Connecticut Goes to the Beach:
A Source of Pleasure and Relaxation

Getting There

Following the Civil War, Americans with leisure time flocked to beach resorts up and down the East Coast. Many of Connecticut’s seaside communities had good rail transportation at an early date, but roads from the railheads to beachfront cottages and hotels remained rough. Most vacationers planned to spend at least several weeks at the shore. By the end of 19th century, trolley lines provided much easier access and day tripping became common. In the 20th century, it became possible for families in any part of Connecticut to reach the coast within a few hours in their own private automobiles.

< Going to the beach was a serious undertaking in the 1870s. While local families might spend a day at the seashore, visitors from farther away were more likely to spend weeks, months, or the entire season in cottages or resort hotels. It would have taken a long time to reach this Westbrook beach by horse and carriage over sandy back roads.

General Store
Milford, ca. 1909
Photo CD number 0536 Img0009.pcd

< According to a note on the back, the people in this photograph have just arrived by train or trolley and are waiting for a hired automobile to take them to the shore. The store in the background sold ice cream as well as groceries, and may also have rented rooms to vacationers. Train and trolley transportation made it much easier for ordinary people to get to the beach.

Pond Point Beach
Milford, ca. 1921
Photo CD number 1580 Img0067

< In the early 20th century, many public beaches were served by trolley lines. Going to the beach was no loner a major undertaking, requiring days or weeks of planning. It was possible to get on a trolley in the center of town and get off right at the beach. Children could ride to the beach after school; families could go to the beach on weekend afternoons.

< By 1949, most Connecticut families had automobiles, and most parts of the state were within a short drive of the coast. It was easy to pack the car with everything from picnic baskets to beach umbrellas and head for a favorite beach. Everyone had to pitch in to make the family outing go smoothly.

Link to other essays in this Journey:

>> Introduction: Connecticut Goes to the Beach
>> Resort Hotels and Seaside Cottages
>> Gathering with Friends and Family
>> Attractions and Amusements
>> Souvenirs of the Trip

>> Guideposts
>> Suggestions for further reading