What You Need to Know
• In the summer of 1936, over 5,000 people died from heat-related causes during a severe heat wave.
• Yonkers, New York, had a law banning shorts, enforced by police with fines and jail time.
• On June 21, 1936, two reporters from the New York Daily News were arrested for wearing shorts in Yonkers.
Geoff Williams, author of “The Summer of Death,” reported that the summer of 1936 was marked by dangerously high temperatures, with cities like New York City and Baltimore experiencing weeks of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. During this heat wave, many residents lacked air conditioning and resorted to sleeping in movie theaters or outdoors. In Yonkers, New York, a law enacted in 1935 prohibited wearing shorts in public, with violators facing fines of $150 or 30 days in jail. On June 21, 1936, two reporters from the New York Daily News tested this law by wearing shorts in Yonkers, resulting in their arrest, which was seen as an act of public disobedience against what they perceived as an unjust regulation.
Why It Matters
The summer of 1936 heat wave significantly impacted American life, leading to changes in social norms and clothing regulations. The extreme temperatures prompted discussions about public health and safety, as well as the appropriateness of laws governing personal attire. The Yonkers shorts ban reflects broader societal attitudes towards dress codes during a time when conformity was valued. This incident highlights the intersection of climate, culture, and legislation, illustrating how extreme weather can challenge existing norms and provoke civil disobedience.
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