, a a

Washington, D.C.
Columbia Historical Society.
Library of Congress.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library.

REPOSITORIES CONSULTED DURING RESEARCH

Baltimore, Maryland.

Museum’ and Library of Maryland History, Maryland Historical
Society.

Chautauqua, New York.

Smith Memoria! Library, Chautauqua Institution.

New York, New York.
New-York Historical Society.

Performing Arts Research Center, New York Public Library.

Washington, D.C.
Potomac Electric Power Company.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Company.

PERSONS CONSULTED DURING RESEARCH

Pau! H. Alban, Glen Echo, Maryland (former mayor of Glen Echo)
Carlotta Anderson, Editor of The Echo, Glen Echo, Maryland, newspaper

Abram Baker, Miami Beach, Florida (former owner of Glen Echo
Amusement Park)

Eleanor Beamer, Arlington, Virginia (former resident of Glen Echo
Amusement Park)

221


Second, in a deed from the same grantors to the same
grantees dated April 17th, A.D. 1891, and recorded on the
same day in Liber J.A. No. 25, folios 252 &c, of the Land
Records of said County, and which is more particularly
described as follows:

Beginning at a point "D" which is shown on the map of
The National Chautauqua of Glen Echo filed for record in Liber
J.A. No. 25, folio 252, one of the Land Records of Montgomery
County, Maryland, and running thence Westerly on the North
line of a reservation for a railroad to the Southwest corner of
Lot No. 22, set forth in said plat, thence North East with the
dividing line between lots Nos. 20 & 21 to Oxford Road, thence
with the West line of Oxford Road to the reservation for a
railroad on the south side of the Washington Aqueduct, thence
with the South line of said reservation for said railroad
Eastwardly to a point marked "L" being the North East Corner
of Ann Arbor Avenue and said railroad reservation, thence with
the southwest line of said reservation for said railroad "M" on
said Plat, which said point is on a circle in said plat, thence
with the southwest line of said circle to a point "C" on said
plat, which said point "C" is at the southwest corner of said
circle and Academic Avenue, thence with the west line of
Academic Avenue to the point "D" the place of beginning,
excepting therefrom the portion of said land belonging to the
Red Cross Society and Clara Barton, its President, containing,
however the amphitheatre and Hall of Philosophy, excepting
however that portion of the above described land containing the
Administration Building or gate house tower and the buildings
thereto attached on the west side of the entrance to the
Chautauqua ground now owned by the Baltimore Building &
Loan Association by a purchase under a mortgage from the
National Chautauqua of Glen Echo to the Carl Barckhoff Church
Organ Company.

Together with all the rights, ways, improvements, and
appurtenances thereto belonging or in any wise appertaining.

Details of the sale were printed in the Washington newspapers.
account dated May 20, 1903, which contained several misleading

erroneous statements, stated:

The Glen Echo resort, with its handsome buildings and
improvements and about 20 acres of grounds, has been
purchased for $13,000 from the trustees representing the

One
and

15. Deed, Fielder C. Slingluff to Bird M. Robinson and Randolph
Barton, April 1, 1903, Montgomery County Deed Book, TD 26, Folios

107-09.

51


operating in Venezuela; Glasgow, Scotiand; and at the New York World's
Fair. Nightly entertainment in the Spanish Ballroom was provided by the
Paul Kain orchestra for the season. Before his appearance at Glen Echo

in 1939, Kain had played in Hollywood and on Catalina Island, as well as

at Rockefeller Center and the Commodore Hotel in New York City. Kain,

who came to be known as “king of the Glen Echo Swing," was the
orchestra leader for Washington CBS station WJSU (soon to become
wrop).°

The 1940 season at Glen Echo came to be known for the rumors that
circulated around Washington about some alleged tragedies that were said
to have happened to park patrons. Beginning in June three rumors
started making the rounds, and continued to circulate for a month despite
printed refutations in area newspapers. The rumors centered around
stories that a girl had been bitten by a poisonous snake and died while
riding on the "World Cruise," the Crystal Pool had been drained to clear
out a nest of snakes, and the park had been closed after ten to twelve
people were killed when a roller coaster car jumped the track.

The Glen Echo Park Company took a variety of measures to counter these
spurious rumors in the effort to save its business. Montgomery County
Detective Theodore Volton was assigned the task of tracking the rumors
to their source, but after he interviewed some 500 persons the
investigation was terminated. On July 22 Schloss had a notice placed in
Washington area newspapers (a copy of which may be seen on the

80. "Glen Echo Displays New Administration Building," Billboard, 52
(April 20, 1940): 38, and Washington Evening Star, April 14, 1940, and
Washington Post, May 26, July 21, 1940, May 23, 1943, Vertical Files,
Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library. Some sources state
that the "Flying Skooter" was brought to Glen Echo from the New York
World's Fair. Also see Ray Burkett and Randee Berstein, "Deco 'Echoes'
in Former Washington Amusement Park," Trans-Lux, 1 (February,
1983): 6. The National Park Service has eight construction drawings of
the administrative building/arcade complex, the originals of which are on
file at the National Capital Region Office. The drawings are available on
microfilm in the Technical Information Center at the Denver Service
Center.

115

a


tempestuous commingling of liquid sayings from its bouldered
bed and winding precipitous descent. Midway of the conduit
road and the river the Glen widens, amphitheatre like, as if
intended by nature for the great auditorium to seat 8,000
people now being constructed there. The stream flows under
the building, which, together with one acre of grotto work
under the stone floor, and which is to be lighted by electricity,
will constitute one of the pleasing features of the vast
structure.

From the amphitheatre the Glen narrows and deepens as it
advances to the river, making at its junction with the deep
gorge of the Potomac, two high, commanding promontories,
overlooking the river on the south, east, and west, and the
amphitheatre on the north. The Hall of Philosophy is being
erected on the one on the west, while the Academy of Fine Arts
is going up on the eastern one. Other lecture halls, a chapel,
class and social rooms are designed for sites farther up the
stream. All these buildings are to be in granite, and designed
with especial reference to their sites and purpose. They will
be imposing in their grouping as well as in their architecture,
and by their art will emphasize the rugged grandeur of the
glen, and by the learning to be disseminated grom them, as time
goes on, will make classic this beautiful vale.

The amphitheater designed by Philadelphia architect Theophilus P.
Chandler was to become an enormous structure (one of the largest
auditoriums in the country at that time) with a seating capacity of 8,000
under a dome with an inside diameter of 250 feet. The stage could seat
500 people and contained a stand for speakers featuring an early "sound
distribution" system utilizing air trumpets powered by water flow from the
stream below the auditorium. Behind and above the stage was a gallery

while below the gallery were committee and dressing rooms. '°

Insight into the grand scale of construction operations at Glen Echo can
be gained by reading the memoirs of George Freeman Pollock, whose

9. Woman's Executive Committee, National Chautauqua, pp. 3-4. See
Appendix B. for a list of the sources from which materials, labor, and
services were procured during construction of the Chautauqua buildings.
This brochure was written before much of the construction was underway.
Thus some portions of its contents were simply pre-construction
promotion. The Academy of Fine Arts, for instance, was never built.

10. Woman's Executive Committee, National Chautauqua, back cover. A
copy of the plan of the amphitheater may be seen on the following page.

7


display of a switchblade knife on Easter Monday of that year, worsened
the reputation of Glen Echo. The Baker brothers also exacerbated local
community relations during the summer of 1963 by attempting to purchase
the Clara Barton House for the purpose of demolition and adding its
acreage to existing parking facilities--a move that prompted purchase of
the historic structure by the Friends of Clara Barton, Inc., in the spring

of the following year.20

During the 1963-64 off season the Baker brothers initiated pians to erect
an addition to "Kiddieland" in the park. The addition included a
one-story steel structure (120 feet x 60 feet), part of which was located
on the portion of Tulane Avenue which had been abandoned at the edge
of the park in August 1961 and on portions of Girard Street which was
still a public road. 2! The shelter, built by the Gem Construction
Company of Silver Spring for some $15,000, was designed to house a small
carousel and picnic area. County officials approved the building permit,
only later to find that such a permit was illegal because the land in
question was not zoned for commercial purposes. Accordingly, an
agreement was reached in March 1964, whereby the Bakers would continue
construction contingent upon their promise to apply for the requisite

zoning change and take necessary actions "to insure that any public

20. Ibid., February 12, May 1, 1963, and Washington Evening Star,
June 9, 1963, May 27, June 4, 1964, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library, and Washington Star, July 21,
1963, Baker Collection: Glen Echo received much needed favorable
publicity in 1963 when Mrs. John F. Kennedy and her two children
visited the park. Washington Evening Star, August 21, 1965, Vertical
Files, Glen Echo, Columbia Historical Society.

21. Tulane Avenue (between Bowdoin Avenue and "Kiddieland," a stretch
bounded on either side by park property) had been abandoned in 1961
because Rekab, Inc., planned to remodel the park entrance there, thus
necessitating relocation of the maintenance shop "within the park property
intersected by Tulane Avenue." Minutes of "Special Session of the Town
Council, December 7, 1960," and "Regular Monthly Meeting of the Mayor
and Town Council of Glen Echo, January 10, 1961," Minutes of Glen Echo
Town Council, in possession of Frank G. Corder, Glen Echo, Maryland.

146

. ie


Rides are priced by the number of nickel-unit tickets required.
Combination books are 45 for $2.

The Bubble Bounce, which was displaced by the Satellite Jet,
has been moved up onto the main midway, where it stands right
in the center. This had been a roomy, paved area and
installation of the ride caused relocation of a couple of stands.

The swimming pool opened May 23, and continues until Labor
Day weekend, the customary park closing period. Robert
Graves, manager, in his fourth season with the park, said
extensive radio and tv tie-ins will again be pursued. Lenny
Woronoff remains in charge of advertising and public relations.

Among the projects this year is a regular Saturday night record
hop presided over by Don Dillard, of WTTG. Visiting record
artists 49d kiddie tv favorites will be utilized wherever
possible.

Maintenance operations of Gien Echo Park were featured in an article in
the September 1959 issue of American Forests. It was estimated that
1,000,000 board feet of tumber had been used to build the various rides
at the park. Thousands of board feet of Georgia pine, poplar, beech,
and oak were used each: year for construction of platforms, railings, and
general maintenance work. Two inspectors walked the entire track of the
roller coaster every morning that the park was open. Similar inspections
were made by insurance men and engineers on a weekly basis. Some 500
gallons of paint were used on the coaster annually. All picnic tables in
the park were built by the year-round maintenance staff. Among other

things, the wooden bellows of the park organ were oiled daily. '@

The 1960-1968 Seasons

A number of construction projects were carried out in Glen Echo Park

during the 1959-60 off season for which ‘Montgomery County building

11. "Glen Echo Features New Satellite Jet," Billboard, 71 (April 20,
1959): 87.
12. "Glen Echo -- Years of Fun," American Forests, 65 (September,
1959): 24-27.

141




cashiers make their reports at the end of each day to Captain
Harry Spicer. :

Of course a well-conducted amusement park would not be
efficiently handled without an efficient secretary. Mr. Otese
Hastings competently fills the bill and assists in the many
details connected with office administration.

Gunner Norman Stuckey, late of the British Army, is
director of Public Relations. He also occupies an important
office at Glen Echo, where he arranges details for picnic parties
and is engaged in promotional and publicity assignments.

Lastly, the Spanish Garden Ballroom, where 1,500 couples
dance every night, except Sundays, to the strains of
Bandmaster Dave McWilliams' 12-piece orchestra directed by
Attorney Phil O'Brien, is subject to the same policy of efficient
operaton that prevails throughout the entire park, which
represents invested capital totalling $750,000.

