By the boardwalk
By: usermattw
Tags: antiques, photography, swimwear, vintage photography
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I’ve largely fallen out of the habit of trying to make my posts topical, but since it’s July, I thought I’d post something summery. This is a real photo postcard, and the manufacturer’s logo (Cyko) narrows the date range to the rather general 1904-1920s, which I would have guessed. Otherwise, there is no information about this picture. The houses look rather eastern US to me, but I don’t really know. I assume they are at a body of water, though I don’t know what it is (river? lake? ocean?). I enjoy all the details of this shot, such as all the people around the edges (including the guy in the bottom left lurking in the shadows). But at the center is this smiling couple, looking happily together at something, though not at the camera. They’re unafraid of the sun, and by the outfits, it looks like they’re unafraid of the water, too. This old swimwear, though. I’ve seen it plenty of times in other photos and other sources, but as I look at how they’re both wearing multiple layers, how hers cinches her waist, how his is a heavy knit fabric, I’m still amazed that people went swimming in them. But they seem to be enjoying themselves, which is what matters.
Pics of Then 
Great shot! His suit was probably made from wool. He’s also wearing a shirt underneath it. The water must have been chilly! I’m not sure if she’s wearing swimwear or just beachwear.
Glad you like it! Yeah, I noticed the undershirt, and wondered if it was because of cold, or for sun protection, or maybe modesty. And you’re probably right about hers, that she was probably just splashing around in the water at most, rather than actually swimming. And yes, wool. I’m glad modern swimwear has moved beyond wool.