Life — August 2, 1888 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "By the Sea at $15 a Day" This appears to be a satirical illustration about beach vacation costs in early 20th-century America. The caption "BY THE SEA AT $15 A DAY" and partial text "A CHANCE / LEFT THE GIRLS HAVE SOMETHING BESIDE ME" suggest commentary on the expense of seaside leisure. The sketch depicts well-dressed Victorian/Edwardian-era figures under a beach pavilion or tent, with swimmers visible in the water and crowds on the shore. The satire likely mocks either: - The high cost of fashionable beach resorts for middle-class families - The conspicuous consumption and social posturing of beachgoers - Gender dynamics regarding vacation expenses The specific figures are unclear, but the formal dress and crowded conditions emphasize the commercialized nature of leisure activities during this period.