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14 Photos Of New Yorkers Cooling Off, From Before You Were Born


By

Jen Carlson

Published May 29, 2012

Modified May 29, 2012


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"French Line, S.S. "Normandie" at Pier 88, Swimming Pool Bar, Cabin Class. ca. 1935."

 

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By

Jen Carlson

Published May 29, 2012

Modified May 29, 2012


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As your cheeks glisten with sweat and the humidity melts your face off during this week's first real taste of summer weather, remember that it could be worse... and also that it could be better. Click through for a look at how New Yorkers cooled off back in the day—from the East River to the Woolworth Building swim tank. While we're envious of a poolside bar (get on it McCarren), we're not so sad to have missed out on the days when people wore full suits and stockings to the beach.

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14 photos

before you were born

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Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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