Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Columns
  3. Remember This?

Remember This? What to wear to the beach

If you're planning on going swimming this weekend, just be thankful it's not 1902 when city council had some pretty weird ideas about women's beach wear.
Remember This?

If you're planning on going swimming this weekend, just be thankful it's not 1902 when city council had some pretty weird ideas about women's beach wear.

We're not sure what a ruffed cap is, but women had to wear them back then if they wanted to take a dip in the St. Mary's River, according to records at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum.

Mohair? You're kidding, right?

*************************
Swimwear

In 1902, the Town of Sault Ste. Marie passed a by-law which allowed women to swim in the St. Marys River — if they were covered from the neck to the ankle.

Most bathing outfits included a blouse, knickerbockers, and skirt.

The most used material was mohair although silk taffetas were also popular.

A ruffed cap and wool stockings were also part of the ensemble. 

Mid-calf bathing shoes were also required.

*************************
Each week, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum provides SooToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.

Find more entries here, and check out what the museum has to offer at www.saultmuseum.com

You can also check out LOCAL2's new Friday feature, The LOCAL2 Time Machine, which features historical images and video courtesy the Sault Ste. Marie Museum.

What's next?

If you would like to apply to become a Verified reader Verified Commenter, please fill out this form.