The site of Glen Echo Park was rezoned in December 1935 at the request
of the Capital Transit Company, which had acquired the Washington
Railway and Electric Company in December 1933. Because the amusement
park was in existence when the Montgomery County zoning laws became
effective in 1928, it was permitted to remain as a nonconforming property
in a residential area. Thus, in December 1935, the site was rezoned to
commercial "D" since the Glen Echo Park Company, which leased the
Property from Capital Transit, would not be able to rebuild should a fire

or other disaster strike the park under the old zoning designation. 7

The 1936 Season

The 1936 season opened at Glen Echo on April 18, featuring a new motor
boat attraction among its fifty attractions and amusement devices. The
ride consisted of a fleet of 20 "U-drive-'em-yourself" motor speed boats,
operating on more than 2,000 feet of specially-constructed scenic
waterways landscaped by the Gude Brothers. The ride included a
miniature lake on a spot once reserved for parking space, and featured

"Admiral Pop-Eye, the Sailor Man." The two-passenger boats were of the

72. Washington Herald, June 25, -1935.

73. Washington Post, December 11, 1935, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

111


"first real taste of the road," and later became business manager of
various Frohman, Hoyt and Thomas attractions. He also toured the

United States with Irish actor Eugene O'Rourke.

Schloss then became an advance agent for the first farewell tour of John
L. Sullivan, who had won the American heavyweight boxing championship
from "Paddy" Ryan, also a member of the tour. The tour was successful
under the sponsorship of Davies, and Sullivan who had begun the tour
penniless wound up with $10,000. Sullivan nicknamed Schloss "Little
Casino," because reportedly he never missed a trick. Schloss also served
as advance agent for personal appearances on the stage of other boxing
greats -- Jim Corbett, Bob Armstrong, and Tom Sharkey. He helped
promote the Choynski-Maher fight in New York in 1897.

Eager to run his own shows, Schloss put two of them on the road. Both
productions--an English comedy, “Our Flat," and a Drury Lane, London,
melodrama, “Braving the World"--were unsuccessful ventures. He also was
advance man for a production of “Uncle Tom's Cabin" with Peter Jackson,
a black heavyweight, as Uncle Tom. Between acts Jackson and Joe
Choynski boxed in exhibitions.

Schloss then landed a job as advance agent for the "American Globe
Trotters," a large vaudeville show formed to tour Australia, India, and
South Africa. The show played to enthusiastic crowds in South Africa
until the: Boer War forced the act to fold. He managed to travel to
London where he stayed for five years helping promote three world
championship fights as part of coronation ceremonies for King Edward VII
and booking American vaudeville acts throughout Great Britian and the

major cities of Europe.

In 1902 Schloss returned to the United States and soon became director of
concessions during the construction of Coney Island's Dreamland
Amusement Park. After some highly-spirited competition with Sam
Gumpertz, later vice president and = general manager of the
Ringling-Barnum Circus, Schloss lost the managership of Dreamland to his

rival.

60


Montgomery County Government Executive Office Building,
Department of Environmental Protection, Construction Codes
Enforcement, Building Permit Files, Glen Echo Park, 1946-1966.

These files include the applications for building permits for
construction projects at Glen Echo Park from the late 1940s to the
late 1960s. The files appear to be incomplete and are considered to
be inactive by county officials.

Montgomery County Judicial Center. Montgomery County Land
Records.

These land records, containing the county deed and plat books,
were researched for the purpose of tracing the chain of title for the
Glen Echo Park property.

Washington, D.C. Columbia Historical Society.

The John Clagett Proctor Collection and Society Vertical Files
Primarily contain press clippings on the history of Glen Echo.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library. Washingtoniana
Collection, Vertical Files, Glen Echo.

These files contain Washington-area press clippings and other
materials relating to the history of Glen Echo, primarily from the
1930s to the 1970s.

Robert A. Truax Collection (private). Inspection Report,
Capital Transit Company, Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, Maryland,
July 1934, Marsh & McLennan, Insurance, Incorporated, New York,
Chicago.

226

a a Sa


The

segregation practices

courts to date, was outlined in the Washington Post on July 10, 1960:

significance of the suit, which was the broadest attack

GLEN ECHO, which started out life hoping to be “the world's
greatest Chautauqua" but never made it, now has another
chance to get its name in the history books. This time, it is
as an amusement park which banned Negroes and triggered
court tests on the power of states to uphoid private
discrimination.

The outcome of these tests, whether reached in the cases
developing from the Glen Echo picket line or in cases arising
from sit-ins in more Southern stores and restaurants, will leave
a major mark on racial discrimination in America, on the power
of states and on American jurisprudence.

The importance of the Glen Echo situation is that the pickets
for desegregation have a stronger legal case there than they do

‘in almost all, if not all, of the Southern sit-ins.

A SMALL PART of the area [front parking lot] from which
Negroes are barred is leased from the Federal Government; an
amusement park may be in a different legal position than an ice
cream parlor; the arresting officers are employees of the park
as well as deputy sheriffs.

It is because each of these factors make a difference that a
civil suit was filed Friday in Federal District Court in
Baltimore. The suit, asking that Maryland authorities be
ordered not to make arrests in Gien Echo for trespass, is the
first affirmative attack in Federal courts growing out of the
recent sit-ins. The other court actions are all defensive in
that the desegregation forces are seeking to upset criminal
convictions.

All of these legal maneuvers go back to a Supreme Court
decision eight years before Glen Echo opened its Chautauqua in
1891 where the amusement park now stands. In that decision,
called the Civil Rights Cases, the Supreme Court struck down a
Federal law barring racial discrimination in amusement facilities
such as Glen Echo Amusement Park.

17.

on

in private business that had been filed in federal

Washington Post, July 10, 1960, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

144


Poss and Ricketts in Rockville. Upon the conclusion of this
event the baseball game for the championship of Montgomery
County will start at 3 o'clock with the teams of Germantown and
Gaithersburg as contenders. The individual players of the
winning nine will be presented with handsome watch fobs. Both
baseball teams, together with the King's Valley Silver Coronet
Band, eighteen strong and attired in full regimentais, will leave
Rockville on a special car at 10:30 for Glen Echo Park.
Arrangements have been made for the King's Valley organization
to give a continuous band concert and this should prove one of
the real features of the celebration.

Aside from the tournament and carnival there will be a score of
other contests.

These include a foot race in which the prizes are a watch,
fountain pen and knife, a quoit pitching match and various
other tests of skill. Only residents of the County will be
eligible to compete for their prizes and a large number of
entries have already been received. During the afternoon many
of the half hundred attractive amusements that have made Glen
Echo so popular with pleasure-seekers this summer will be
operated mainly for the schooichildren of the county. Through
the courtesy of the park management free tickets have been
provided on to the school trustees and teachers and the
children will be entertained on the merry-go-round, the
miniature railway and the huge Ferris wheel. They will also be
welcomed at the "new midway" the spacious structure that
houses the "human roulette wheel," the giant slides and some of
the most laughable devices ever introduced for outdoor fun.

The festivities in connection with the crowning of the queens of
the tournament will start in the handsome new open air dancing
pavilion at 7:30 o'clock and the coronation address will be made
by State Senator Blair Lee, Democratic candidate for governor.
The dancing of the royal set will follow immediately afterward.
In honor of the occasion the dancing pavilion, which is
illuminated by 2800 incandescent lights, will be prettily
decorated and a large crowd from Washington is expected to
witness this feature of the celebration. Moving pictures in the
open air amphitheatre, one of Glen Echo's features this season,
are certain to claim the attention of many people during the
evening this exhibition starting at 8:30 and admission being
ree,

14,

Montgomery Press, July 21, 1911, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection, and Montgomery County Sentinel,

July 21, 1911.

71


all looking out upon scenery which we may gt tell lest our
tongues be condemned to utter confusion.

Baltzley noted some of the characteristics and advantages of the suburban
subdivision that the brothers were trying to establish at Glen Echo. To
provide accessibility to Washington, the Baltzleys had played a role in
encouraging construction of the steam and electric Glen Echo Railroad,
which was chartered on December 12, 1889. Its cars, built by the J.G.
Brill Company of Philadelphia, were, according to Baltzley, "unsurpassed
in the whole history of street-car building" for "comfort and luxuriance."
A "granite and fire-proof" powerhouse was built near Glen Echo "to guard

against the interruption of service."'®

Five granite quarries were opened within the boundaries of the Glen Echo
development. The Baltzlieys desired that only granite structures,
patterned after their own stone mansions built on a hill overlooking the
Potomac, be constructed in the subdivision. Therefore, they provided
stone to those building homes “at the bare cost of quarrying." The
granite quarried varied "in grade and color from the blue-gray, similar to
that in the State Department [now the Old Executive Office Building], at
the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street, N.W., in
Washington, D.C., to the white and pink and ochre, like that of which
the Church of the Covenant [in Philadelphia] is built."

The subdivision featured other conveniences and attractions. Provision
was made for electric lighting and facilities were available to allow
residents to engage in "river pleasuring." Glen Echo was "in the natural
direction of the city's growth," according to Baltzley, and was part of

5. Ibid., pp. 8-15. Also see Morris Fradin, “Washington's 'Rhine!",
American Forests, 73 (May 1967): 24-25, and Washington Post, May 21,
1891.

6. Further data on the history and development of the Glen Echo
Railroad may be found in. LeRoy O. King, 100 Years of Capital Traction:
The Story of Streetcars In the Nation's Capital ({Washington], 1972),
pp. 42 ff.



Carolyn £. Boyce, Historic Preservation Planner, Pittsburgh Planning
Department, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Richard A. Cook, Gaithersburg, Maryland (owner of extensive private
Glen Echo Amusement Park historical collection)

Frank G. Corder, Jr., Glen Echo, Maryland (former mayor of Glen Echo)

Michael Dwyer, historian, National Capital Park Planning Commission,
Rockville, Maryland

Simon and Evelyn Eichberg, Washington, D.C. (Evelyn is the daughter of
Leonard B. Schloss)

Rurik K. Eckstrom, architect, Richmond, Virginia

Vincent Finegan, photographer, Glen Echo, Maryland

Richard Flint, Curator of Prints, Peale Museum, Baltimore, Maryland
(recognized authority on amusement park history)

Henry B. Goldsborough, Jr., Senior Liaison Engineer, Potomac Electric
Power Company, Washington, D.C.

Frederick Kuster, Mayor, Glen Echo, Maryland

Patrick Lee, Cabin John, Maryland (former employee at Glen Echo
Amusement Park)

Alfreda Locke Irwin, historian-in-residence, Smith Memorial Library,
Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, New York

Nancy B. Long, town archivist, Glen Echo, Maryland

222

ee eee ee he


i Sin ya

E.P. Mertz; S. B. Sheets; confectionery; and Brentano, books
and stationery.

Other lines of business will locate in these rooms, so that by
the opening of the assembly it will be possible to find in the
Arcade anything that may be needed by residents on the
grounds.

TUITION AND CLASS FEES

SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES, any department, 20 lessons, $5.40
lessons, $8.

SCHOOL OF MUSIC--Voice culture, in classes, 10 lessons, $2;
harmony, in classes, 10 lessons, $2; voice culture, private
lessons, per hour, $3; voice culture, private lessons, per half
hour, $2; piano and pipe organ, terms made known to pupils on
application; banjo and mandolin, ten-hour tessons, $20; ten
half-hour lessons, $10; single hour lesson, $2; guitar, ten-hour
lessons, $20; ten half-hour lessons, $10; single hour fesson,
$2.

SCHOOL OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE--Singie lessons, 50¢; full
course ten lessons, $4.

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS--Business department, four weeks, $8; .
eight weeks, $15; Spencerian penmanship, four weeks, $5;

eight weeks, $9; shorthand and typewriting, four weeks, $8;

eight weeks, $15; typewriting only, four weeks, $5; eight

weeks, $9.

THE ART SCHOOL--Industrial, art, and manual! training, one
branch, $12.50; two branches, $20; three branches; $25. Fine
art department; all departments, fifteen lessons, $15; thirty
lessons, $30; Delsarts and other departments, terms made
known to pupils at the Assembly Office.

