a year where there was no summer in New England at all.

A fascinating article on the Millbridge Historical Society website tells the story about the year without a summer in New England. In the summer of 1816, there was snow on the ground and temperatures well below freezing in June, July, and August. While this was well before weather data was officially recorded, some of the stories told by the people who lived it are quite remarkable.

If this happened nowadays, it would be rather inconvenient. But in 1816, it was a life threatening situation. There weren't even railroads at the time...the only methods of transporting cargo was wagons and on the water. Seed for crops was hard to come by that year, and most things that were planted died quickly because of the cold. People did have some food, but likely no fruits or vegetables. The lack of nutrition caused a great deal of sickness in the area.

So before you start complaining about the excessive heat this summer, just be glad we have one. And don't worry, it'll be over before you know it!

 

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