20 Historic Photos Of People Enjoying The Beach At Coney Island
As we head into another day with temperatures in the 90s — and even more in the forecast — we’ve got the beach on the mind. If you’re one of the many people thinking about getting a bit of relief from the heat at Coney Island this weekend, you’re certainly not alone, and, of course, you’re not the first to think of it.
Overheated New Yorkers and tourists alike have been flocking to Coney Island since development began in the mid-1800s, and while await our chance to sit on the sand this weekend, we thought we’d take a look at some of the beach-goers who came before us.
We picked our 20 favorite vintage images of the beach at Coney Island from the awesome archives of Brooklyn Visual Heritage — check them out below, and to find even more, just browse here.
1. Escaping The Crowds (1946)
Back when the Parachute Jump was still a ride — it stopped running in 1964.
2. At One With The Crowds (1930s)
So. Much. Sweaty. Humanity.
3. The More Things Change… (1946)
A couple similarities between Coney Island in 1946 and in 2015: lovers canoodling, and trash.
4. Boardwalk Rules (1968)
“Prohibited On Boardwalk: Persons in bathing suits, dogs, peddling, advertising, littering, bicycles, tricycles, roller skates, any vehicle except baby carriages and wheelchairs for invalids; no sitting on railings or steps.”
5. Parachute Jump Version 2.0 (1950s)
That lady in the back doesn’t seem to have much confidence in this game.
6. Willing Participant (1949)
Well, we hope she was in on this plan, anyway.
7. Department Of [Sand] Buildings (1946)
The original, cheeky caption: “These youngsters had no difficulties with priorities on materials for their house construction, although the finished product, of Coney Island sand, was far from substantial.”
8. Cold-Water Swimmers (1948
Not quite the Polar Bear Club, but according to the photo’s original caption, by the beach’s official opening day that year, these two ladies had been swimming daily since March.
9. Horsing Around (1953)
When did the game “Johnny-on-the-Pony” go out of style?
10. Up In Arms (1950s)
People have been perfecting their beach bodies for decades.
11. Bundled Up (1899)
Though they weren’t always showing those beach bodies off.
12. Layered (1899-1900)
Nothing says “beat the heat” like a few layers of petticoats.
13. Evolving Styles (1919)
Loving the outfits on those ladies near the beach umbrella.
14. Topless Beach (1940s)
According to the original caption, soon after this photo was taken, it was no longer an arrestable offense for a man to have the top half of his bathing suit pulled down!
15. Fits Like A… (1952)
Speaking of beach fashion…gloves, eh?
16. En ‘Guard’ (1920s)
Lifeguards have apparently always been sun-kissed hunks.
17. Place In The Sun (1953)
The Eagle had some saucy caption writers back in the ’50s: “Preparing to soak up the sunshine of a perfect summer Sunday, Brenda Senft, of 1424 E. 4th St., guards Maris Zahler, of 1625 W. 2d St., from soaking up too much by smearing her comely skin with suntan oil.”
18. Things You Bring To The Beach (1950s)
Women at Coney Island have always loved to show off their maracas (heh).
19. Things You Leave At Home (1950s)
Fashions may change, but a giant hat to suggest you might be nude is always in style.
20. All Good Things (1949)
Always in fashion? Bare bums.