HOTEL AND BOARDING

Hotel Chautauqua, a tent hotel, rooms neatly partitioned and
well furnished. Dining room 60 x 90 feet in size. Cafe to seat
200 people. Meals served a la carte. Meals 50¢. Board $30
per month. Dairy lunch, where everything usually served in
such places can be had at low prices. For those who board
themselves the stores will supply milk, meat, and bread and
whatever else may be needed, at reasonable prices.

Another matter in which the people who own their own horses
will be interested in that arrangements have been made for the
care of horses. Attendants will be at the gate and check the
horse, take [it] to the stable, care for it, and return it to the
gate whenever the owner desires. A reasonable fee will be
charged for this service, and if wanted feed will be provided.

189


A VISIT TO WASHINGTON
IS NOT COMPLETE UNLESS
AVISIT I$ MADE TO .....

GIGES FREE ADMISSION
JECIEIO [sr Fomvacres,

OPEN EVERY DAY i:RM. TO MIDNIGHT.
FROM SATURDAY APRIL $!
CPRESENTING-

MORE THAN FIFTY AMUSEMENT
FEATURES REACHED IN ONLY
FORTY MINUTES BY STREET CAR
OR TWENTY MINUTES BY AUTO
OUT MASSACHUSETIS AVENUE.

DAINICHNG * e

IN SPANISH GARDEN BALLROOAL

O:T012: ON WEEK NIGHTS ONLY, TO

SPLENDID PAUL KAIN ORCHESTRA OF 12
CORPS OF ENTERTAINERS

SWIMMING

IN AMERICAS FINEST POOL,WITH SAND
BEACH ADJOINING -9:30 A.M. TO 1PM.
FROM SATURDAY MAY 23 2
CAFE DINNERS pany £:To Spm, alfi0d
STEAK OR CHICKEN DINNERS 9135
AND ASSORTEO COLD PLATE at 75 ¢

Diamond Chatterbox, March 29, 1942, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library. @

120


trainers, purchased from the National Amusement Device Company, were
added to the coaster dip. The other park improvements included new
restrooms and a new photo studio. The total cost of the new attractions
and facilities was some $85,000.

The Billboard of April 9, 1949, observed that "nothing special" was
"planned in the way of promotions" at Glen Echo during 1949, “outside of
Sunday School and fraternal picnics." The park advertising campaign
would be conducted through the use of four daily newspapers, twelve

radio stations, and fifteen county weeklies. 2°

The 1950 Season

The 1950 season at Glen Echo Park opened on April 8 with some three
thousand visitors in attendance. Several weeks earlier, on March 13,
Gerald P. Price, former Washington branch manager of United Artists
Corporation, had assumed general managership of the park in place of
Leonard B. Schloss who retired at age 77 after nearly 40 years of
service.9”

The newest thrill ride was the "Comet Jr.," a midget roller coaster that
ran over a 1,400-foot track with dips of only 35 feet. To make room for
the new attraction the "Old Mill" ride was demolished in March.
Kiddieland, formerly exposed to the sun, had been covered with a metal
roof during the winter. The park management also included square

96. "Schloss Adds More Rides at Glen Echo," Billboard, 61 (April 9,
1949): 117, and Washington Evening Star, August 7, 1949, Vertical
Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

97. "G. Price Named Glen Echo Mgr.," Billboard 57 (April 8, 1950): 128,
and Trades Unionist, April 1, 1950, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,
1944-1954, Cook Collection.

126


APPENDIX B
SOURCES FOR MATERIALS, LABOR, AND SERVICES FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF CHAUTAUQUA BUILDINGS AT
GLEN ECHO

Materials, labor, and services were purchased from a variety of sources
during the construction of the Chautauqua buildings at Glen Echo.
Various ledgers, cash books, and journals in the aforementioned Cook

Collection show the following entries:

AMPHITHEATER $98,802.26
Henry B. Looker, topographic survey map, professional
services on sewer and water
James B. Lambie, hardware
J. Edward Libbey, lumber, cement
J. G. and J. M. Waters, cement, lumber
W. T. Weaver, nails
G. W. Offutt, dynamite
Edward L. Dent, 29 plates 122" sockets
George J. Johnston, lime, cement
J. —£. and A. L. Pennock, roof
Springman & Bro., hauling lumber
Bridges & Presgraves, team hire and hauling
M. H. Adler, four kegs of nails
Walter F. Hewitt, cement
H.W. Blunt, cement
Ivy City Brick Co., bricks
John Dugan, hauling bricks
W.H. Houghton Mfg. Co., opera, folding, and setter chairs
Culver and Norris, cement
WwW. C. Lewis, cement
Levening & Garrigues, beams
Carl Barckhoff Church Organ Co., organ
D. D. Valentyne, stone taid in wall
George Killeen, grading part
C.J. Collier, glass
J. Mc L. Dodson, lime
W. T. and F. B. Weaver
James H. McGill
E. & E. Baltzley, stone, sand
Mose Jones, labor, quarrying
Maurice Joyce, stone cut
Haisley & Wood, sign
Carpenters, teams, stone masons
William C. Lewis, cement
William M. Whyte & Bro., copper cornerstone box
A. S. Pratt & Sons Insurance

181


WIOUSIN KO

OLL

>
€
z
.

SIHNLONULS “ON



: ADMISS 1 TALWA' ie
CULABLY-PLEASING POPULAR-PLEAS
tS IROLUDING MAGNIFICENT NEW. $10,000 OPERA

=

Washington Herald, May 21, 1911, Glen Echo P.
ark C
1911-1912, Cook Collection. - , rk Company Press Book,

66

ee a he


Some time after the cornerstone-laying ceremony a circular entitled The

Glen Echoan was issued, describing the progress of construction to date
and the building operations then underway. The brochure stated:

Glen Echo, an enterprise of marvelous growth, from its
inception till its present accomplishment, is one of the most
notable results of untiring energy and resourceful ingenuity,
and now stands before the people with all its honors thick upon
it. One year ago its office force consisted of one clerk and one
salesman. At that time the now celebrated architectural poem,
the Glen Echo Cafe, or "The Pa-tow-o-meck," was in course of
construction at a cost of over $75,000; then $500 a week were
expended in pay rolls. Now the office force consists of 24
persons, and the labor roll at Glen Echo numbers 1,000
employees, while the weekly expenditures exceed $15,000.
Buildings whose substantiality and Egyptian solidity and
immensity excite the admiration of the architect and the wonder
of the layman are completed.

Four miles from the National Capital, by a delightful drive of
thirty minutes over the undulating Conduit Road, which winds
along the heights of the picturesque Potomac, or more quickly
by the electric cars or the newly projected Baltimore and Ohio
Branch Railroad, one finds a classic retreat where every charm
of nature invites the body to healthful rest and the mind to
earnest contemplation.

A pleasanter ride it would be hard to find than that which can
now be taken in the splendid cars of the Glen Echo Railroad.
The beautiful views on both sides of the track contribute to
make the ride a pleasure not soon to be forgotten.

No assembly buildings or grounds in the land are lighted like
Glen Echo. The Amphitheatre is made as bright as day by
twenty-eight arc lights, and many more are scattered over the
grounds, while through the woods the incandescent lights gieam
like stars which hpye for the time wandered out of their place
in the blue.

16. (Cont.) 1891 the Glen Echo Chautauqua had adopted a graphic
letterhead showing the amphitheater and -hail of philosophy, a copy of
which may be seen on the following page. Gillett to Kimball, May 28,
1891, Historical Collection, Smith Memorial Library, Chautauqua
institution.

17. Quoted in The Glen Echoan, Devoted to Glen Echo and the Glen Echo
Chautauqua, Located at Glen-Echo-On- the- Potomac, Five Miles From
Washington, The Washington Rhine ([Washington, ca. 1892]), p. 28.

24

NS


APPENDIX N
DEED CONVEYING GLEN ECHO PARK TO UNITED
STATES GOVERNMENT: 1970

Chis Berd “~

Made this lee day of April

Nineteen hundred and. seventy » by and between Ri KAR,

organized under the Laws of the State of Maryland, party of che first part; aad

ATLGOF AMENICA, party of the secund part.

Witnesseth. chat for ond in consideration of the smmenof conveyance to it vy the party
of the second part of the premises 1711 New York Avenue, N.W,, taxed ag Lote 823

and 837 in Square 170, District of Columbia, b.ing known as the "Old
Smergeney Hospital” property,
the said part ¥ of the first part docs grant and convey

vo the said pert y of the second part, tayfarcinple, and its assigns, in fev sinple,

the jollawing described land and premises, with the improvements, easements and appurtenances thereunto

delanged. situate, lying and being in Montgomery County,

State of Maryland, namely:
ALL THAT TRACT of Land situate ia the 7th Election District, Montgomery
Coucty, Maryland and mere particularly described as PARCELS A & B according to a plat
e+ survey ang description furnished by Maddox & Hopkins, Engineers and Surveyors,

gust 1905. as follows:

gates

BLING all of those six (0) parcels of land conveyed to Rekab, Lac., as follows;

Parcels One, Two and Three, from Continental [:nteryrises by deed dated June
17, [¥2> and recorded in Lider 2072 at folio 448.

Parcel Four, from Granviile Combs et ux., by deed dated December 7, 195$ and
a Liber 2083 at folio 234,

cel Five, trom Charles ¥, Shuf et ux., by dved dated April 1, 1953 and
in Lider 244y at folio 165.

Parcel Six, from Thelma Mae Anderson by deed dated February 24, 190] and
recorded in Liber 2825 at folio 485, all among the Land Records of Montgomery County,
Maryland, and,

Parcel Seven, being all of that part of Tulane Avenue abandoned by the
Montgomery County Council by Resolution Ho. 42613 and shown oa a Plat of Abandonaent
tecerded among said Land Records in Plat Bock 09, Plat No. 6498 ana being core par-
cularly described as follows:

216



WASHINGTON’S ONLY BIG

FREE ADMISSION
‘AMUSEMENT PARK].

GLEN ECHO

OPENS FOR THE SEASON

SAT., MAY 13th

Presenting. Jts High ane Array of Diversified Pleasare e _Sivias
Attractloas of Proved Popularity ork it Seasons and

1,000 ©

More Feet of Speedway, roe 3 Bis Dine ‘and 5,000 Feet of Pep

“THE COASTER”?

MAKING. THIS FEATURE: a REAL THRILL ‘£

“FINE 5 AND. ‘DANDY’?

WII Aptly Descetbe’ the Enfoyment Aforded Patrons whe -
Partake ‘of Its Phasares

AGAIN.

‘The -Atrietly Censored,’ Electrically Céoled

‘BALL ROOM

Finest, Dance Floor Near Waskiagten

FAMOUS GLEN. ECHO. ORCHESTRA»

\ Under the Playing Dirvetion of

MR. A. L. OEHMANN

Planisi-Leadér, Starting $:30 Week Wights Only

Same Popular ‘Prices:. Ladies, age; Gentlemen, soc: (inc. . tax)
yao: for Entire, ve “ Dancing.

NEW STUNT 7% “: MIDWAY.
* “RIDE THE: ROCKING PIGS THERE” :

‘ANEW ORGAN {i. _

PURCHASED AT 4 COST .OF

$4,000

HAS BEES ‘dope To THE %

_ $25,000 .
CARROUSEL }. :

Continuously Playing Latest Pepalar Music

THE SODA PARLOR!.

‘Wil be conducted under mow management with“ia} ; “f
polley of Mberality im the serving of palatable fees} i!
tain rinks and apecinities. Courtesy te and cone} + ft
‘sideration of patrens will be accorded.

eer

eeeteet:

TM
an
>

|

Washington Post, May 7, 1922, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,

1917-1923, Cook Collection.

95

v7


the Metropolitan Branch, to intersect the Richmond and Danville
system, will pass near the ground and will give the association
a direct western and southern branch line connection, without
going through the city. The latter line will also furnish direct
communication with Washington, Baltimore, and the East. The
Management have the assurance that the road from Georgetown
to Great Falls, along the canal bank, will be completed as. far
as Glen Echo within a year. Light drought steam pockets will
be put on the canal, by which a large number of peopje can be
moved to and fro by one of the most delightful routes.

