National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Glen Echo Park A Walking Tour Glen Echo Park is administered by the George Washington Memorial Parkway

In 1890, Discovery Creek Located on Visitor Center and Bridge over brothers Path into Children’s the first 1 2 the park 4 Popcorn Gallery Minnehaha Creek Edward Museum, a floor of and Edwin Living Classrooms the Arcade Baltzley created the Glen Echo on program, offers children’s programs Building, the Visitor Center features a the Potomac real estate development that continue the Chautauqua ideal timeline of the park’s history as well hoping to lure Washingtonians of teaching about the natural world. as documentaries and historic videos to live in the beauty and serenity Discovery Creek Children’s Museum of the park. The National Park Service of this new suburban community. is located in a building that once also offers free guided walking Glen Echo became the site of the housed the electric supply for the tours of the park. For tour times and 53rd Chautauqua Assembly, offering . reservations for groups of 10 people summer courses in the liberal and or more, please call 301-320-1400. practical arts. The crown jewel of Photo by Candace Clifford the Chautauqua was an 8,000- The Popcorn Gallery seat amphitheater that sat atop Photo by Bruce Douglas Minnehaha Creek and used the water flow to power the speaker Clara Barton National Historic Site Trolley and The neon system. During the amusement park 5 Entrance sign marks era, the amphitheater became the The Baltzley brothers donated a the original The style of the entrance Midway, home to many rides and house and land to Clara Barton, the entrance to changed over the years, as did the style of the trolleys. entertainments. founder of the American Red Cross, the park. During the Chautauqua in an effort to bring prestige to their era, horse-drawn carriages pulled up Glen Echo community. Built in 1891, to the entrance. Beginning in 1897,

it was first used as a warehouse for Photo by National Park Service trolleys rode the rails to the park disaster relief supplies. In 1897, Miss A park explains the timeline from Georgetown and continued Barton made it her home and the to visiting students. on to the Cabin John Bridge, headquarters for the American Red approximately one mile west of the Cross. Thinking the house looked The Popcorn Gallery, which served park. Because the trolley company too somber, Miss Barton changed as a refreshment stand during the

Photo by Meredith Forster Photo by Meredith owned the park, it promoted amusement park era, opened in the original granite façade of the the park to increase both park Trolley passes often promoted the park. residence to an elegant Victorian Discovery Creek Children’s Museum teaches 2006 as an exhibition space operated attendance and trolley An etching shows the original amphitheater, which wooden façade, retaining only the children about the natural world. by the Glen Echo Park Partnership ridership. Trolley service became the Midway during the amusement park granite corners. The National Park for Arts and Culture. Throughout continued until January era. The Midway was destroyed in 1956 when it Service offers free daily guided tours the year, the Partnership organizes 1960. became too expensive to maintain. The stone Caretaker’s Cottage dates of the site, except on Thanksgiving, exhibitions that feature the work of from the Chautauqua era and was The trestle that supported the Glen Christmas, and New Year’s Day. To local and regional artists. The entrance to the originally a two-story structure. Echo trolley – the primary mode of make reservations for groups of 10 or park was reinvented Today, the remaining first level of the public transportation that carried more, please call 301-320-1410. many times before building houses the park’s resident visitors to the park during the settling on the Art Deco glassblowing studio. Chautauqua and early amusement style in 1940. Installed park years – is visible from the bridge in 2003, the current as you look toward MacArthur neon “Glen Echo Park” Boulevard. Photos by National Park Service sign is a replica of the 1940 sign.

The Popcorn Gallery showcases the work of local and regional artists. Horse-drawn carriages and trolley cars at the park’s entrance

6 Chautauqua Tower, Yellow Barn, It also provides space for two and Candy Corner additional artist studios. The building was rebuilt in 2007. The stone tower, once an entrance gate and bell tower, is the only remaining intact building from the Chautauqua era. During the amusement park era, it housed the The Caretaker’s Cottage once had two stories. park superintendent and security Photo by National Park Service Clara Barton on her front lawn offices for the park. Renovated in Photo by Sharon McClintic Photo by Sharon The Minnehaha Creek and trolley trestle 2008, the tower now houses two artist studios. The Yellow Barn

The Yellow Barn was built in 1914 and served as the amusement park’s In 1972, six woodworking and repair shop. Since 3 Yurt Village cupcake-shaped 1994 it has housed the park’s resident sod-roofed yurts painting and drawing program. (an experimental housing design based on traditional Mongolian dwelling huts) were Candy Corner in the 1950s erected in the park on the site of the demolished to offer resident artists much-needed studio The Candy Corner sold sweets space. In 1975, the park’s fledgling – cotton candy, candied apples, pottery classes moved out of the old lollipops, and ice cream – during amusement park cafeteria and into the amusement park era. Rebuilt in the yurts, establishing a permanent 2007, this space has been used for Photo by Deborah Dubois home for Glen Echo Pottery. The yurts Photo by Jonathan Charry classroom space and children’s art Photo by Deborah Lange programs. The yurts provide studio space. also provide space for other resident A pottery artist creates a bowl The stone tower in the 1920s studio artists. at Glen Echo Pottery. Yellow Barn artists paint the horses.

