The Victorian Seaside in Photographs
Rose Heichelbech
Going to the beach today means something very different than it did 150 years ago. Ladies in full bathing costumes, horse drawn carts, and even sometimes sunbathers who were fully dressed were not uncommon sights back then. We’ve found some wonderful photographs from the Victorian era that show visits to seaside beaches like Coney Island and Atlantic City.
Rockaway, Long Island, seaside businesses. Via/ Library of Congress
Men swimming at Coney Island beach, 1903. Via/ Library of Congress
Family on the beach, 1889. Via/ Library of Congress
Long Branch, New Jersey beach, 1865. Via/ Library of Congress
Beach in Rhode Island, 1897. Via/ Library of Congress
Packed piers at Coney Island, 1900. Via/ Library of Congress
The ladies with parasols, the fellas in 3 pieces suits, and the the bathers in wool swimsuits make for some wonderful times letting loose at the beach. This was relaxation at its finest in an era when beach activities were quite reserved by today’s standards.
Palm Beach, 1896. Via/ Flickr
Long Island beach, New York, 1900. Via/ Library of Congress
Long Island beach, New York, 1910. Via/ Library of Congress
Long Island beach, New York, 1915. Via/ Library of Congress
Coney Island bathing costumes from 1898. Via/ Library of Congress
Coney Island water chute ride, 1900. Via/ Library of Congress
Family fun at the beach may have changed over the years, but going to the beach has always been a wonderful way to enjoy the day. And these folks certainly seem to be having a grand time!
Coney Island, 1855. Via/ Library of Congress
Atlantic City boardwalk, 1900. Via/ Library of Congress
Atlantic City sand sculpture, late 1800s. Via/ Library of Congress
Coney Island beach, 1900. Via/ Library of Congress
On the beach at Atlantic City, 1901. Via/ Library of Congress
Large family in the water, 1880. Via/ Library of Congress