Despite the transportation problems the success of the Glen Echo assembly
during the summer of 1891 began to attract nationwide attention in

various periodicals. For example, Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper

published an article with illustrations on June 27, 1891, under the title
"Glen Echo, The National Chautauqua--One of the Most Beautiful Spots On
the Upper Potomac--A Noble Enterprise in Which Scholars, Students and
Investors Will All be Interested." The article stated:

The Glen Echo Chautauqua is one of the noblest enterprises of
its character ever originated. . . . Located within four and a
half miles of Washington, high up on the foothills of the Blue
Ridge Mountains, and upon the majestic bluffs that overiocok the
most picturesque and entrancing part of the Potomac River,
Glen Echo offers superb attractions for all the purposes of a
summer resort and a place of delightful residence. in the soft,
summer, Southern air, and amid the wild picturesqueness of
Glen Echo one finds all the inspiration, the healthfulness, and
enjoyment that the Adirondacks and the Catskills offer in their
deep seciusion. This charming spot especially appeals to those
of refined and artistic tastes, and for this reason we present to
the public some of its most delightful features. The pictures
Presented by our artist include several beautiful and substantial
residences which already adorn the place, including those of
Edward Baltziley and others, some of them costing as much as
$40,000. We also present a view from the gandsome lot owned
by Mrs. Harrison, the wife of the President.

Consideration was given to holding a Chautauqua convention at Glen Echo
in October 1891. Planning for the meeting, however, did not begin early

27. Washington Post, August 11, 1891.

28. Frank Leslie's HNlustrated Newspaper, June 27, 1891.

31


Special Study: Existing Conditions Study, Glen Echo Park oe!

Facilities. October, 1981.

"Request fer Determination of National Register Eligibility, Glen Echo
Park," n.d. (typescript copy on file at George Washington Memorial
Parkway).

"Statement for Management, Glen Echo Park/Clara Barton NHS."
September 26, 1977.

The documents prepared by Levy and Ziek and the National Register
nomination forms provide historical overviews of Glen Echo Park.
The "Statement for Management," Management and Facilities Plan,

and Special Study provide useful data on management and operation
of the park during the 1970s and early 1980s.

Miscellaneous Materials

Armstrong, Bev. “Glen Echo Park: A Case Study." April 28, 1975
(typescript draft copy on file at Glen Echo Park).

Barton, Carol. "History of Glen Echo." 1978 (typescript copy on file at
Glen Echo Park). :

Brown, Adele Q. "Glen Echo Park: A Case Study." May 2, 1979
(typescript draft copy prepared for class at American University,
Washington, D.C., on file at Glen Echo Park).

"Glen Echo General Information Packet." Prepared by Wendy Ross,
Program Planner [1974] (typescript copy on file at Montgomery

County Library, Rockville, Maryland).

Manbeck, John B. comp. "Coney Island: Attractions, Amusements &
Entertainments." n.d. (copy on file at Glen Echo Park).

238

we Oe me me ee a Oe eee


Map

Demis * 851/32672
SHT lor 2
Pant 2oFr

156


Caroline E. Boyce, "A Guide to the Historic Preservation of Pre-World
War || Amusement Parks (unpublished M.A. thesis, Cornell
University, 1981).

"Evolution of Our Industry," Billboard, 43 (January 24, 1931), 54, and
(January 31, 1931): 64-65.

Al Griffin, "Step Right Up, Folks!" (Chicago, 1974).

James S. Hutton, "The Amusement Park: An American Institution, The
Demand, The Supply, and Why It Thrives," Billboard, 22 (March 10,
1910): 25, 84.

Gary Kyriazi, The Great American Amusement Parks: A Pictorial History
(Secaucus, New Jersey, 1976).

William F. Mangels, The Outdoor Amusement Industry From Earliest Times
to the Present (New York, 1952).

John B. Manbeck, comp., "Coney Island: Attractions, Amusements, &
Entertainments," n.d. (copy on file in Glen Echo Park files).

Myron Matlaw, ed., American Popular Entertainment: Papers and
Proceedings of the Conference on the History of American Popular

Entertainment (Westport, Connecticut, 1977).

Tim Onosko, Fun Land U.S.A.: The Complete Guidebook to 100 Major
Amusement and Theme Parks (New York, 1978).

Frederick Thompson, "Amusing the Millions," Everybody's Magazine 19
(September, 1908): 378-87.

Don B. Wilmeth, Variety Entertainment and Outdoor Amusements-- A
Reference Guide (Westport, Connecticut, 1982).

2. PURCHASE OF GLEN ECHO PROPERTY BY WASHINGTON RAILWAY
AND _ ELECTRIC COMPANY

On March 14, 1911, the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo property was
conveyed to the Washington Railway and Electric Company, the successor
to the Washington Traction and Electric Company, for the sum of ten
dollars. The conveyance involved clarification of a land transaction
between Edwin and Edith M. Baltzley, then living in Newark, New Jersey,
and Jennie Miles Hepburn of Jersey City, New Jersey, on October 18,
1909, and two conveyances from the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo to
Mary E. Kammerer on April 27, 1893, and April 19, 1895. The deed

56


(

APPENDIX F
TRUSTEES' SALE OF GLEN ECHO RAILROAD, 1895

By virtue of a Deed of Trust from "The Glen Echo
Railroad Company, a body corporated under and by virtue of
the laws of the State of Maryland, operating an Electric
Railroad in the county of Montgomery, in said State, to James
B. Henderson, George B. Hamilton and Leonard H. Poole, the
subscribers, as trustees therein named, will offer at public sale
to the highest bidder, at the junction of the Georgetown and
Tennallytown Raitroad and said Glen Echo Railroad, on the line
between the District of Columbia and said county of
Montgomery, and on the Rockville and Georgetown Turnpike
road, on Thursday, the 8th day of August, 1895, at the hour
of 2 o'clock, P.M., all that property known as the Glen Echo
Railroad Property, corsisting of a lot at Glen Echo known as
the Power House Lot, described on a map of a survey made by
Henry B. Looker, April Ist, A.D. 1891. . . . containing
approximately one acre, together with the improvements
thereon, consisting of a handsome and splendidly equipped
Stone Power House.

Also the Railroad of the said Glen Echo Railroad Company,
extending with a width of thirty (30) feet from the dividing line
between the District of Columbia and the said Montgomery
county, in the State of Maryland, at a point near the
intersection of said dividing line with the Tenallytown and
Rockville Turnpike, to the road known as the Conduit Road, at
a point on said Conduit Road nearly opposite Sycamore Island in
the Potomac river; together with the road bed and the
right-of-way therefor thirty feet wide as aforesaid.

All the rolling stocks, consisting of Six Motor Cars, and
two trailers and electrical equipment of every kind in and upon
said Railroad, comprising boilers, stokers, engines, pumps,
heaters, dynamos, motors, controlling and indicating devices,
switches and all the machinery and apparatus used in
generating electric currents for operating the Railroad; also all
the poles, trolley wires and feeder lines, return wires and
other instrumentalities for distributing such currents.

Also all the Electric Lighting Plant and property of the
said Glen Echo Railroad Company, comprising engines, dynamos,
exciters, converters, lamps, meters, switches, controlling and
indicating devices and all the machinery and apparatus used in
generating and utilizing electric currents for lighting purposes,
together with the poles, wires and other electrical apparatus
now used in the system of distribution and erected on the
property of said Railroad Company, and upon the grounds of
the Glen Echo Chautauqua, and in and upon the intervening
and adjacent property; but said poles and wires, and electrical
apparatus, so far as the same are outside of the grounds of
said Railroad Company to be removed from said outside land
after sixty days notice to the owner or owners of said lands by
said purchases or purchasers, or after a like notice by said
owners to said purchaser or purchasers.

195


parking operators from going ahead with needed revitalization
and expansion programs.

It seems significant that the three most talked about new rides
in the amusement park happen to be German imports: Kiddie
Carousel, Satellite Jet and the Wild Mouse, which domestic
manufacturers are trying to copy.

The ride industry might do well to think about adopting a plan
similar to that of the auto industry, a plan that would allow for
the trading in of the old rides on new ones. This would allow
park operations to change major rides more often, thereby
helping to keep the public keenly aware of the fun and
excitement that a park has to offer.

Park Business:

The significant factor about the influence of Disneyland on the
amusement park business in general is that Disney has proved
we are limited only by our imagination and determination. This
has been a big boost to many park operators.

Traditional style parks will always have strong appeal as long
as they offer the public new things from time to time. Theme
parks, villages and traditional style parks have in common one
big thing upon which success: depends--and that is promotion.

- 1959 Prospects:

This year we are celebrating our 50th anniversary. We are
looking forward to the biggest year in the park's history. We
are fortunate in that we are not affected by strikes,
plant-shutdowns or similar factors that affects the general
economy of an industrial area.

The 1959 season began on March 28, and Billboard published an article
describing new rides, changes in location of old rides, and plans for new
entertainment features in the park. The article stated:

A new Satellite Jet, bought from Eric Wedemeyer (imported from
Germany) is near the lower parking area, where the Bubbie
Bounce had been operating. The new German ride and the
Round-Up are served by the new ticket booth.

10. “Amusement Park Owners Speak Out," Billboard, 71 (April 13,
1959): 96-98.

140


a round-trip. Forty cents would purchase a daily ticket and four dollars
19 .

a season pass.

Although none of the three principal Chautauqua buildings at Glen Echo
were completed, construction was far enough along to permit convening of
the summer assembly between June 16 and July 4, 1891. Opening day
ceremonies were held in the amphitheater, the visitors arriving for the

occasion being greeted by the bustie and noise of construction activity .2°

Some one thousand spectators braved the heat, dust, and frustration of
the still partially incomplete line of the Glen Echo Railroad to witness the
Opening ceremonies on June 16. Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage delivered the
major address in which he saw the assembly as an ecumenical device for
harmonizing conflicting Protestant factions. Dr. Gillett gave a brief
dedicatory address, followed by renditions by the Chautauqua chorus and
band. 1

The Chautauqua assembly attracted a considerable number of seasonal
residents who came with tents and household goods piled high on wagons.
Mrs. Lockwood's tent hotel, although not fully completed, provided
housing for 100 persons during the first week of meetings. Despite the
rain and mud of the first few days, some three to four hundred people
settled down in tents on the Glen Echo grounds during the first week of
the assembly. By July 1 it was anticipated that some 800 persons would

be living in tents on the grounds. @2

19. Washington Evening Star, June 15, 1891. Also see Appendix D for
an article in the Washington Post on June 12, 1891, describing the
facilities, accommodations, and educational opportunities at Glen Echo.

20. Washington Evening Star, June 16, 17, 1891.

21. Ibid., June 18, 1891. For more data on the events of the June
16-July 4th Chautauqua assembly at Glen Echo, see U.S. Department of
the Interior, National Park Service, Glen Echo Chautauqua on the
Potomac, by Benjamin Levy, June 15, 1967, pp. 11-17, and newspaper
articles files at Glen Echo Park.

22. Washington Evening Star, June 17, 18, 1891, and Washington Post,
June 20, 1891.

27


been engaged as genera! manager of the new Glen Echo Park
Company and his large staff of assistants is headed by Frank
Finlon as chief of construction. The publicity department is i
charge of John MacMahon of the Henry W. Savage forces.

4. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF LEONARD B. SCHLOSS

Before getting further into the development of Glen Echo Amusement
Park, it is important to examine the background of Leonard B. Schloss.
As the vice president and generat manager of the Glen Echo Park
Company from 1911 until his retirement in 1950, Schloss took a largely
moribund amusement park operation and developed it into the principal
amusement center of the national capital metropolitan area.

