Swimming in the Lakes and Streams

Swimmers at 99th Street Beach, Lake Michigan, 1905

Photographer: Chicago Daily News
Source: Chicago Historical Society (DN-0002951)

The 99th Street Beach provided outdoor recreation for steel workers, longshoremen and other workers living in the Calumet Region. Before the Chicago Park District developed a line of public beaches along Lake Michigan, private beaches provided amenities, such as boardwalks and changing rooms, for a nominal charge. Seen here are children and adults together at the beach.

See also: East Side; Swimming; Waterfront

Swimming Lessons, 51st Street Beach, Lake Michigan, 1917

Photographer: Chicago Daily News
Source: Chicago Historical Society (DN-0068604)

Organized swimming experiences included lessons such as this one for four girls at the 51st Street Beach in 1917.

See also: Hyde Park; Swimming; Waterfront

Tossing a Frisbee on Oak Street Beach

Photographer: John McCarthy
Source: Chicago Historical Society (ICHi-37290)