Beach Scenes - From Atlantic City's Nostalgic Past

Bathers at the Beach, Atlantic City - 1904

Atlantic City Bathers in the Surf - from the collection of Thomas Topham

During the early years romping in the ocean surf was called bathing. There were strict dress codes for bathing. Everyone had to cover up, even men.

Bathing Hour at the Atlantic City Beach - 1907

Postcard by the Rotograph Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.

In some years it is estimated that as many as ten million people came to the Atlantic City to enjoy the beach and ocean.

Atlantic City Beach Scene - Early 1900s

Postcard by M. & Co., N.Y. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.

A Good Company at the Beach, Atlantic City, N.J.

Beach Scene, Atlantic City

Postcard by S.Langford & Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.

Atlantic City Beach Scene, about 1905

Shaded canvas chairs and swings became very popular to protect the women from the sun.

Beach and New Steel Pier, Atlantic City

Postcard by Rosin & Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.

Beach Scene from 1908 postcard. Notice the long dresses worn by some of the women.

Beach Scene near South Carolina Ave., Atlantic City

Postcard by Sithens Post Card Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.

On some weekends the crowds on the Atlantic City beaches could reach into the tens of thousands.

Bathing Beach and Boardwalk

Postcard by Tichnor Bros. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.

On the back of the postcard: Famed throughout the world is Atlantic City's Boardwalk. The Boardwalk overlooks the ocean and wide expanse of beach. There are eight miles lined with magnificent hotels, theaters and shops.

Hotel Dennis Beach Scene, Atlantic City

Postcard by E.C. Kropp Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.

On the back of the postcard: The Hotel Dennis is noted for its broad sun decks with their unobstructed view of the ocean, and cheerful, homelike atmosphere. It is thoroughly modern and its guests enjoy the luxury and hospitality of one of Atlantic City's most attractive hotels.

Beach Scene at Steel Pier - Atlantic City

Postcard by Tichnor Bros. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.

Beach Scene near Steel Pier.

Long lines of very colorful beach umbrellas and canvas covered chairs and swings make an interesting scene near Steel Pier.

Atlantic City Beach Scene

Postcard by Tichnor Bros. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.

Colorful canopies and beach umbrellas on the beach , Atlantic City, NJ

Atlantic City Beach Scene - Pony Rides

Postcard by P. Sander. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.

Children Enjoying Pony Rides on the Beach, Atlantic City, N.J.

Atlantic City Beach - Horseback Riding

Postcard by Jersey Supply Company - from the collection of Thomas Topham.

On the back of the postcard: Horseback riding is a popular health diversion, permitted on Beach from Sept. 30 to May 15. Hotels Marborough-Blenheim, Claridge, and Traymore in immediate background.

Donkey Cart at the Beach - 1911

Postcard from the collection of Thomas Topham.

Horseback riding on the beach was popular in those days. You could also get a ride on a donkey.

Atlantic City Life Boat - 1905

Postcard by Rotograph Co. - from the collection of Thomas Topham.

Life Savers in Action on the Atlantic City Beach - 1905

The first regularly trained paid beach patrol was established in Atlantic City in 1891. The members of The Atlantic City Beach Patrol were called lifesavers.

Atlantic City Life Boat - 1908

Postcard from the collection of Thomas Topham.

Lifeboat and crew at the the Atlantic City Beach - 1908

The Atlantic City Beach Patrol became a highly regarded organization and was widely copied by other shore communities.

On the Beach. Atlantic City, N. J.

Postcard by I. & M. Ottenheimer - from the collection of Thomas Topham.