Cape May Fun Facts

Cape May was a popular Victorian (19th century) vacation spot. The swimming customs at Cape May were quite different than they are today: Men and women had different swim hours, women wore dresses and shoes in the water, men wore woolen shorts and shirts, and women did not go too far out in the water and had to be careful to hold on to safety ropes—such delicate creatures!

The Promenade, which is now decorated with bikinis and swim trunks, used to be site reserved for respectable walks along the beach, and men and women would all wear their finest of clothing—suits and ties for the men and stockings, bonnets, and gloves for the women.


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