Bathing costumes on display at Midland Beach in the 1890s.

The classic photo above shows folks splashing in the waters of Staten Island during the 1890s, when Midland Beach and South Beach were summer destinations for people from all over New York. Despite the popularity of the area, some businesses were were struggling, as evidenced in a August 31, 1898 Brooklyn Daily Eagle article entitled, “Partner Says He Flirted”:

“On motion for a referee to hear and determine in the matter of the suit of Henry H. Kahn for dissolution of the partnership of Kahn & Reeves, hotel keepers at Midland Beach, Richmond County, before Justice Lambert in Supreme Court this morning, Charles H. Hyde was appointed referee. Kahn alleged that the partnership was formed on April 1 last, that it was prosperous until the other partner, Clifford C. Reeves, who had been connected with the Park Theater and other theaters in Manhattan, proceeded to discharge servants without cause and to employ others, to drink and neglect his part of the business, which was to keep the books, and finally to flirt with women patrons, or at least one of them, to the detriment of the business. Counsel in opposition denied absolutely all allegations of flirting and intoxication.”