Lanterns / cupolas on roofs in Howard County MD for light and ventilation

One way to cool buildings was to have a 'lantern' or cupola on the roof that would draw the warm air up stairs, or through vents or ductwork then out the slat openings or open the windows of the lantern. Cooler air would be sucked in from below. Lantern on Linwood.

The interior view (next photo) of Linwood's lantern c1865, shows the ropes that opened the windows and the black square vents below each window.

Linwood, Mary Merrick and Jeanne Simons

“Linwood” was the home of a possible future Saint, at one time owned by the great-grandson of Martha Washington and would become a school for children with autism in 1955.  The cupola and flue system were designed to cool the summer house.  ...