Beach Pajamas

PeriodCirca 1930

Place MadePossibly Oceanport, New Jersey, U.S.A.

MediumCotton, linen

ClassificationsCostume, Women's

Credit LineGift of Claire Koehler Hecht, 1996

Object number1996.12.1

DescriptionA woman's two piece beach or seaside romper or beach pajamas, consisting of poncho style top and pants. Both are of royal blue cotton with allover large white spotted pattern. The top is cut in one piece, with a wide V neck opening trimmed with a wide white linen banding. An attached white linen front waistband has long ties which wrap around the wearer's waist and tie at center back, leaving the back portion of the top free. The pants are cut with a shaped waistband with short side zipper and two large front hip patch pockets, flaring out to wide bottoms.
Curatorial RemarksCoverup outfits such as this beach pajama set were both attractive and practical. Many of Monmouth's shore towns including Oceanport, Long Branch, and Asbury Park implemented ordinances preventing swimmers and beachgoers from wearing only swimsuits on boardwalks, walkways, and in public restaurants and business establishments. A close inspection of this outfit indicates that it was most likely made at home, perhaps by Claire herself, with both machine and hand sewing visible. Polka-dotted patterns were also quite popular in the 1930s. The top is a single panel of fabric, banded with an attached wraparound waistband, easily slipped over the wearer's head and tied in the back, allowing the back portion of the top to simply drape down.NotesDonor Claire Koehler Hecht was born to Harry H. Koehler and Edythe G. Koehler in Newark, New Jersey in 1911. Her father was a successful lawyer, and the family enjoyed a summer home in Oceanport, Monmouth County, NJ. The Koehlers were members of Congregation B'nai Jeshurun in Newark and Temple Beth Miriam of Elberon. Claire married Arthur Hecht in 1934. She volunteered for the Red Cross during World War II and was active in the social and community life of Newark. In 1957, the Koehler and Hecht families moved permanently to Oceanport to care for Claire's parents. Claire continued her energy within Monmouth, volunteering for the Oceanport Historical Society. She died in 2011 at the age of 100. Mrs. Hecht donated many garments - many of them evening gowns - to the Historical Association. Among them was this two-piece beach romper/pajama set.

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