1920s Atlantic City Beauty Contest on the Boardwalk

This photograph, captured by the Bain News Service, highlights a beauty contest held in Atlantic City between 1920 and 1925. Known for its picturesque boardwalk and vibrant seaside attractions, Atlantic City was a popular destination during this era, often serving as a backdrop for events that reflected changing social norms. The beauty contest, a part of a larger trend in the early twentieth century, emphasized new ideals of femininity and public appearance, becoming a staple of American culture.

The glass negative represents a moment in time when beauty contests started gaining significant media attention, spotlighting not just the contestants but also the shift in societal values regarding womens roles. This event was more than just a competition; it signified the growing visibility of women in public life and the increasing popularity of such spectacles as forms of entertainment and cultural expression. The image serves as a historical artifact, offering a glimpse into the social dynamics of post-World War I America and the burgeoning commercial identity of Atlantic City.