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.