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About Glen Echo Park This brochure was generously written and designed by Deborah Lange. Historic photographs were Glen Echo Park is a national park like no other. In 1891, it was home generously provided by Richard Cook, Harold Silver, Frederick W. Schneider III, and George Kiefer. to a Chautauqua Assembly, an educational summer camp where Banner photographs (left to right): National Park Service, Meryl Silver, Daniel Schreiber, Bruce Douglas people could study the liberal arts and sciences. From the late 1890s The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, Inc. is funded by an operating grant from until 1968, Glen Echo Park was a popular amusement park. During the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive, and also by funding from the Montgomery County government and the Arts the 1960s, the private owners of the park tried unsuccessfully to and Humanities Council of Montgomery County. In addition, individual, foundation, and corporate redevelop the site as high-rise apartment buildings. The federal donors generously support the Partnership. All programs are produced in cooperation with the government acquired Glen Echo Park in 1970 and the National Park National Park Service and Montgomery County, Maryland. Service (NPS) reopened it to the public in 1971 as an arts park. In This publication has been financed in part by the Montgomery County Historic Preservation June 2002, the NPS transferred several major management functions Commission Grant Fund which is administered by the HPC and the Montgomery County Planning Board of the M-NCPPC, and with State Funds from the Maryland Heritage Area Authority, an of the park to Montgomery County, Maryland. The county in instrumentality of the State of Maryland. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily turn formed the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Heritage Area Authority. Also, this publication is made a nonprofit organization, to manage the facilities and the arts, possible in part by funding from the Heritage Tourism Alliance of Montgomery County. cultural, and educational programs at the park. Recognizing that The National Park Service preserves and protects over 390 treasures - natural, cultural, and Glen Echo Park is a treasure for the entire region, Montgomery recreational sites across the country. Experience Your America! County, the State of Maryland, and the federal government committed over $22 million toward renovating the park’s facilities. This multi-year rehabilitation was completed in 2009. Today, more than 450,000 people visit the park annually for festivals, exhibitions, social dances, children’s theater, art classes, and ranger-led tours. Glen Echo Park A Walking Tour

In the past, Constructed in stages, the Coaster over time until the ride covered the The Bumper Coaster Dips various roller Bumper Car 7 Dips started out with seven dips. area from the Chautauqua Tower to Car Pavilion coasters occupied 11 Pavilion New dips and climbs were added the Minnehaha Creek. was originally what is now the called the grassy area near the yurts and the Skooter when it came to the park park flagpole. The largest of them, in 1923. In 1995, the National Park the Coaster Dips, arrived in 1921. Service organized a major volunteer effort that included constructing a foundation wall, replacing floorboards, and stabilizing the

structure. The Bumper Car Pavilion Photo by Peter Somerville Riders get ready to bump and is now a popular venue for dances, Contra dancers in the Bumper Car Pavilion dodge in competitive fun. concerts, private rentals, classes, and special events.

The Gravity Railway, built in 1912, was later replaced by the Coaster Dips. The Cuddle Up, Cuddle Up and 12 Hall of Mirrors a teacup ride, arrived in 1946 and continued to be popular until the park closed in 1968. Today, the Cuddle Up is used for art classes and camp programs, and the stage is ideal for performances.

Built in 1964, the Hall of Mirrors is now used for dance and movement classes. The Alpine Hi-Ride arrived in 1966 and Riders on the offered spectacular views of the park. A 1960s aerial view showing the Coaster Dips, Cuddle Up The Coaster Dips grew a bit each year until it Chautauqua Tower, and Arcade reached the height shown at the right.

