Men’s topless bathing suits became a hot-button topic in 1934 Manistee

In 1934 the issue of men’s topless bathing suits became a hot-button topic in Manistee (Michigan) between those who embraced the new swimwear and those who felt that it was too inappropriate of a display for local beaches. Thus, the battle of the trunks ensued.

Throughout the 1920s, the popularity of Manistee’s beaches began to grow because of a variety of factors, including: a paved tarvia stone road to First Street Beach; the removal of sand dunes that had once blocked access to the beaches; and on the north side of the city the formation of the Northside Improvement Association, which played the leading role in beautifying Fifth Avenue Beach. Read more at News Advocate.