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Seaside History

Promenade Meandering

February 20, 2013 | by Nate Burke

Everyone loves to meander on the promenade. As this photo from the 1940s attests, folks come out in force to enjoy the sun, cool breezes, and 1.5 miles of ocean views. This photo is an accurate depiction of the very same sea-front stroll on the promenade that we enjoy today – where we relax, unwind, laugh with friends and family, and embrace the tranquility.  Although due to shifting fashion trends, you will find an absence of three piece suits, the mood and spirit of our fellow meanderers remains the same. The procession is orderly and promenade traffic is a low-key gallivant. You have runners, bicyclists, groups of friends and couples engrossed in conversation.  It’s not uncommon to see folks you know or run into old friends; and as a social hub, the promenade acts as an elongated town square.

It’s been over 70 years since this photo was taken. One can imagine a photo of the promenade 70 years hence, somewhere in the year 2086, and I’ll bet there will be these same groups of family and friends, meandering together next to the sea. What’s your earliest memory of the prom? Please share it with us by commenting below.

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