Heatwaves & History: How Early Superior Settlers Beat the Summer Sun
- Superior, Arizona
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Summer in Superior isn’t for the faint of heart—but it’s nothing new. Long before air conditioning and iced lattes, the people who settled this rugged desert town had their own strategies for staying cool under the Arizona sun. From thick adobe walls to midday siestas, early Superiorites lived in rhythm with the desert. Let’s take a look at how they endured—and even enjoyed—the heat, and how some of those traditions continue today.
How They Kept Their Cool: Life in Early Superior
Adobe Architecture & Cooling Design
Early homes in Superior were often made with adobe—sun-dried bricks composed of mud and straw. These thick walls had incredible insulating properties, keeping interiors cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Many adobe homes were built with deep-set porches, high ceilings, and transom windows to allow hot air to escape and promote airflow.
Fun Fact: Some original adobe structures still stand in Superior today. A drive through the older neighborhoods reveals thick-walled homes that have stood the test of time—and temperature.
Water Use & Community Wells
Before plumbing, water was precious and carefully conserved. Early residents used community wells, hauled water by hand, and often placed clay pots of water in shaded breezeways to cool naturally. People bathed infrequently, but when they did, it was usually at night in outdoor tin tubs when temperatures dipped.
Summer Attire: Light Layers & Wide Brims
Pioneer clothing might not scream “summer fashion” by today’s standards, but it was practical. Lightweight cotton layers protected skin from the sun while allowing sweat to evaporate. Wide-brimmed hats and parasols were essential for anyone braving the sun.
Siestas & Slow Living
During the peak of summer, locals adopted a more relaxed pace—an unofficial “siesta culture.” Work happened early in the morning or after the sun went down. Afternoons were for resting in shaded rooms or catching a breeze on the porch.
Echoes of the Past: Summer Living in Modern-Day Superior
Some things change. Others endure.
Today, Superior residents still find creative ways to beat the heat. You’ll see folks lounging at shaded patios, sipping iced prickly pear lemonade or taking scenic drives into the cooler elevations of nearby mountains. Seasonal hours are common, and locals instinctively know when to rest and when to rally.
Prickly Pear Everything
Summer means prickly pear season! From slushies and lemonades to jams and margaritas, this desert fruit is a tasty way to stay refreshed. Be sure to try a chilled prickly pear drink from one of our local shops (or stock up at the Prickly Pear Festival in August).
Indoor Attractions & History Hangs
Cool down while diving into Superior’s past at the Bob Jones Museum, where you can see vintage clothing, tools, and housewares used by early residents. Or explore indoor art galleries and shops in the historic downtown area—often with the AC on full blast.
Summer Nights in the Desert
When the sun goes down, Superior comes alive. From live music at local bars to community events at Besich Park, summer evenings are a favorite time to gather. You’re more likely to see a local dance party at dusk than at noon!
Come Feel the Heat—The Superior Way
Whether you’re strolling through historic neighborhoods or sipping something icy at a local café, there’s something timeless about summer in Superior. Just like our early settlers, we’ve learned to live with the sun—not against it.
So even though it will be toasty in Superior this season, don't stay away, plan your getaway today and you might just catch some of our magnificent summer rains!
