Staying Cool
For almost endless variations on a theme, browse through the photos at the Antique Fan Collectors Association website. You’ll find vintage fans with 2 blades, 6 blades, metal blades, rubber blades, engines for oscillation or other mechanical tricks to create back and forth motion, and even different engine types. If you prefer your fans unplugged, take a peek at the International Fan Collector’s Guild where human-powered fans are the focus. Here, paper, feathers, fabric, wood, ivory, and early plastics combine to create a self-directed breeze.