Vintage Beach Fun: Sand, Sun, Tin Pails and Wool Bathing Suits 

One hundred years ago this week—July 12, 1896—the first public beach in America, Revere Beach in Boston, opened.  Today, millions flock to thousands of public beaches across the U.S.  Swimmers spread blankets and the sunbathing begins. What do the children bring? Beach balls, plastic buckets and shovels, of course. Vintage beach clothing, beach toys and beach images are a perfect way to preserve that summery, sandy feeling well into other seasons. Here is a look at some of our favorite beach collectibles.

Coca-Cola tray, Bathing Suit Girl, 1929, $615.  Photo: Jon Dunford, Miller & Miller Auctions Ltd.

 

Advertising pinup calendar, Horlacher Brewing Co., Allentown, Pennsylvania, 1965, lithograph on paper, signed “Arthur Sarnoff on image, 33 x 16 in., $63.  Photo: Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers

 

Advertising sand pail, “Hotel The Breakers,” lithographed tin, pictures a birds-eye view of the hotel at Cedar Point on Lake Erie, woman in period bathing suit and two Curtis Flyers in background, 1910, 5 in., $800.  Photo: Rich Penn Auctions

 

Men’s wool bathing suit, JCPenney Company, 1920s, $37.  Photo: Denise Ryan Auctions