Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
It is shocking to see people overdressed during the sweltering summer heat. But have you ever seen a group of young people go to the beach in full-length dresses?
Of course not! But if you were around in the 1910s, you likely would have.
But why?
It was simply not proper to show much skin, and full coverage attire provided a perk for those who ventured out of doors. Heavy clothing protected against the sun as well as biting insects and bothersome plants.
But why bother with any of that at all?
The 1890s had marked the end of frontier expansion. Soon folks like Theodore Roosevelt, Aldo Leopold and John Muir advocated for conservation of natural resources. In time, many Americans began to see their time in nature as an experience unique to their cultural history and complementary to their fashion.