In 1891 Glen Echo became part of the Chautauqua movement. Education and lectures, arts and entertainment were regularly attended affairs for nearly a decade. Many prominent scholars took part. Clara Barton among them. As enthusiasm for the movement faded Glen Echo was eventually turned into an amusement park. This lasted until 1968, the heydays being the 40s and 50s. Since 1970 the park has been part of the National Park Service. After much renovation and revitalization it today once again offers various Chautauqua-like activities. Arts and crafts, dance, history and theater events. Even the old 1921 carousel, a favorite of kids and adults alike, continues to operate.
The street cars that used to deliver people here from all over the region no longer run. The last street car visited Glen Echo in 1960. Today there is a 1947 model resting out front as a testament to the "glory days". The image at top I believe is from 1902. The bottom image was shot very recently.
Funny thing is this, I was just thinking today: "It's been awhile since Kircher posted a Then & Now" -The topic came up when it was suggested to me that I perhaps do something of that sort for our 2011 Tribal Calander...they have done it around the reservation in the past and it seems to be well received. One of the advantages to having complete access to the historical archives I would guess!
ReplyDeleteCheers Mike!
-Jeremy
Sounds cool. Love to see that calendar.
ReplyDeleteTalk soon,
-M
Very cool stuff... Some interesting information, I hope you don't mind.
ReplyDeleteAlthough not an original DC/Capital Transit car and certianly not the right color scheme, the trolley car at Glenn Echo today is the right style. Very few DC Transit cars still exist many living at the National Capital Trolley Museum out in Coleville, Md. The museum has quite a representative number of cars from just about every era of the system. The Smithsonian has one of the original cars and there's one of the style at Glenn Echo down in the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, VA. Last time I saw that car it was outside exposed to the elements.
Thanks. Good info.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this one apparently ran through Philly back in the day... late '40s and '50s I believe. They're supposed to refurbish it... paint it and electrify it, then allow folks to walk through it. Someday, perhaps.
Happy New Year, dude.