Photographs of Atlantic City Sand Sculpture (ca. 1880–1920)
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- Atlantic City became a popular Edwardian seaside resort in the 1870s with a boardwalk, hotels, and entertainment.
- Local 'sand men' created intricate sculptures in the dunes, preserved in postcard photographs.
- Subjects included religious scenes, mythological figures, and realistic depictions, with varying skill levels.
- Artists like James J. Taylor and Owen Golden were known, but many African American sculptors had their skin retouched to appear white.
- Sand sculpting was initially celebrated but later regulated by ordinances banning religious/naked figures and requiring permits.
- The tradition declined by the 1940s due to cement sealing and a hurricane in 1944 that destroyed displays.