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Old York's walking tours offer summer strolls down memory's lanes
This photograph shows an example of one of the many images of Victorian York Beach that will be available for viewing during this summer's walking tours. Can you identify this building? Does it still exist? These questions and more will be answered! Join Old York in Ellis Park beginning Wednesday evening, July 5.
Photo courtesy of Old York Historical Society
YORK BEACH - Beginning on Wednesday, July 5, Old York Historical Society is offering York Beach Walking Tours, which will offer a look at the architectural and cultural changes that have evolved since the late 19th century.
Your guide will use historic photographs from the Old York Historical Society collections to illustrate the "then" and point out current changes that have brought us to the "now." An overview of York Beach history will be included.
York Beach is a later development in our town's history. With the industrialization of our nation in the later half of the 19th century came an influx of disposable income for factory owners and management and, over time, working class families began to experience the novelty as well.
Along with additional income came the desire to escape the cityscape and retreat to areas offering healthy salt water and clean air, entertainment and amenities Hence the development of many of America's seaside resort towns including York Beach.
York Beach became the destination for many families from as far away as Philadelphia, Pa., and New York and as close as Concord and Dover, N.H.
While the more affluent visitors settled in York Harbor, York Beach became a hub for working class families to vacation.
The fun and informative tours last about an hour and will be offered on Wednesdays beginning July 5. Tour dates also include July 19, August 2, 16 and 30. The tours will meet at the gazebo in Ellis Park at Short Sands Beach at 4 p.m. The cost is $5 per person or free to Old York members.
