An elderly neighbor of mine in the 1300 blk of Maryland Ave NE, born 1916 and since deceased, told me about how she and her cousins and their grandparents would go sleep by the Tidal Basin in the warm weather. Once, they took the sled down to the river, then the snow melted, so her grandfather had to go back home with the horses to get the buggy to carry the sleigh back to the stable.

First in line, sitting right on the ground. The photographer apparently thought so, too!

The first girl decided to sit down and the rest came tumbling down after her? The gal on the top right is hott. Too bad she's not around anymore.

While to the modern eye these swim suits may appear to be very unflattering to the female form, by comparison with women's bathing costumes of even fifteen years before this is a scandalous baring of skin, not to mention far more form fitting.

Maybe, maybe not, but they definitely appear to be having a good time.

I think this photo contradicts the view that everyone back then was skinny. Those stockings by the way -- did they have early knowledge of DVT?

I like the guy trying to be all inconspicuous while taking in the view. Or maybe he's just keeping an eagle eye on his girl.

At least, I hope that's a guy.

This looks like the Tidal Basin to me, with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in the background. Our bathers are about where the Jefferson Memorial sits now.

To the female figure; these rather shapeless costumes, particularly when combined with knee length hose. Was it deliberate to deter any unwanted amorous advances or just a question of fashion?