lifeguard suits \"Stockholders proposed in 1932 that the [East Hampton] village purchase it [Main Beach] for $35,000. The price included land, buildings, fixtures, umbrellas-even bathing suits. While some grumbled that it was another burden for taxpayers, harder heads said, \'There is not a piece of oceanfront property for sale in East Hampton for $60 a front foot.\' Taxpayers voted down the bathing beach proposition, 233 to 116. Three years later, the Main Beach was again offered to village residents for $21,000. Yet again, the proposition failed. The village was forced to provide lifeguards to protect bathers anyway but the business remained closed. When, in 1937, the necessity of maintaining the beach was obvious to everyone, taxpayers finally voted to buy Main Beach for the reduced price of $20,000. The proposition squeaked by with an 83 to 77 vote.\" VOX Magazine, Summer 2006. The Main Beach: Social Scene Meets Business Hub, by Averill Geus
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