In the 1920s, Santa Monica beach had several beach clubs lining the shore: the Breakers, Edgewater, Del Mar. This photo was taken in a pavilion at the Edgewater Beach Club, whose address was listed as “1855 Promenade” which doesn’t even exist anymore—not according to Google Maps, at any rate! It was taken in 1926, so this was the height of the Roaring 20s. It seems like such a civilized way to spend a day at the beach, doesn’t it?
It wasn’t until I had it auto-colorized that I realized that someone had taken a fine black marker and gone around the edges of the three people in the foreground. I’m not sure why they thought it was necessary.
The outlining, or retouching, was done because the picture was reproduced in a newspaper or magazine. I can see some retouching in the background and the lady facing the camera has also had some work done on her.
Can you imagine, in 2021, seeing people at the beach in three-piece suits, hats and dresses?
I love the hats on these elegant people. Wish I could have a drink and dinner with them
If they ever invent a time machine, I’ll give you a ride and we can go back to 1926 and have a gin fizz with them.
People still dress with such elegance in European Grand Hotels. Just today looked up Villa d’Este on Lake Como in Cernobbio Italy. “Gentlemen” are required to wear jackets & trousers for lunch, & add neckties for dinner, in two of the three restaurants!
Early newspaper stock was “grainy” & rough. Without the outlining pale figures would “blend in”. Know ’cause adolescent guesthouse floor was lined with early ’30s newspapers under the sheet linoleum.