February 23, 1924. A winter frolic along the frozen banks of the Potomac in Washington. View full size. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.
Submitted by Anonymous Tipster on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 9:52pm.
This picture reminds me of the Polar Plunge that goes on in Cleveland every year- I don't know when the date is, but in late winter/early spring a bunch of people gather along Lake Erie and jump in the freezing cold water! Most of the people who dive are dressed as scantily these young ladies, and a lot of people who have done it say it's very refreshing. I wouldn't try it myself, though...
Submitted by Anonymous Tipster on Tue, 06/10/2008 - 11:41am.
Where do I start with this one? The Clara Bow type who is riding piggyback? The insanely tight suits? The bare feet? No, I just want to know more. My guess is that these gals, who are all rather too attractive for a random sample, were being used to promote something, or were aspiring starlets. Reminds me of the Mack Sennett Bathing Beauties or some such.
I thought these were pretty revealing, too, but there are some drawings and tiny photos here that look similar to what's above. The most striking difference is the absence of bathing caps and decoration/belts.
Submitted by Anonymous Tipster on Mon, 06/09/2008 - 5:49pm.
Their swimwear is more revealing than what some of the other ladies from this era were wearing at the beach.
Would this have been kind of risque for the period? Where are their socks/stockings? Where're their hats? Where's the beach policeman with his measuring tape, making sure we don't see too much leg? Did the beach cop take the winter off?