Leonard Benjamin Schloss was born in San Francisco, California, in 1873.
His father, Benjamin Schloss, had been a “forty-niner," and both his
parents had been active in social and civic circles in San Francisco
during its early years.

As a young man, Schloss, who later acquired the title of "colonel, and
nickname of "Lennie," considered getting a law degree. However, he
gave up the idea and began a career in "show business" as an usher in
the Bush Street Theater in San Francisco at the age of 18. Within six
months he worked himself up to a responsible position in the box office
and later became treasurer of the house. In the early 1890s he served as
treasurer of the Hess Opera Company bound for Hawaii, but when the
tour failed to materialize he went to work for Charles E. Davies, lining
up the World's Fair Exposition in Chicago. Following this job he became
treasurer of M.B. Leavitt's "Spider and Fly," where he received his

2. "Washington's New Summer Park," Billboard, 23 (June 3, 1911): 20.
To renovate and convert the former Chautauqua amphitheater into a
"midway of fun" Schloss brought with him Thomas Mulligan, a showman
with experience in burlesque, circus, and vaudeville road shows who had
worked at Luna Park since 1906. Washington Daily News, July 9, 1936,
Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1936 (Property of Nancy B. Long,
Glen Echo town archivist, on file at Glen Echo Park).

59


HALL OF PHILOSOPHY $10,854.58
E. & E. Baltzley, stone, sand
J. Mc L. Dodson, time
J. G. and J. M. Waters, lumber, cement
J. Edward Libbey, lumber
W. T. Weaver, rope, hand saws
Barber & Ross, sashes and frames
James B. Lambie, hardware
Walter F. Hewitt, cement
J. oH. McGill
H. W. Blunt, cement
John McKnight, excavating and laying stone in wail
C. J. Harrington, tin roof
Cc. J. Collier, varnishing railing
W. J. and F. B. Weaver, oil on tower
John M. McDonald

DR. GILLETT'S COTTAGE $1,118.04
Fisher & Johnson, tin roofing on kitchen, gutters,
spouting

J. Edward Libbey, lumber

John Dugan, hauling bricks

Barber & Ross, sashes and frames

James C. Taylor, painting

Albinson & Co., tin, wood

John Mitchell & Sons, plumbing

John H. Corning, 3-ply rosin sized sheathing
D.D. Valentyne, mason work

James B. Lambie

Cc. J. Collier

ARCADE $2,699.63
Barber & Ross, sashes and frames
George J. Johnston, cement
Henry B. Looker, professional services on sewer and water
J. Edward Libbey, lumber, flooring
James B. Lambie, locks used in stores, nails
Cc. J. Collier, painting and staining
Bridges & Presgraves
Fischer & Johnston
Boanihall Deane & Co.
W. F. Hewitt

ELLIOTT'S COTTAGE $107.43
J. Edward Libbey, lumber

RED CROSS BUILDING $2,467.26
James Williams, hauling lumber
c. J. Collier, glass
Barber & Ross, sashes and frames
J. Edward Libbey
James B. Lambie

182


ADMISSION AND TENT CHARGES

These tickets do not include admission to special classes or
schools, or admission on Sunday.

Day tickets. 2... .. eee ee ee ee $40
Single admission . 2... 2. ee eee ee ee .25
Week admission . . ee ee ee ee ee ee 62,00
Assembly season (20 days) 2800)
Full season sone ee ee ee eee ee 5.00
Post-assembly season... 2... 1 1 ee ee ee eee 2.00

Children between the ages of ten and fifteen years, half
rate. Children under ten years, free. Full season tickets now
on sale at company's office, Room 7 Sun Building.

TENT RENTALS

Size Height For For For

of of Number of Rent for One Two Three For
Floor Walis Compartments Assembly Month Months Months Season
10 x 12 4f.6 in. 1 $8 $10 $15 $29 $25
12 x 16 5S feet 2 12 15 20 25 30
14 x 20 5 feet 3 15 20 25 30 35

These prices include good floors, electric light furnished in
each tent if desired at small additional cost.

The W. H. Houghton Furniture Company of this city, have
rented the furniture store in the Arcade on the -association's
grounds, and besides keeping a full stock for sale will rent
tent furniture at the following rates: One cot, furnished with
comfort, blanket, pillow, mattress, pillow slip, chair, tin toilet
set complete at the following prices:

One night, 35 cents; three nights, $1; one week, $1.50; two
weeks, $2.50; three weeks, $3; four weeks, $4.

THE ARCADE

This structure, located near the main entrance to the grounds,
is intended to afford convenient shelter to the business
department. It will be a neat and artistic building, and under
its ample roof the stores are to be located. Leases have been
made to the following: Furniture, W.H. Houghton & Co.;
groceries, John F. Page; market store, John A. Hughs, of the
Dupont Market; bakers and wholesale ice cream, Stiles and
Corby Brothers; barber and baths, Henry Raabe; druggist,

188

oe Sa Fa


After the season ended in September, Glen Echo Park was used by the
Safety First Films Production Company to film the first of a series of
comedies. The principal actors in the film made at Glen Echo were Louise

Gadke and an unknown Washington screen actor.

The 1923 Season

A variety of improvements were carried out at Glen Echo Park during the
winter of 1922-23, preparatory to the 1923 season which opened on
May 12. The principal new attraction was the "Skooter" which was
purchased from William H. Dentzel of Philadelphia and installed in a
"specially-built open air type building designed by Lusse Brothers of
Philadelphia, 60 feet wide and 120 feet long." The building was located
in the space formerly occupied by numerous stands between "The Whip"
and the ballroom. The cost of installation and equipping the building was
$30,000. The ride (operated as a concession by James Willour), which
featured 25 two-passenger "skooter cars" operated by elecricity, over a
steel floor, was the second of its kind to be installed in the United
States. The first had been erected in Woodside Park in Philadelphia.
The ride was

easily operated by children or adults. The operator merely
pulls a lever; and the car "scoots" off in all directions, being
turned and twisted at will. It is made of heavy materials, is
non-collapsible, and is declared to be perfectly safe, although
half the fun of scooting comes from collisions with other cars,
the passengers being protected by heavy rubber, which goes
all around the car. The sides of the pavilion are lined with
spring boards so that the "Scooter" promptly shoots back to its
course in case the operator starts "jay driving".

Improvements were also made to a number of older attractions. New
pieces were added to the carousel organ, along with new paint, a color
system, and more electric lights. Two steep dips were added to the

$2. Ibid., August 8, 1922.

96


1
le

CHAPTER VI
OPERATION OF GLEN ECHO PARK UNDER THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT: _1970-PRESENT

1. TRANSFER OF TITLE AND ADMINISTRATION OF GLEN ECHO PARK

By July 1969, after extensive negotiations between GSA officials and
Rekab, Inc., GSA recommended that the federal government exchange the
Old Emergency Hospital at 1711 New York Avenue, N.W., in Washington,
O0.C., for the 17-acre Glen Echo Amusement Park which would then be
transferred to the Department of the Interior as an integral component of
the National Park Service's George Washington Memorial Parkway. ! The
hospital property, which had been acquired by the federal government for
$387,500 in 1959, included three inter-connected buildings being used as
offices. The property, which had been declared excess by GSA, was
appraised at $1,950,000 by the American Real Estate Appraisal Corporation
of Washington, D.C. The Glen Echo Amusement Park property of
approximately 17 acres was appraised at $2,685,000 by Market Analytics of
Falls Church, Virginia. It was noted that many of the temporary
buildings, attractions, and equipment had been dismantled and removed
from the park since the amusement park closed in September 1968.
Despite the fact that the Glen Echo property was appraised at $735,000
more than the Old Emergency Hospital property, Rekab, Inc., offered to
make an even exchange of the properties .*

1. The story of the negotiations is outside the parameters of this
study. There are abundant materials on the negotiations in the Vertical
Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library, and the
Minutes of the Glen Echo Town Council in the possession of Corder.

2. Chapman, Acting Administrator, GSA to Dawson, Chairman,
Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives, July 29,
1969, in "Statement for Management, Glen Echo Park/Clara Barton NHS,"
September 26, 1977.

159


The park continued to use area newspapers to advertise its attractions,
an example of which appeared in the Wasington Daily News on June 14,
1941. The article stated:

!f you're interested in fun in its heartiest form (and who
isn't?), then Washington's Glen Echo Amusement Park is
recommended next time you tire of more effete activities.

Glen Echo has “everything.” Besides a swimming pool, one of
the longest coaster dips in the country, and the usual
assortment of rides and midway attractions, the park boasts a
large ball room, featuring Paul Kain's orchestra, which is
highly favored for dancing during the summer months.

The park is easily reached. Either the Cabin John or Glen
Echo street cars will take you directly there from the heart of
the District in about 40 minutes. The conductor sells a special
round-trip ticket for 25 cents.

If you're going by car, drive directly out Massachusetts Av. to
Conduit Road, then switch into Glen Echo's free parking space.
The journey usually takes 20 minutes.

The park proper is open daily from 1 in the afternoon until
midnight, but the swimming pool widens [opens] its gates at
9:30 a.m. Admission to the pool is 44 cents for adults, and 15
for children.

A full day at Glen Echo could be done for $1-$3. Two terrace
restaurants offer dinner for prices ranging from 60 cents to
$1.25, and sandwiches, beer, apd soft drinks are sold at the
usual prices throughout the day.

The 1942 Season

The 1942 season at Glen Echo drew increasing crowds, due in part to
wartime restrictions on travel, gas and tire rationing, and large numbers
of servicemen in the area. The Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor
Day weekends attracted throngs of up to thirty thousand people, as the

83. Washington Daily News, June 14, 1941, Anderson Collection.

118


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37

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laws in court. Thereafter, the park was closed on Sundays for the

remainder of the season except for band concerts. 2°

The 1913 Season

The 1913 season at Glen Echo Park saw the introduction of one new major
ride--the gyroplane. In an interview, portions of which were published
in Billboard on March 22, 1913, the treasurer of the Washington Railway
and Electric Company provided insight into the operations and financial
success of the park. He stated:

- . . . We have decided after investigating very carefully into
the subject of operating an amusement park, that the only
system to follow is a free gate and a few good, up-to-date
rides, a good dance hall and everything owned by the park
company. Following this policy, Mr. Ham's company are making
a big success of Glen Echo Park. Last year they built a roller
coaster, which earned exactly 100 per cent on its cost. They
also built a dance hall, in which they charged five cents per
dance, and on which they earned a trifle over 100 per cent on
the cost.

They are taking out one ride this year and putting in a
gyroplane, with the idea that a good many of the parks which
were most successful at one time are today being spoiled from
having too many riding devices and other attractions, which cut
up the business in such a manner that the receipts of each
attraction are materially decreased, although the operating
expense of each ride remains the same as it would be if there
were only half as many attractions. The policy of Glen Echo
Park is to take out one ride every time they put in a new one,
and they expect to put in something new every year if there is
material available for the purpose. .

30. Baltimore American, August 12, 1912; Baltimore Sun, August 12,
1912; Washington Times, August 12, 1912; Washington Post, August 12,
1912; Washington Star, August 19, 1912; and Washington Herald,
September 4, 1912; Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1911-1912, Cook
Collection.

31. H.G. Travers, "Novel Park Rides and Devices," Billboard, 24 (March
22, 1913): 30, 142. The gyroplane was installed and operated as a
concession by the Washington Gyroplane Company, a firm managed by
Walter P. Shaw. Glen Echo Park Company Voucher Checks, 1913-1915,
Cook Collection.

