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Going to the beach, whether for the day or for
the whole summer, has always provided an opportunity for getting
together with friends and family. Families might gather at a summer
house for a holiday or special occasion. Friends might get together
to rent a cottage or stay together at a summer hotel. Many businesses
ran excursions to beaches and resorts such as Savin Rock for their
employees. Such trips gave workers a welcome opportunity to get
away from the city and relax with their friends and colleagues.
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Family at a Beach House
Groton Long Point
or Ocean Beach, ca. 1900
Photo CD: 3152 img0070.jpg
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Owning or renting
a beach house provided an excellent place for family gatherings.
Three generations appear to be included in this group assembled
on the steps of a modest shingled cottage. One of the girls is
the photographers daughter Ada.

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Five Men and a Sand Sculpture
on a Beach
New London, 1909
Photo CD: 4171 img0049.jpg
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Friends seem
to have always found ways to amuse themselves at the beach. These
men have buried their friend in their large sand sculpture made
out of damp beach sand.

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Man and Woman
on a Boardwalk
New London, 1911
Photo CD: 4171 img0095.jpg
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Men and women
both wore more modest bathing suits in the early 20th century.
While the mans bathing suit looks like underwear, the womans
looks like a short dress with dark stockings. In contrast, a woman
in the background is wearing an ordinary full-length dress, not
intended for bathing.

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