Vacationing in Maine

Sun, surf and very reasonable motels!

Alex Q. Arbuckle

c. 1965

Guests relax around the swimming pool at the Mt. Royal Motel in Old Orchard Beach. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

With its mild summers, spectacular coastline and hundreds of pleasant lakes, Maine has been a destination for east coast urbanites fleeing stifling cities since the mid-1800s.In the early 20th century, lumber, textiles and other industries began to leave the state, and the government doubled down on stimulating tourism. In the 1960s, the state adopted a new nickname on its license plates and highway signs: “Vacationland.”With new interstate highways and cheap motels, towns such as Old Orchard Beach became quick and affordable getaways for middle-class families from New England and New York.These staged tourism photos capture some of what southern Maine had to offer, from pristine lakes and beaches to reasonably clean motel rooms.

Vacationers at Paul's Cabins resort in Old Orchard Beach. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

Guests on the patio of the Royal Anchor Motel in Old Orchard Beach. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

In the bar of Chef Wilhelm's Hofbrahaus, a German restaurant in Ogunquit. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

Vacationers on Lake Cobbosseecontee near Litchfield. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

Patrons in the bar and lounge at the Waverly Hotel in Old Orchard Beach. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

Swimmers at Lake Cobbosseecontee near Litchfield. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

Fishing at Lake Cobbosseecontee near Litchfield. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

A room at the Thorndike Hotel in Rockland. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

Breakfast time in the coffee shop at the Holiday House Motor Lodge in Scarborough. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

People play a game of shuffleboard outside a house in Harrison. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

Vacationers at the Riverside Motel in Augusta. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

The busy parking lot at the Royal Anchor Motel in Old Orchard Beach. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

The lobby of the Royal Anchor Motel in Old Orchard Beach. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

Patrons in the crowded Royal Anchor Motel bar and lounge in Old Orchard Beach. Credit: Aladdin Color INc/Getty IMages

Cars parked in front of the Mt. Royal Motel in Old Orchard Beach. Credit: Aladdin Color Inc/Getty Images

Visit Premier Exhibitions at 417 5th Avenue to see the past become present again at "Retronaut's New York." This pop-up exhibition of extraordinary, digitally restored photographs captures New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It's only open until May 15, so be sure to get down there before it’s gone.