Easton’s Beach – Trail marker #1

You’re looking down at historic “Easton’s Beach”, a 3/4 mile long surf beach. Relax and play on the white sand ocean beach- surf the waves, ride the beautiful 1950’s carousel, visit Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium, or get married in a gorgeous beach front ceremony and celebrate in the newly refurbished ballroom. There’s also “The Easton’s Beach Snack Bar” featuring lobster and clam rolls that’s open during the summer months website: eastonsbeach.com . The History of Easton’s Beach Nicholas Easton (c.1593—1675) was one of the first settlers in Newport, and an early colonial Governor of Rhode Island after which the Beach was named. By the turn of the twentieth century, vacations had become a popular pastime for middle-class Americans. Reduced work hours and higher wages gave them the time and the means to participate in leisure activities.After the upper class moved to the exclusive Bailey’s Beach at the southern end of Cliff Walk, Easton’s Beach became the bathing beach for middle-class and working-class visitors.In the late nineteenth century, Easton’s Beach had a restaurant, a bathing pavilion, and a bathing area. Mixed-sex bathing from eleven to noon was the norm, followed by swimming for men only from noon to three. An observer wryly commented that middle-class women bathers could be distinguished by their bare legs.
For a historical look back at early 20th century life at Easton’s, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEH1qm82V08

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