No. 112

“AH, THOSE LAZY HAZY CRAZY DAYS OF SUMMER AT STONE HARBOR, N. J.”  Back in 1963, the  song titled “Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer” was composed by songwriters Charles Tobias, Hans Bradtke and Hans Carste.  Shortly afterward the song was recorded, released and was popularized by the well-known singer Nat King Cole.  In retrospect, we know that “lazy” referred to those hot summer days before air conditioning, “hazy” meant humid, and “crazy” was just the playful innocence of youth in the summertime.

Bearing in mind the foregoing information, it would seem that the 5 young girls depicted in this photo are certainly enjoying a lazy day of summertime at Stone Harbor.  This particular image was retrieved from the Stone Harbor Museum archives and I thought it just might evoke and bring to mind just such a moment in time that you too may have similarly experienced at our favorite seashore resort known as “The Seashore At Its Best”.  Reminiscing or reflecting from time to time is probably good for all of us and it can even soothe the soul by providing us with comfort and solace.

Aside from the young girls having fun and diving from the floating dock, we are of the opinion that in all probability this scene took place at the Shelter Haven Basin before much development had occurred in that 96th Street area.  Another reason or basis for this image taking place at the Shelter Haven Basin is further supported by the fact that there is a sizable shuttle boat in the background ferrying a large number of passengers probably on their way to Anglesea or to the mainland.  It was common in those early days for such shuttle boats to be operating from that specific basin.  The sign posted on the ramp railing states “PRIVATE / NO / TRESPASSING”.  This photo shows the classic Edwardian swimming attire that was current at the time.

Over time as more people flocked to the beaches, the bathing garments became more fitted and shorter much to the dismay of the conservative bystander.  The young girls pictured here are wearing the popular tailored, often a blue sailor suit which was the height of beach fashion in the 1890’s and early 1900’s.  Most Edwardian bathing costumes were either made of wool or silk fabric while cotton fabric was a less popular choice.  The so-called naval middy collar with a v-neck front and large square flap across the back also sported contrasting trim.  Authentic details included an attached contrasting bow tie, often a cap, sleeves and ruffled skirt bottom.  Skirts measured about 26 inches in length from a set waist.  There was even a discreet zipper fastener up the side.  It is unlikely any of our female readers ever experienced wearing such swimming attire.