In the days preceding air-conditioning, cooling down in the oppressive heat
of the summer was an art form and perhaps one of the most joyful ways
was to take a dip.
With the passage of the Fourth of July, summer is now in full swing and
Delaware County Historical Society celebrates with a nod to the occasion
by displaying a 20th century male swimsuit.
Lavender and black stripes extend across the width of the persimmon suit,
punctuating a flourish of style on the woolen garment.
One might ask why in the world would our ancestors pick itchy, hot wool as
swimsuit material? Cotton, after all, was available then.
Wool, however, was conducive for knitting - and was water repellent,
making a sit under the shade after a splash more comfortable.
The suit also consists of two pieces - a tank-top styled shirt with a pair of
trunks. At the time, in some places by law, in others by custom, men were
discouraged from baring their chest at the local swimming holes. It wasn’t
until the 1930’s when men’s swimming attire would consist of only the
bottoms.
The turn-of-the-century male swimsuit is on display at the home of
Delaware County Historical Society at 408 Avenue of the States in
Chester. It is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday,
Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday; and from 9 a.m. to
2 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Appointments are also available upon request. Parking is free in the lot
behind the building or across the street in the city’s municipal lot.
For more information, ways to get involved or to contribute items of historic
significance, please call 610-359-0832.
The turn-of-the-century male swimsuit is a seasonal part of Delaware County Historical Society's collection.