amUSIngArtifacts

part of the Then and Now continuing series about the March of Time

*Post written by Mona Meyer, Archives and Special Collections Metadata Librarian

Although this postcard is not dated, it’s clear from the swimming attire that this dates to the early part of the twentieth century.  Tybee Island is off the coast of Georgia, about a 30 minute drive from Savannah.   

The original Hotel Tybee looked like the image to the left.  “In 1889, the original Hotel Tybee was built and offered rental cottages and a world-class beachfront dancing pavilion. Tybee Island was accessible through an 18-mile train ride from Savannah in this period.”   On July 31, 1909 it was completely destroyed by fire; fortunately, no one was injured.  It was rebuilt in 1911 and stood as seen in first image above until 1961. It was remodeled/rebuilt again in 1989 and finally in 2015.

Today’s Hotel Tybee looks much like other long, low beach hotels.

Now let’s look at the early 20^th century swimmers.  Not much chance of sunburned shoulders or “wardrobe malfunctions” here! 

Contemporary Tybee beachgoers are both more in number and flash more skin.  In the cold of an Evansville January this looks mighty appealing! Tell yourself that this, or any other beach, can be your reward after this semester ends….in the meantime, enjoy the fantasy.