Picnic on the Beach

ClassificationsPhotographs

Date1880-1890

Place DepictedNewport Beach, California, United States, North America

MediumPhotographic print

Dimensions5 3/4 x 6 3/4 in. (14.6 x 17.1 cm)

Credit LineTerry E. Stephenson Collection

Object number6964B

DescriptionThe beachgoers in this late 19th century to 20th century photograph represent California’s long history of migration and visitation to the west coast’s beaches. Beaches have been a naturally static fixture to people’s pleasure time activities as long as humans have lived along the coast. Recreational beachgoing in modern-day Orange County long predates countyhood; even written accounts begin around 1857 with the creation of the Anaheim Landing. As more and more settlers moved to the area, traffic to the beach continued to grow, with many picking up to move to the ocean during the summer months. It was not until 1891 and the extension of the Santa Fe Railroad all the way to the tip of McFadden Wharf—now the site of the current Newport Pier—that the next major wave of beach visitation arrived. Tourism to Orange County beaches only continued to increase with access. On July 4, 1906, the Pacific Electric Railway Company opened a line heading all the way to the Balboa Peninsula which made the county’s coastline particularly available to the residents of Los Angeles. Laguna Beach avoided popularity until the Pacific Coast Highway reached it in 1926. Huntington earns its moniker of Surf City, USA by having a 100-year history dating back to turn of the 20th century visits from George Freeth and Duke Kahanamoku. The first surfboard in the county was made 19 years later by a man who had watched George Freeth as a boy. During the roaring ‘20s Orange County beaches were the place to be for socialites and film stars coming on day trips from Hollywood.

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