AA-2026-1440CE
On the image
In the 1970s, before portable screens, people went to great lengths to amuse themselves with objects that relied solely on wind and string. A red kite, a simple geometric shape, claimed its temporary domain against a boundless blue sky.
The entire enterprise required a specific set of atmospheric conditions and a fair bit of patience. The ocean provided both the wind and a vast, indifferent stage for this transient human endeavour.
Observing a brightly coloured object being tugged by an invisible force was considered a worthy way to spend an afternoon. This was the kind of focused, low-yield activity that later generations would replace with devices that delivered immediate gratification and notifications.
The historian's note
This image captures a recreational scene along a coastline during the 1970s, featuring a kite in flight over the ocean. Kite flying was a popular and accessible outdoor activity during this period, often enjoyed in open, windy environments like beaches or coastal bluffs. The photograph serves as a documentary record of typical leisure pursuits and the forms of entertainment prevalent in the United States during the decade before the advent of widespread personal computing and digital entertainment. It illustrates a common pastime that required engagement with natural elements.
Subjects & keywords — each links to a search
Visually related — by likeness
Red Kite Over Coastline, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-1440CE. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/red-kite-over-coastline-1970s.
@misc{aaAA20261440CE,
title = {Red Kite Over Coastline, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-1440CE},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/red-kite-over-coastline-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Red Kite Over Coastline, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-1440CE UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/red-kite-over-coastline-1970s ER -
From the community
Identifications, corrections, and discussion from readers — reviewed by a librarian before appearing here.
Sign in to add an identification, correction, or comment.
No notes yet — be the first to add what you know about this image.