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Backsliders: 1910

New Jersey circa 1910. "At Casino, Belmar, Sunday." There was some controversy over whether the beaches at the Jersey Shore resorts should be open on Sunday. 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection. View full size.

New Jersey circa 1910. "At Casino, Belmar, Sunday." There was some controversy over whether the beaches at the Jersey Shore resorts should be open on Sunday. 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection. View full size.

 

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Finally, A difference

If this were a modern photo, almost every one of these people would have a beverage in hand. I finally noticed something that was quite different between then and now. Of course, it ws thought rude to eat/drink/smoke "on the street" then.

Morality 1910 style

I am most impressed by the expressions, each of which is in response to the photographer. The lady in the foreground looking straight ahead as if to say, "I don't want you, so am going to ignore you." Next is the very interested little girl. Beyond her is a brother-sister pair (faces nearly identical in their features). She is not too thrilled to have her photo taken. He's really, really annoyed. And some of those naughty, naughty Victorian women have left two pair of shoes on the boardwalk. One has even removed her socks too. But at least those hussies had the decency to hide their feet under their skirts. It may be of questionable morality to go to the beach on a Sunday, but show your feet in public -- never!

What's the Point?

Interesting how the lines of perspective conveniently converge on the boy leaning on the railing. By design or fortunate happenstance? Don't know if the photographer was being clever or just lucky. Either way, it anchors the shot to the point (pun?) where it is difficult to keep your eye from gravitating to his noggin. The depth of field is fantastic as well; there are more details that can be seen than one would expect.

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