79


The Glen Echo Park Historic District was entered in the National Register
of Historic Places in 1984. It includes eight structures of frame,
masonry, stone, and stucco construction. The district consists of nine
elements, including two previously-listed properties (Chautaqua Tower
and Carrousel) and seven structures that are primarily related to park
operations and hence do not contribute to the principal historical and
architectural significance of the park. The nine contributing elements

and their dates of construction are:

Chautauqua Tower -- 1891-92

Carrousel -- 1921

Bumper Car Pavilion -- 1923

Crystal Poo! Remnants -- 1931

Spanish Ballroom -- 1933

Administration Building/Arcade -- 1940

Cuddle Up Pavilion -- 1947

Amusement Park Maintenance Shop (yellow barn) -- 1914
Picnic Grove -- 1920s-1930s

These structures are arranged in an irregular plan facing toward the
central park area. Although most of the small amusement structures and
rides have been removed, the district represents an amusement park with
elements dating from the Chautauqua-era and the amusement park era of
the 1920s to the 1940s.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE / vi

STATEMENT OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE / ix

CHAPTER |
DEVELOPMENT OF SUBDIVISION AND SUMMER RESORT AT GLEN
ECHO BY THE BALTZLEY BROTHERS: 1888-1891 / 1

CHAPTER II
ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL CHAUTAUQUA
OF GLEN ECHO: 1891-1893 / 9

CHAPTER Hil
OWNERSHIP AND UTILIZATION OF NATIONAL CHAUTAUQUA OF
GLEN ECHO GROUNDS: 1893-1911 / 40

CHAPTER IV
OPERATION OF GLEN ECHO AMUSEMENT PARK UNDER THE
WASHINGTON RAILWAY AND ELECTRIC AND CAPITAL TRACTION
(AFTER DECEMBER 1933 CAPITAL TRANSIT) COMPANIES:
1911-1955 / 55

1. INTRODUCTION / SS

2. PURCHASE OF GLEN ECHO PROPERTY BY WASHINGTON RAILWAY
AND ELECTRIC COMPANY / 56

3. ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW GLEN ECHO AMUSEMENT PARK / 58
4. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF LEONARD B. SCHLOSS / 59
5. AMUSEMENT PARK OPERATION BY SEASON: 1911-1954 / 63
THE 1911 SEASON / 63.
THE 1912 SEASON / 75
THE 1913 SEASON / 79
THE 1914 SEASON / 80
THE 1915 SEASON / 82
THE 1916 SEASON / 83

THE 1917 SEASON / 84


Permits were secured by Rekab, Inc. These projects included conversion
of the remainder of the Crystal Pool grandstand into a sun deck (portions
had been converted during the 1958-59 off season) at a cost of $2,500;
construction of a one-story, masonry maze building measuring 50 feet in
width, 40 feet in length, and 17 1/2 feet in height at a cost of $4,000;
addition of fire doors and one exit to the ballroom; and alteration of an
unspecified masonry and frame amusement ride building at a cost of
$4,000. Thomen & Cromar of Silver Spring, Maryland, provided
architectural services for all of the projects. H. M. Meyerson of
Washington, D.C., was the contractor for the sun deck conversion, and
the Gem Construction Co. of Washington, D.C., served as contractor for

the other improvements and alterations. '3

Advertisements and listings in the 1960 Manual & Guide of the National
Association of Amusement Parks, Pools, and Beaches indicated that Glen
Echo Amusement Park had thirteen major rides and six kiddieland rides in
addition to basketball, a miniature golf course, shooting gallery, penny
arcade, skeeball, swimming pool, picnic grove, ballroom, and archery.
The park booked orchestras, name bands, and free acts and provided
free gate admission and parking. The B & B Industrial Catering
Company operated two food and seven refreshment concessions. Murray
Goldberg operated concessions for "Guess Your Age," "Guess Your
Weight," and "The Gift Shop." Park management included Emory Crouch,
who had worked in the park since 1924 as superintendent, Robert
Graves, as office manager, and Leonard Woronoff as public relations

director. 14

13. Application for Building Permit, Montgomery County, Maryland,
Department of Inspection and Licenses, Permit No. 9796, December 15,
1959, Permit No. 56074, January 13, 1960, Permit No. 57530, April 5,
1960, and Permit No. 57905, April 19, 1960, Construction Codes
Enforcement, Department of Environmental Protection, Montgomery
County.

14. National Association of Amusement Parks, Pools, and Beaches, 1960
Manual & Guide, 17th Edition (Chicago, 1960), pp. 114, 174, 218. The
1961 and 1962 editions of this manual repeat substantially the same data

142


and racing from you down its bowldered bed under the arching
trees, its babble held by the high banks into repeating echoes,
and, if the time is night, a multitude of incandescent lights,
gleaming among the leaves and over the reflecting waters,
making the place a fabled fairy land. Then, lifting your eyes,
that most unique and happy of all modern buildings, the Hall of
Philosophy, greets you from its eyrie, only two hundred feet
distant on the western bluff looking out upon the river.

Still deepens the glen--on from the Amphitheatre to the
gleaming river beyond, the merry waters of the brook ever
awaking the drowsy echoes from their sylvan slumber. Winding
walks trace the perilous sides, daring rocks jut out and hang
over the stream, while over all the long sheltering arms of the
centenarian oak, the beech, the hickory, and the elm, hold
sheltering shade.

Fortress-like stand the two tall and daring bluffs that guard
the entrance ta the glen from the river. Out of the eternal
masonry of the one on the west grows the Hall of Philosophy;
grows naturally, stately, as if by nature's art, a very crown of
architectural beauty on the tall cliff, and from its balcony and
tower views outspread to caress your memory as long as life
shall last. The vast roof and dome of the Amphitheatre sleeps
over the glen in the depth beneath. .

Beyond the Amphitheatre, on a rising lawn to the northeast,
the hotel looms up, and its roof of pavilion dining halls and
overhanging balconiés picturesque against the blue of the sky.
To the left of it rise the gate towers, tall and stately; the deep
tones of the bells from the belfry detonate musical upon the
still air; the long sheltering range of store buildings, with
intricacy of gothic roof and cooling shadow of porch and
portico, reposes restful and inviting. And still beyond, the
great hills bank to the sky, while to the east and west,
nestling on the radiant plateau, the numerous cottages gleam in
the happy sunlight. On the south the silver shining river
sleeps at the foot of the tall Virginia hills, and slips away into
the long distance until at iast, but a thin and narrow band, it
plays at hide and seek with the Blue Ridge Mountains. .

The Baltzley brochure also indicated that the transportation facilities
between Glen Echo and Washington and surrounding towns were being
improved:

31. The Glen Echoan, Devoted to Glen Echo and the Glen Echo
Chautauqua, pp. 15-18. The brochure also described the "many other
advantages" of the Glen Echo Chautauqua, a copy of which may be seen
in Appendix E.

34


ae

Attendance at Glen Echo Park remained lower than norma! for the
remainder of the 1966 season, with the Bakers estimating losses of $5,000
per week. 24 The Baker brothers agreed to close the park on future
Easter Mondays if necessary, but area residents and officials, insisting
that the incident was a riot caused by the lawless attitude of the youthful
mob, pressed the Montgomery County Council to close the park
permanently, describing it as “too small" and its "aged wooden

structures" as “a fire hazard ."'3°

In September 1966 the Glen Echo Town Council, under the leadership of
Mayor Corder with the technical assistance of Mansfield M. Bascom,
prepared "A Proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Glen Echo Amusement
Park Area." The plan envisioned conversion of the area for commercial
and cultural facilities, townhouses, open space, and elimination of the

amusement park.%6

As the park was being readied for opening day on March 24, 1967, the
Montgomery County Council passed a new ordinance that would take effect
on April 7, limiting the number of patrons at Glen Echo to "one person
for each 30 square feet of space" at any one time. The ordinance,
entitled "Amusement Park Requirements for Public Safety," required that
there would have to be one trained guard for every 500 persons and at
least four guards on duty at all times, all of whom would be required on
weekends. Ali guards would have to be trained and be the responsibility

34. Washington Post, April 18, June 21, 1966, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

35. Washington Evening Star, May 12, 1966, and Washington Post,
May 17, June 21, 1966, Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana
Collection, MLK Library.

36. A Proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Glen Echo Amusement Park
Area of the Town of Glen Echo, Montgomery County, Maryland, September
1966, Prepared by the Glen Echo Town Council with the technical
assistance of Mansfield M. Bascom, pp. 1-23 (copy on file at Glen Echo

Park).

153


this season a real summertime rendevous [sic] on the modern
and ambitious lines that have attracted millions of people to the
famous warm weather amusement enterprises at Atlantic City and
Coney Island.

No department has been overlooked in the general renovation of
Glen Echo Park, which will offer fifty attractions to the local
amusement seekers when the gates are opened next Saturday.
Included among these is a new outdoor dancing pavilion ample
enough in area to accommodate over 600 persons at one time,
and this is but one of a dozen structures recently erected to
house the newest devices to provide sport and fun. The
spacious interior of the Amphitheater has been entirely
remodeled into a "New Midway," fashioned after Coney Island's
Steeplechase Park, and here have been installed ten of the
latest contraptions with which to defy the trials of the "dog
days," including a "human roulette wheel," and a giant
slide-ride," said to be the largest in the United States. Other
attractions include a novel marine toboggan, the "social dip," a
fascinating topsy-turvy ride, miniature railway, Ferris wheel,
and a new boating pavilion on the banks of the canal.

In addition to the rearrangement and repaving of the grounds
at Glen Echo Park, a new electric lighting system has been
installed and Tungsten’ electroler, intersecting tubular iron
railings at every fifteen feet, will make the resort a magic
fairyland after dark.

Besides the many amusement devices, the most popular features
of other years will again be in operation, including the
restaurant, picnic groves, playgrounds, gypsy camp, candy
wheel and kitchen, photograph house, shooting gallery, and the
usual quota of standard attractions provided in resorts that
cater to ladies and children.

For the first time admission this season to Glen Echo Park will
be free, and there will be improved traction service to the
resort--more cars and faster running headway. Novel special
features, including an elaborate weekly fireworks display, will
be introduced and plans are now completed for a unique
Memorial Day observance.

A number of fraternal organizations have arranged with Manager
Schloss to hold outings at Glen Echo Park during the season
and the indications are this pummer will be the most prosperous
in the history of the resort.

7. Washington Herald, May 21, 1911, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection. A copy of an advertisement for Glen
Echo Park that appeared in the same newspaper may be seen on the next

page.

65

a rs es


The festival will run all week, coming to a close Saturday with
an evening of wholesome fun and frivility. Washingtonians have
taken to the fun of confetti and paper ribbons with a
wholeheartedness that has more than justified the park
management in keeping the resort open.

Monday evening the elimination prize waltz will be held on the
pavilion. The judges will select the six best couples, who will
be eligible to compete in the finals for a _ solid gold
diamond-studded medal.

Tuesday evening will be ljeft more or less open, so that those
attending can enjoy the evening as their individual tastes
dictate.

Wednesday evening the dancing pavilion will be. cleared for
sufficient time to. determine the winning couple in the finals of
the prize waltz for the diamond medal.

An elaborate fireworks display has been prepared for Thursday
evening. The set pieces will be fired in the lower end of the
park, giving the advantage of a natural amphitheater for the
benefit of the spectators.

The final confetti carnival will be given Friday night and
Saturday. There will be music practically all day by Mills'
orchestra. The first concert will be given at 2:30 a.m. in the
afternoon. There will be a segond at 4:30, and two others in
the evening at 7:30 and 9:30.

The festival drew such crowds that park management determined to keep
Glen Echo open one week beyond the scheduled season closure date of
September 16. On September 23 the park finally closed after a
seventeen-week season. The Washington Herald noted that after the
gates were closed "a force of men will at once start in tearing down
various popular features, clearing space for the erection of more modern
devices for the amusement of Washingtonians during the summer of 1912."
The newspaper observed:

The financial success obtained this summer through operating
the park under a liberal managerial policy under the direction

18. Washington Herald, September 10, 1911, Glen Echo Park Company
Press Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection. During the mardi gras showers
of confetti greeted all entrants at the park gates, where each person was
given a numbered tab that might be the key to a $25 prize. The couple
finding identical numerals on their tabs were given $25 each.

