A little history lesson of screens

During the fall and spring months, nothing feels better than turning off the air, opening the windows and letting in the breeze blow through. As we sit back and enjoy the outside breeze sometimes we take for granted not being interrupted by pesky flies and mosquitoes. Screens allow us to enjoy the outdoors and nature while being in a protective bubble. 

Since the dawn of mankind, people have had to fight off and live with these unpleasant creatures. In ancient times, the Chinese created decorative lattice to stave off small bugs and animals. Early Americans used cheese cloths to cover their windows to keep air circulation throughout the house. It wasn't durable or much to look at but it kept flying critters out as well as dirt particles. 

During the Civil War, northern factories manufactured fine wire mesh for sifting flour and making cheese. They quickly acquired a surplus of screens because they couldn't sell them to southern states. One clever employee decided to put protective paint over the screens so they wouldn't rust and fitted them on the windows of his house. The window screen was born and quickly became standard in every home. 

When science discovered diseases like malaria were spread by mosquitoes, screens became an effective weapon in preventable sickness. Window screens play a valuable role in our comfort, way of life and health.