Vintage Photographs of Coney Island Beachgoers Show Not Much Has Changed Except the Swim Suits

The crowded beach in the 1930s.
The crowded beach in the 1930s.
An aerial view of Coney Island in the 1930s.
An aerial view of Coney Island in the 1930s.
View from the Parachute Jump. 1946
View from the Parachute Jump. 1946
Some things never change. 1946
Some things never change. 1946
A little 1950s blanket toss.
A little 1950s blanket toss.
The original caption says that on this date in 1953, 1.3M people visited Coney Island!
The original caption says that on this date in 1953, 1.3M people visited Coney Island!
A 1950s workout.
We’re sweating just looking at this woman, photographed around 1899-1900.
We’re sweating just looking at this woman, photographed around 1899-1900.
Don’t see a lot of guys in suits on the beach nowadays. 1919
Don’t see a lot of guys in suits on the beach nowadays. 1919
Baywatch: 1920s Edition.
Baywatch: 1920s Edition.
Re-apply after 80 minutes! 1953
Re-apply after 80 minutes! 1953
A dance for the sun gods (or, for the visiting newspaper photographer). 1950s
A dance for the sun gods (or, for the visiting newspaper photographer). 1950s
Forget something? 1950s
Forget something? 1950s
A young streaker in 1949.
A young streaker in 1949.
Taking a dip while accessorized in 1952.
Taking a dip while accessorized in 1952.
Thoughts on modesty have changed a bit over the years. 1940s
Thoughts on modesty have changed a bit over the years. 1940s
Swimwear in 1899!
Splish splash, 1948-style.
Splish splash, 1948-style.
Sand castles: As popular in 1946 as they are in 2015.
Sand castles: As popular in 1946 as they are in 2015.
Ladies launching ladies in 1949.
Ladies launching ladies in 1949.
Boardwalk rules sign in 1968.
Boardwalk rules sign in 1968.

Nothing quite remedies a hot day like a trip to the beach. Short on options here in the City, beachgoers have sought out the relaxation and adventure that only Coney Island can provide for over centuries. These vintage photographs, ranging in date from 1899 to the 1968, show that although bathing fashions may have changed drastically, almost nothing else has at all!

Matt Coneybeare

Matt Coneybeare

Editor in Chief

Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.

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