Sunday Favorites: Dog Days of Summer

The end of summer is always bittersweet. Kids head back to school, and the stress of storm season hits its peak. It’s also unbearably hot—so hot that your parked car can turn into an oven. This period is famously known as the "Dog Days" of summer. But where does that saying come from, and how did Florida’s pioneers cope with the relentless heat?

Bathing costumes of in the year 1900.

Steamer Dorothy with a group of people circa 1901.

Formal Portrait of Nannie Richards

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The Dog Days of summer typically last from early July to mid-August and are known for their extreme heat. This period coincides with the rising of Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. Sirius, derived from the Greek word “scorcher”, is part of the constellation Canis Major, or the Greater Dog, earning it the canine nickname “Dog Star” due to its association with the constellation. It follows Orion in the night sky, resembling a dog on a leash. The Ancient Greeks and Romans noticed that Sirius began to rise with the sun after the Summer Solstice, leading them to believe it was responsible for the sweltering temperatures, according to librarian Tina Leme in her blog “The Dog Days of Summer”.

For over a century, the extreme heat during the Dog Days of summer has impacted residents of Manatee County. Early settlers often traveled by boat rather than by wagon or horseback, as it was cooler and faster. In those days, ice was a luxury, not a necessity. Some families would indulge just two or three times during the season, purchasing 100 pounds of ice. This allowed them to enjoy the rare treat of cold drinking water and even make homemade ice cream, according to Mrs. Furman Chairs Whitaker’s speech “Remembrances” she gave to the Bradenton Woman’s Club.

In the early days, there was no bridge connecting Anna Maria Island to the mainland. During the summer, river steamer boats offered a special deal on Thursdays. For just 50 cents, passengers could sail to Anna Maria in the morning, then catch another boat returning from Tampa for the trip home. These excursions often included a picnic lunch, making for a memorable day out, according to “The Singing River: A History of the People, Places, and Events Along the Manatee River” by Joe Warner.

Sometimes, families camped on the island in canvas tents, but mosquitos were often a burden and tents lacked screens. In these cases, a smudge pot, filled with flammable liquids like kerosene, burned to create thick smoke that repelled mosquitoes.

One of my favorite camping stories involves Nancy “Nannie” Richards, a mother of four who loved taking her motor launch out to Anna Maria for camping trips with her children and guests. She would catch fish for their dinners, but after one particularly discouraging day with no catch, she reeled in a shark. At the time, sharks were considered inedible, but Nannie had no other option, so she fried it up anyway. She stayed quiet as the group raved about the delicious "pork chops" they thought they were eating.

The Dog Days of summer, with their intense heat and historical significance, have long shaped the lives of Manatee County residents. From the early pioneers who braved the sweltering conditions to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, to the enduring stories of resourcefulness and adventure, these days serve as a reminder of the resilience and creativity that defined the region's past.