Installed at Glen Dentzel Carousel Company of Formerly the site of Dentzel Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Arcade 8 Carousel Echo Park in 1921, 13 the Chautauqua Hotel the carousel was In 1960, the carousel was the and Administration made by the focal point of a civil rights Building, the Art Deco sit-in demonstration against Arcade was built in stages starting in segregation at the park. Yielding 1940 to house games, such as a shooting to local pressure, the park’s gallery, skeeball, and other attractions. private owners opened its gates The main level of the Arcade Building to all races in 1961. now provides space for several long- standing resident arts organizations, In 1970, the carousel was slated including Adventure Theatre and to be moved to California. The the Puppet Co., as well as the park’s local community, however, Photo by Deborah Lange photography, fused glass, and music raised the funds to purchase the The carousel continues to delight programs. Renovated and reopened in carousel and donated it to the children of all ages. 2004, the upper levels of the Arcade National Park Service, thereby Building house the offices of the A 20-year effort to restore the saving it for present and future Glen Echo Park Partnership and many generations. The Glen Echo Park carousel was completed in 2003. The A confrontation at the park ultimately led to the classrooms. The shooting gallery in the original arcade park’s decision to embrace all people. Partnership currently operates carousel is listed on the National and maintains the carousel. Register of Historic Places.

Before the Art Deco Arcade was built, The Crystal the amusement Pool opened in park’s original 9 Crystal Pool arcade housed 1931. It was an games and other Olympic-sized attractions. pool that accommodated up to 3,000 swimmers. In addition, it featured a quarter-acre sandy beach. The pool was filled in after the amusement park closed. In the 1980s, the area The Moon Ride, became the site of a children’s The amusement park used stylized pinball machines, and other playground. In 2000, the local posters to promote its attractions. It also held drawings and contests. games delighted community installed new equipment, amusement park which it funded through a grassroots patrons. campaign. In 2009, the National Park Service updated the playground with new landscaping and seating. A dip in the pool followed by relaxation on the sandy beach During the 1970s, the pool’s locker was a perfect way for land-bound rooms housed a sculpture program Washingtonians to spend a hot and a foundry. Today, only the Art summer day. Deco façade remains. It was rebuilt The Nutcracker, in 2009. presented annually by the Puppet The Comfort Station, or park Co., is a holiday favorite. Picture from the restrooms, was originally the site puppet co to go here. of a souvenir and game stand. The Adventure Theatre, National Park Service offices are now the park’s longest- on the lower level. standing resident organization, offers The amusement park’s First Aid live performances for Station, now called the Crystal Pool The souvenir and game stand children of all ages. Photo by Bruce Douglas Studio, houses the park’s resident across from the carousel Night-time swimming was a special treat. children’s art program. Photo by Christopher Piper

Festivals Rentals In 1933, the halls on the East Coast. The installed the playground. To volunteer, Glen Echo Park is home to many music, The Spanish Ballroom, Bumper Spanish mission-style Glen Echo Park Partnership please call the National Park Service 10 Ballroom dance, and family festivals, including Car Pavilion, Cuddle Up, Arcade Spanish Ballroom co-produces a year-round at 301-320-1400 or the Glen Echo Park the Washington Folk Festival. classrooms, and other spaces at the was built over schedule of events in the Partnership at 301-634-2222.

Photo by Tobias Karlsson Photo by Tobias park are available for private rentals. the 7,500-square-foot floor of the ballroom, including social For more information about facility previous Crystal Ballroom. Many dances in various styles – rentals, please call 301-634-2233. big name bands – such as Tommy such as contra, swing, waltz, Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Lawrence Welk, tango, and salsa – as well as Bill Haley and the Comets, and classes and special events. others – played to capacity crowds of up to 1,800 dancers. In the 1960s, the ballroom was used briefly as a Photo by Deborah Lange Jungleland ride. In the 1970s, the

National Park Service restored it to Photo by Deborah Lange ballroom use. Musicians gather for one of the Today, swing dancing is popular many festivals in the park. In 2003, the ballroom was in the ballroom. Volunteers completely renovated, including The park’s active volunteer program The Spanish Ballroom is one of several venues that placing windows in the open has resulted in many benefits. can be rented for special events. arches and restoring the tile foyer, Volunteers saved the Bumper Art Deco mirrors and lights, and For National Park Service information, Car Pavilion from demolition by painted columns. Today, the Spanish visit nps.gov/glec. stabilizing the structure. They Photo by Deborah Lange Ballroom is one of the best dance In the 1920s, A. L. Oehmann’s Glen Echo Dance Orchestra repaired the floor of the Spanish Volunteers raise the last column For program information or to make a included a banjo player as rag tunes were popular. Ballroom, planted flowers, and of the Bumper Car Pavilion. contribution, visit glenechopark.org.

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