Peek into the Past: “Back to the Beach” was the theme of a presentation about swimsuits, starting from the mid 1800s through the 1960s, at Stone Hearth Estates last Thursday.

Nebraska Humanities Council speaker Susan McLain of Beatrice shared many pieces of her collection of swimwear and accessories and related what was going on historically at the time. Right, Sylvia Musil (left), Stone Hearth program director, and McLain display a beach costume from the late 1800s. Left, Stone Hearth medical aide Deb Welton holds an early swimsuit, from the mid 1800s, that resembles a bathing gown. Women often sewed weights in the sleeves and hems to keep the nightie from floating to the top.