"Summer In The Hamptons" 1896 (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

During the Gilded Age city dwellers liked to escape the hot summertime urban environment for the cooler shoreline. East Hampton was developed as a resort at this time and the "swells" of New York City were quick to discover its beauties. Artists such as Winslow Homer and William Merritt Chase helped to spread interest in Long Island and its beaches. Arthur Benson, Homer's wealthy uncle, was instrumental in developing the Montauk area. Bensonhurst in Brooklyn which he also developed is named for him.

Figures from Wm. Hocker Sets 117, 120 and 228

 

[PolarBear]

The scene was inspired by Winslow Homer's painting The Tent (Summer By The Sea) painted at East Hampton in 1874.

 

[Scott]

Folks went to the beach and stayed out of the sun and fully dressed in general. The "tan" wasn't popular as a look until the around the 1920s with Coco Chanel.

These figures are "swell" and have endless story telling potential. Thanks for the photos.

 

[PolarBear]

Folks went to the beach and stayed out of the sun and fully dressed in general. The "tan" wasn't popular as a look until the around the 1920s with Coco Chanel.

These figures are "swell" and have endless story telling potential. Thanks for the photos.

Thanks Scott

Bill's figures certainly provide lots of opportunities to tell the American and British stories. Where else can you find the building of the Transcontinental Railroad by Chinese labor, George Catlin painting a Mandan Indian chief, Mark Twain telling a story, Charles Darwin and a monkey, or the British Raj playing polo or having afternoon tea on the lawn?

Randy