checked for the A/C timeline. Apparently window units began in earnest in the 1950s and central A/C in the 1970s.
A few years ago, I purchased a small home built in 1957 with an attic exhaust fan. It was very efficient. Previous owners added Thermostat control which saved power. No window A/C units.
When I bought the home, I added central air. (wussie).
Whole house fans can work, but work best when the house is designed for it and the climate supports them.