If you go to the beach in northern Germany, you may find that despite the sun it's a little windy. That's why a fellow from northern German invented the Strandkorb years ago. A Strandkorb, directly translated as 'beach basket', would not only protect you from excessive sun and blowing sand, but it would also offer you a reclining back, an extendable foot rest, and a place to put your tea cup and cookies. And it's great for socializing. Life doesn't get much better.
These are all photos from the village of Wyk on the North Sea island of Föhr around 1957. The first one shows my grandmother with Axel Pohl, whoever he may be.
My great aunt preparing some sort of beverage.
Socializing...
Playing cards...
If you happen to want a Strandkorb of your own, you can order one from
Hammacher Schlemmer for only $3,000 (!) plus $80 delivery fee. Keep in mind though that this Strandkorb will be made out of vinyl, not wicker.
Or, you can save yourself $3,080 and head on over to
Sepia Saturday for some free entertainment.
I want one! Vinyl's O.K. $3080 isn't.
ReplyDeleteBarbara
I thought the beaches in Northern Germany were for nudists - not in these days anyway.
ReplyDeleteYour grandmother has threatened Axel, the little rascal, that she will slap him so hard that his head will start spinning, if he doesn't cease and desist rocking the Strandkorb.
ReplyDeleteAxel liked the idea, so years later he invented the Triple Axel skating jump.
These are wonderful photos, the third one would be my favourite, but they are all great.
ReplyDeleteI imagine these were pretty comfy for short periods of time. You'd still be at the beach with all the smells and sounds, but nicely shaded. I just love seeing people all dressed up for the beach imagining the sand they had to deal with her their nice clothes and shoes.
ReplyDeleteOh wie schööööön.
ReplyDeleteDiese Fotos sind unbezahlbar.
Genauso wie Strandkörbe.
Tatsächlich findet man sie heute (zumindest in Deutschland) für bezahlbare, wenn auch immer noch teuere 500€.
Wo wir grade von tollen Fotos sprechen. Ich habe deine tolle Karte bekommen und die Antwort ist auf dem Weg ;0)
Ich habe mich sehr gefreut, das du mir geschrieben hast.
Alles Liebe
Janine
Never seen anything like these before. In the UK we have batching huts, and these too sell for a small fortune.
ReplyDeleteNever seen such a thing or heard of these beach baskets, love learning new things! These are fantastic photos.
ReplyDeleteawesome post! in the UK i remember that there were always wind breakers on beaches... but this is in another league!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting--I never heard of standkorbs before. I especially like the phot of your great-aunt preparing a beverage.
ReplyDeleteThe third photo, the socialising one, is my favourite too. I've seen more elaborate versions of these, also made of wicker, as studio props from around 1900. Fascinationg images, thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant invention. I presume they disassembled so you could put them in the boot of your car. Great photos Christine.
ReplyDeleteThese are such wonderful photos. Family having fun and a fun place to sit.
ReplyDeleteHad never heard of these beach baskets before.
ReplyDeleteA good way of keeping the sun away.
Great pix, I especially liked auntie and the teacups for its personal touch capturing a simple task, while the third image is a real 'art' shot, fairly quirky.
ReplyDeleteOh my what could huts for the beach, thanks for sharing these...and the manner of preparing tea...dining was so important....great photos, thanks so much you have a lovely family..and whoever that little boy is in the first photo...he's a charmer!
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ReplyDeleteOops - let's try again! What a jolly good invention these were - I'd love one in my garden!
ReplyDeleteWell that’s something else I’ve learned! Now I want one too, though getting it to the beach in my little car may be a problem. Wonderful compositions; every photo is a winner. I see polka dots were in vogue that year too.
ReplyDeleteChristine,
ReplyDeleteLOVE the photos!!! It's so nice to see some of your family history in photos and as always you are always so full of interesting information from days gone by. Thanks for sharing!!!!
Christine
Nice photos, for me the top one speaks volumes! You could always get a windbreak, a sort of tent structure made of canvas and tent poles. More convenient, but not as elegant!
ReplyDeleteWonder what card game they're playing in the last photo. Seems like everybody could see your hand!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! I had never heard of a Strandkorb...But now I want one!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a practical solution to a problem, and yet built to last. Wonderful addition to the theme.
ReplyDeleteI can see the advantages of a Strandkorb on a very windy day or a very hot afternoon or if one wants to eat and entertain at the beach. But they look so formal! Did people rent them? They would probably not have been practical to own and transport from home to the beach, would they? What good family photos to have in your collection. Thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeletewhat a great post!!
ReplyDeletethe first pic is my fave!!
and i do love those,
but since you say they're now made out of vinyl,
not so interesting anymore...
pity!!
people didn't seem to mind the weather conditions, given their smiling disposition. great pics!!
:)~
HUGZ
Beach basket, eh? If I had my own private patch of shoreline you can bet I'd have some of those!
ReplyDeleteStylish and oh-so vintage, complete with the polka dots! Make mine an Earl Grey and I shall be bringing the Victoria Sandwich and the coconut ice!
ReplyDeleteEver since I first saw this I've been trying to find a card with something similar from France. I finally found it today but too late for the Sepia Saturday. I'll post it next week some time.
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