Summertime Farewell: Historic Photo Finds

I don’t know about you, but I’m having a difficult time saying good-bye to summer. This weekend I took a short field trip to historic Concord, Mass., and ended up in an antique shop. I couldn’t resist the piles of unidentified photos. Picked up some of fantastic hairstyles and hats, but also two beach scenes.

In case you guessed…this wasn’t taken in the United States. According to the postcard publishing information on the back, it was taken in Rugen, Germany. This lovely multi-generational family went to the beach. I love the beach hut that shades the two older women and the little girl. Mom and Dad sat in the sand. Can you imagine dressing for the beach in a full suit and dress shoes? The image was taken by A. Haase, circa 1910. Haase may have traveled up and down the beach taking pictures of folks on vacation.

If you want to learn more about this seaside resort, there is a website, but it’s in German.

The other image I bought is a snapshot. It’s clear from the woman’s pose and expression that she is having a good time at the shore. I have no idea where it was taken.

It’s a great shot of a young woman in a late 1920s bathing costume. She’s the epitome of the late 20s, from the wrap on her head to her glasses and the belted waist. The 1920s saw the evolution of women’s swimsuits from blousy, long skirted suits to form-fitting tanks.

You’ll find advice for creating, sharing and saving your family’s photographs in my book Preserving Family Photographs: The Essential Guide to Preserving, Sharing and Organizing Your Family Photographs.

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