74


HISTORIC STRUCTURE REPORT
GLEN ECHO PARK
HISTORICAL DATA SECTION

\GeorGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL PARKWAY
LMARYLAND-VIRGINIA

by
Harlan D. Unrau

DENVER SERVICE CENTER
BRANCH OF CULTURAL RESOURCES
NORTHEAST TEAM
DENVER, COLORADO

05]/%b

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

35!

D-8


as will the Carrousel, the delight of the kiddies and many
grown-ups as_ well. The Midway has had several new
installations, one in particular being a continuous "boat on
land" trip that promises to become quite popular with kiddies
and adults alike. In one of the buildings will be found a
“penny arcade" with over one hundred machines Presenting the
latest in attractions of this kind. Throughout the park a
general clean-up and paint-up has been waged, added picnic
facilities have been made in the beautiful picnic groves that are
enjoyed by so many families during the summer; new tables and
benches have ~-<en installed, as well as several summer houses.
There will be no bgating at the start of the season but it is
expected by June 1.

The 1926-1929 Seasons

Glen Echo Park continued its seasonal May-September operations during

the 1926-29 seasons under the management of Schloss .°°

Park buildings
and rides continued to be painted, reconditioned, and improved, and the
grounds refurbished each winter. For instance, extensive improvements
were carried out on the coaster in Preparation for the 1926 season. >” AS
in earlier years the park management attempted to advertise the
amusement center as a responsible modern family resort with none of the
objectionable features that had been associated with such parks in earlier

years. In 1927, The Book of Washington, published by the Washington

Board of Trade, printed the following brief description of the park:

55. Washington Times, May 2, 1925, Ibid. Also see Washington Herald,
May 18, 1925; Washington Post, May 14, 1925; and Washington Times,
May 9, 18, 1925; Ibid. Some 200 tons of limestone screening were placed
on the park walks during the winter of 1924-25.

56. Ronald Vines, a long-time resident of Glen Echo, began working at
the park in 1924 at the age of fifteen. In 1978-79 he wrote some of his
reminiscences of the park during the 1920s in The Echo, the Glen Echo
town newspaper edited by Carlotta Anderson.

57. "Parks, Piers and Beaches," Billboard, 36 (May 17, 1924): 81;
“Amusement Parks," Billboard, 37 (April 25, 1925,): 83; and Glen Echo
Park Company Cash Book, 1920-1926, Cook Collection. By 1925 five
attractions were operating as concessions in the park: The "Derby" and
"Mill" by O.M. Mullineoux; the "Midway" by Thomas J. Mulligan; the
"Whip", by Joseph Deebo; and the "Skooter" by Harold Finlon. See
Appendix J for a list of park receipts during 1920-25.

100


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the Glen Echo line, many area war workers, according to the company,

would be stranded 89

Three Carferoi, Pennsylvania, youths were injured on July 22, 1945,
when an arm supporting a car on the "Octopus" broke and spilled them
approximately ten feet to the ground. Investigation revealed that a

4-inch channel iron supporting bar, weakened by crystalization, had

snapped. County building inspectors indicated that there was no
violation of safety regulations. The ride had been inspected and
approved by county engineers when it was installed in 1944. It was

revealed, however, that there were no periodic inspections of such
devices by county authorities, conditions governing their operation being

"left pretty much to the park management. "90

The 1946 Season

The 1946 season at Glen Echo Park, which opened on April 13, featured a
new ride known as the "Cuddle-Up." Its operation was "circular," but it
was publicized as running "north, east, south, and west." The
attraction was housed in a structure 32 feet wide and 64 feet long near
the arcade that was erected at a cost of some $5,000. Plans for the ride
were provided by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. The Montgomery
County building permit for the structure named Joseph S. Hart, assistant
manager of the park and an _ employee there since 1914, as the

contractor. 9!

89. Washington Post, July 4, 1945, Vertical Files, Gien Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

90. Washington Evening Post, July 4, 1945, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

91. Application for Building Permit and Certificate of Compliance,
Montgomery County, Maryland, Permit No. 9805, January 18, 1946,
Construction Codes Enforcement, Department of Environmental Protection,
Montgomery County Government Executive Office Building, Rockville,
Maryland, and Trades Unionist, April 13, 1946, and Prince Georgean,
April 12, 1946, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1944-1954, and Maps
and Drawings, Cook Collection.

123


rn ae

Bakers agreed in principle to Brewster's proposal that they swap the
park property for a piece of federal land "of equal value" but for which

the government had no use.2?

A major disturbance involving more than four thousand teenagers at Glen
Echo Park on Easter Monday, April 11, 1966, appears to have sounded
the death knell for the amusement center. According to local
newspapers, during the early evening hours groups of impatient youths
"started to get out of hand, hopping on rides and causing a
disturbance." Ride operators quickly closed down their devices, and
soon the entire park was closed. The youths then started to leave the
park and board buses for the return to Washington. At the time they
started to leave, only six buses were on hand, thus leading to
overcrowding and vandalism. When these buses left, several thousand
youths remained without transportation. Thereafter, the mob moved
toward Massachusetts Avenue, smashing car windows, trampling down
fences and flower beds, setting fire to foliage on an embankment, and
stoning firefighters who had been called to put out the blaze. By 9:00
p.m. some 150 Montgomery County police, with aid from other

jurisdictions, restored order.21

A specially-formed citizens committee on the Glen Echo disturbance,
consisting of ten civil rights leaders and clergymen, commenced an
investigation of the riot on April 13. Among the committee members were
Sterling Tucker, executive director of the Washington Urban League,
Julius Hobson of the Association of Community Teams, Marion Barry of
the Student Non-Violent Co-Ordinating Committee, and Ed Hailes of the

30. Washington Post, September 17, 1966, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

31. New York Times, April 12, 1966, Washington Daily News, April 13,
1966, and Washington Post, April 13, 1966, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library. Further data on the riot may be
found in "Whitey Rides Home," Washingtonian, 11 (December, 1966):
32-33, 48, 50.

151




ADMINISTRATION BUILDINGS (TOWERS) $5,611.94
—E. & E. Baltzley, stone, sand
Belt & Dye, mouldings
Barber & Ross, sashes & frames
Ww. T. & T. B. Weaver, gutter tin for smith tower
O'Connor & Dodd
J. Edward Libbey, shingles, lumber
Fisher & Johnson, gutter in bell tower
Pettit & Dripps, grates
J. G. & J. M. Waters, cement
Cc. J. Collier, painting and staining
Wheatley Bros.
Henry McShane Mfg. Co., bells

HOTEL $1,674.88
Childs & Sons, brick
Ww. T. & F. B. Weaver, tin pipe
Fisher & Johnson, tin roof
W. W. Goddard, resetting range
Cc. J. Collier, painting and staining
B. Dean & Co.
Albinson & Co.

PUBLIC COMFORT BUILDING $1,581.61
E. & E. Baltzley, stone, sand
J. Edward Libbey, lumber
Ww. T. and F. B. Weaver
J. Mc L. Dodson, lime
Cc. J. Collier, varnishing railing
Belt & Dyer, window frames
J. G. & J. M. Waters, cement
Barber & Ross, sashes and flanges
Thomas W. Smith, shingles

OHIO COTTAGE
Cc. J. Collier, glass, painting

WATER AND SEWER $13,530.93
Cc. F. Tansill
T. Somerville & Sons
R. D. Wood & Co.
McMahan, Porter & Co.
Springman & Bro., hauling
Bridges & Presgraves, freightage
Morris & Hamilton, sewer pipe
H. B. Looker
James B. Lambie
W. T. Weaver

GROUNDS AND IMPROVEMENTS $629.41
James B. Lambie
Henry 8. Looker
Springman & Bros., hauling

183


John W. Leonard, "Coaster Dips--Glen Echo Park,"

(January, 1981), 13-15.

train descended a three-dip camel

back and then rolled into the

Straightaway and headed home.

Older Passengers, frequently
white-faced, headed down the
ramp, feeling somewhat the worse
for the wear after the two-minute
ride. Meanwhile, teenagers
reached into jeans pockets for ad-
ditional tickets to take another
ride along the 3300-foot trackage
of the Coaster Dips.

With a ride so severe, deaths
were bound to occur trom time to
time. Joe Hart, former construction
superintendent in the park, reports
that three people challenged the
Coaster Dips over the years and all
lost, paying with their lives. All fa-
talities occured when the coaster
used the older style open front
cars. No deaths took place after
the early Fifties when the modern
trains with locking restraining bars
were added and standing up be-
came more difficult.

The Fifties were good years for
the coaster. It continued to draw
thousands of patrons to Gien Echo,
and was frequently ridden by then-
Vice President Richard Nixon and
his two daughters.

202

Coaster

World


The 1929 season, which began on May 11,

With the birth of the present Glen Echo Park in 1911 there
sprang into existence a wave of reform in summer amusements,
expelling the irresponsible and loosely conducted so-cailed
eut-door resorts in the vicinity of the National Capital, and
materializing the highest, brightest and most enjoyable form of
dispelling summer ennui.

Glen Echo is now an elaborate example of the modern type of
summer amusement park, presenting recreation of a high grade
caliber through the medium of its wealth of attractions in a
setting of scenic splendor.

Each and every one of the varied amusements is entirely devoid
of objectionable features, and strict compliance with the rules of
good conduct: is at all times demanded of patrons. This
combination of high standard principle of operation has tended
to create an air of positive refinement throughout the entire
area of the twenty-five acres of ground comprising this
magnificent recreation center. Throughout, it is conducted as
a family resort, where ladies and children unescorted are
afforded as much protection as in their own homes.

Reached by a delightful trolley trip along the banks of the
historic Potomac River, the Washington Railway and Electric
Company maintains a splendid through car service for the
accommodation of patrons direct to the entrance of the park and
for the homeward journey.

There is no admission charge to enter beautiful Glen Echo Park,
which is open daily from 10 A.M. until 11:30 P.M.

At Glen Echo, everything combines to add to the pleasure of
visitors, making it the ideal spot for outings for either large or
small numbers of recreation seekers desirous of getting together

for a day in the coyptry , forgetful of the stress of business
and household cares.

in Billboard. In the issue of May 25, for instance, it was noted:

The 19th season got underway as usual with Director Leonard
B. Schloss on the bridge. He states there will be many
surprises for patrons this year that will add to the popularity
of this nationally known resort, which enjoys an enviable
reputation for clean and wholesome amusement .

58.

Cleland C. McDevitt, The Book of Washington (Washington, 1927),

p. 247.

101

received considerable attention


comfort Of, transient visitors and permanent sojourners be
provided.

The cornerstone "of the arch in the main entrance of the stone
amphitheater" at Glen Echo was laid with appropriate ceremonies on
May 20, 1891.14 The board of trustees used the occasion to issue a
“declaration of trust" relative to the purposes and methods of the National
Chautauqua of Glen Echo (a copy of this document may be seen in
Appendix C).

The Washington Post reported on the progress of construction activities at
Glen Echo on May 21. Among other things the article noted:

On the 1st day of February last, just one year from the
beginning of the cafe, they [the Baltzley brothers] began work
on the amphiteater and Hall of Philosophy, now approaching

completion. In the educational work they called to their
assistance Dr. A. H. Gillett . . . and L. de F. Jennings, and
wife... and announced an assembly session for June 16,

1891, just four and one-half months in which to complete all the
buildings and necessary work to house 2000 people and
entertain 10,000 a day. It was a stupendous undertaking. In
addition to this the Glen Echo railroad, then being built by the
Messrs Baltzley, had to be changed from a single to a double
track, and its equipment proportionately increased to
accommodate the increased traffic that was sure to come. This
has all been done. The weather during February, March and
the first part of April was exceptionally bad and retarded work
to an alarming degree, but as the season advanced the force of
workmen was increased until today 649 men are daily employed.

The massive granite power-house is a beautiful building,
and is said to be the best one in the United States. It was
commenced last year, and work has been going forward on it
almost constantly ever since.

