This is a linen postcard showing Rockport’s Old Garden Beach. Although it is undated, I estimate it to be from around 1935 for a couple of reasons. For one, linen postcards were produced primarily from 1930 to 1945, so it was somewhere in that range. For another, it was published by E.C. McIntire of Gloucester, who I believe was in business from 1907 to 1937. That narrows its date to somewhere between 1930 and 1937.

Compare this postcard to one that has a very similar view of Old Garden Beach, but roughly 10 years later. the only readily noticeable difference is that the more recent view includes a tower in the background, most likely at the lifesaving station at Gap Cove.

I have been trying to determine, without success, when the stone wall behind the beach was built. If anyone has that information, please let me know.

UPDATE: The two houses above the wall were built in 1925 (5 Old Garden Rd.) and 1930 (3 Old Garden Rd.). It seems likely that is when the wall was built.