This is what the northern end of Santa Monica beach looked like in the 1880s, shortly after the Southern Pacific railroad reached the town. It looks like a long, broad wooden platform was built on the sand, with—by the looks of it—vendors and changing booths lined up along it. Those women in the foreground are in full-length dresses, and probably corsets, too. I can’t even imagine how uncomfortable that must have been. I hope for their sake, this photo was taken in winter.
Judging from the shadow angles, I’d say this was indeed a summer day, around noon. Those women were probably very uncomfortable. Perhaps the cooling sea breeze (the flag flying at right angles from the flagpole) moderated their discomfort.
Judging from the shadow angles, I’d say this was indeed a summer day, around noon. Those women were probably very uncomfortable. Perhaps the cooling sea breeze (the flag flying at right angles from the flagpole) moderated their discomfort.
Let’s hope that wind was stiff and cool!