The work accomplished in Glen Echo by E. & E. Baltziley
within one year, when summed up, strikes one as something
stupendous. Beginning with the cafe, the list includes the
grading of roads, opening of nine fine stone quarries, the
building of the Glen Echo Railroad, the power-house, and the
magnificent steam and electrical equipment, the building of

13. \Ibid., May 19, 1891.

14. William W. Webb, et al., Centennial History of the City of
Washington, D.C. (Dayton, 1892), pp. 515-16.

22


APPENDIX K
FIRE INSPECTION REPORT AND MAP OF GLEN ECHO PARK

BY MARSH & MCLENNAN, INCORPORATED, JULY 1934
MARSH & MCLENNAN

BOSTON

at. Louis
INCORPORATED. er tour
70 PINE STREET PORTLAND
Los anceurs
NEW YoRK san enanciaco,
VANCOUVER
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTION AND ENGINEERING MONTREAL

WINNIPEG.
LONDON

aly, ese Re Ny Greathesd

. ENGINEER
CAPITAL TRARSIT COMvANY

Suit
‘ASSURED

GLEN ECHO, KARYLAIT
SCLOILE ITS WO. 800-820 (rucissrve)

LOCATION

SUL ATT

Thie Amieenent Park, which is the property of the Capital Transit
Cornary enc is operated by the Glen Boho Perk C as lessees, is located
in Hoatgonery County, Uarylend, about two miles et of the District of
Columbia line. The property was started a mmber of years ago end warious
chances have been made in the construction and Ovcuvanoy of the various build-
inge up to the present time, the lest buildin- to be erected being the Swirminc
Foc] and ite adjecent structures in 1°82. The buildings arc in good repair and
the couercl oarc ox order arc food excopt ce will be noted inthe reco:menie-
tions.

Our fire insurence diagran, inoluded in tiie report depicts the usjor
fectures of constraction, exposure harards, oocupencies and both palic and
private firc protection facilities and is a picture of the property drawn pri-
marily fror, the viewpoint of fire protection, From this oan be viguelises the
possibility of fire control and the preservation of the proporty. Accompanying
the map ts a key which explains the various symbole used.

The property insludes a mumber of buildings of stone, wood and concrete
and stec] constructiun, one to two stories in height, occupied mainly by con-
cessionaires under lease. The park is operated only during the summer season
but good care and order are maintained during the idle season.

There are no foreign exposures of account. The FPotome Eleetric
Power Company occupy two buildings in the park for the purpose of furnishing
electrio current for the operation of the park.

Epeciel Leeerds are commaratively Meht and generclly well eared for.
Repeir work oné hene peintinc arc donc in the Shops Budldin> with cl] woodi-or-
ing mechincry clectrically opereted and includinc ea plancr, a mall bend 8ex., rip
sor, drill 1: All peint eupslier are stored ir the 8: pa building but
ne etand cts Gre provided, There ere nc especially hagardocs
fecturec in comicction with the operation of the vertous amsencnt devicec,

Coumen harerce ere well cared for except ae will be noted 17 the
Fecomendations. Electricity for ight end power is purchased fron the Potomac


The increasing popularity of Glen Echo Park received increasing publicity
by the summer of 1914. Attendance at the park had averaged some
400,000 per summer during its first three seasons, more than twice the
total white population of Washington (blacks were excluded from the
park).

On July 25, the Washington Herald noted:

The crowds which throng Glen Echo these weeks are convincing
testimony of the popularity of this beautiful resort up the
Potomac, where the air is clear and cool and the breezes are
constantly on the job.

The name Glen Echo has a refreshing lilt. It suggests shady
dells and wooded hills, an oasis within easy reach of all purses
and within but a short distance of all sections of the city.

Glen Echo is an ideal all-day amusement and picnic park as well
as the most popular place to spend the evening amidst
delightful surroundings.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the park is the playground
for children. Everything that can possibly amuse them has
been put in the section set aside as a playground.

The picnic grounds is another important feature. This section
of the big park has been called the "National Capital's Picnic
Grounds," because 70 percent of the Sunday schools in the city
hold their annual picnics there. The best of water, the most
roomy of tables and benches, and the pleasantest nooks where
little parties or big ones can seclude themselves and enjoy a
lunch in the open in semi-privacy, if they like.

For those to whom the water has a strong appeal, a boat house
has been provided, where canoes and rowboats can be had at
small cost and the placid water of the canal with overhanging
trees igaking it delightfully cool are a veritable watery "Lovers'
Lane.

33. (cont.) constructed and an enlarged playground had been provided
for small children. Workmen also began demolition of the former
Chautauqua Hall of Philosophy, a process that would be furthered by fire
in 1924.

34. Washington Herald, July 25, 1914, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1914-1916, Cook Collection.

81


Cr

THE ACOUSTICS.

The acoustics of the building are phenomenal. In it the
voice is glorified and fine tones are brought out in a manner
that has astonished and delighted the musical experts. They
claim the acoustics to be twenty-five per cent better than ever
before secured. Here the singer can hear her voice and the
musician his instrument, enriched and beautified beyond all
previous experience. In it a band of forty instruments is equal
to one of sixty anywhere else--so says the professor. For
music alone this building is destined to become famous
throughout the civilized world. !t now seats 6,000, is capable
of seating 2,000 more, and standing 2,000 additional within
hearing of the speaker's voice. And there is not a poor seat in
the building. A moderately low voice can be heard equally well
throughout the entire building. The seating is of easy opera
chairs and elastic settees. |t will become a Mecca for great
educators, singers, musicians, lecturers, and orators.

THE HALL OF PHILOSOPHY

It is of Potomac granite and fire-proof. The platform is under
the dome and the 400 seats radiate from it toward the entrance.
The building stands on the edge and appears to be a part of
the bluff. The entrance to the hall proper is on a level with
the second floor. The first floor is divided into three rooms
and is reached by a stairway from the inside and a walled
entrance from the exterior bluff side. The = romantic
architecture of this building surpasses that of any in history
for a similar purpose.

THE GATE TOWERS.

These are rough stone structures, circular in form and
designed for administrative and school purposes. The top story
of the western one is a belfry, and is said to be the largest
one in the country. The three large bells furnished by the
McShane Bell Co., of Baltimore, are already in it. More will be
added tater on.

POST OFFICE AND STORE BUILDINGS.

Adjoining the western tower are the Post Office and Store
buildings.

They are so arranged to serve the public outside the
grounds and the public inside. They will house al! the stores
both Glen Echo and the Chautauqua will require for a number
of years.

THE HOTEL.
The building now in process of construction is sufficiently

advanced for use this season of 1892. it will be made a model
of beauty and utility. A roof dining hall, with private dining

191


Proving successful fast season as a free gate resort, this policy
will again be in effect, and with regulation park amusements
and devices, a new = scenic railway, with practically no
opposition and excellent transportation facilities, this grove
should maintain its lead as the recognized outdoor resort of the
national capital. Improvements, entailing an expenditure of
$30,000, have practically been completed, and with anything
like favorable weather conditions through the summer, Glen
Echo should fulfil the expectations of the, management in paying
a substantial dividend on its investment.

Washington-area newspapers also publicized the new features

improvements at Glen Echo Park. Two articles are illustrative of the

favorable publicity received by the park. The Washington Times of

May 19, 1912, noted:

Visitors who ride out to Glen Echo park on the opening day,
which the management announce will take place on May 26, will
find much to interest them in the improvements that have been
made since last season. New roadways and paths of crushed
stone lead to the various amusements, some of which are
entirely new; others having been repaired, strengthened and
otherwise improved. The new scenic railway, which has been
built at a cost of $15,000, is one of the more astonishing of the
new features. It takes visitors on a mile a minute ride through
and above the trees, over seven thrilling dips, some of which
are fifty-nine feet high. This is declared by the management
to be the strongest and safest scenic railway in the country, all
of the supporting posts having been set into solid concrete,
and the curves having been thoroughly protected. The dip has
been repaired and strengthened and the old auditorium is now
transformed into a midway, where hair raising and judicrous
features await visitors. There is a human roulette wheel, a
giant slide, twenty distorting mirrors, a treadmill and other
attractions. The dancing pavilion with its smooth floor and
capacious space, accommodating at a time over 1,000 dancers,
will continue operation, under the plan inaugurated last season.
Music for dancing will be furnished by the Mills’Orchestra, and
another musical attraction will be the sacred concert which is to
be given on Sunday, May 26, by the Soldiers' Home Band,
under the leadership of J. S. M. Zimmermann, which will give a
continuous program from 2:30 o'clock until the park closes for
the night. Among the many pleasing free features offered by
the park management are to be found sand piles and swings for
the children, together with the free moving picture theater,

21.

“Amusement Park News," Billboard, 24 (May 25, 1912): 20.

76

and



Activity is about us; the sounds of industry greet our ears;
the hurry of busy men and boys is arrested by the
reverberating bugle; we pass buildings and neighing horses
half-hidden among trees; then suddenly the driver reins up his
steeds, and we are approaching an imposing archway, made of
massive cedar trees. Over it, and forming part of the arch, is
the legend, woven in cedar: "GLEN-ECHO CAFE," above which
is a belfry in which an electric light has usurped the place of
the bell. To the right and left great arms of fence descend,
and turn outward, while still to the right is a covered way to
the Conduit Road, ending in a reception room open on all sides;
then to the left again a rustic building with the inscription over
it, “Office of E. & E. Baltzley." As we advance under the
archway a grand, circular, macadamized plaza, guarded by
heavy cedar rails, and hemmed in by overshadowing trees,
spreads out before us. To the right center of the plaza, in
stately welcome, is a semicircular porte-cochere, under which
we are whirled and landed at the entrance of the winding
"Wa-pe-nan Way." Wa-pe-nan, we learn, is the Indian for "The
path of the Morning Sun".

The vestibule, built of ponderous, gnarled, unbarked cedar
trees, supports a "Band Balcony," over the arch and beneath
the eaves of which, worked in cedar, the inscription,
“Pa-taw-o-meck," announces the name of the building. As we
pass the outer portals two broad winding stairways of cedar
lead to the right and left, one to the "Ladies' Waiting Room,"
the other, on the left, to the Gentlemen's." Entering the wide
doorway to the "Main Dining Hall," a magnificent expanse of
room, cathedral-like, arched over by the trunks. of
bark-covered logs, woven in complex embrace, on which the
steep roof is bound, greets our eyes .

As we stand at the entrance of this long vista of room its
grandeur -unveils like a revelation to us. In its centre a
many-streamed, cedar-wrought fountain sends its threads of
shining silver high in the lofty spaces of the labyrinthian arch.
On either side an oft-repeating rhyme of cedar lambrequins
crowns the wide, generous windows, which extend to the floor.
Beyond, at the far end, a commanding mantelpiece of cedar, in
rustic mosaics, rises to the eave-plates; to the right centre, in
' different design, a cedar sideboard, above and in the rear of
which is an alcove, railed from the main hall by a cedar
balustrade, and bearing the title of "Music Loft." On the

opposite side of the hall, over stairways and vestibule, is
another alcove looking out, on three sides, upon rare river
scenery. it is a large private dining-room, named after the

Indian whippoorwill, the "Wish-ton-wish."

Cedar brackets surround the great dining hall to support the
numerous electric fans which swirl the air in all directions when
the day is hot. And when the Evening takes on the raven


APPENDIX G
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS OF GLEN ECHO GRAVITY
COASTER: 1912

GRAVITY COASTER AT GLEN ECHO PARK

Designed and Constructed by Superintendent Frank Finlon.

Of all the attractions at Glen Echo Park none has aroused
the enthusiasm that the latest sensation, the Gravity Scenic
Coaster, has, and the "ride amid the treetops" is the most
popular device on the grounds.

Architects and many other experts have commented
favorably on the perfection of its construction, but there are
few people in the Capital outside of the employes at the resort
who know that to a Washington man, Supt. Frank Finlon, of the
park, belongs the credit for its designing and construction.

Beginning about the first of the year, he surveyed the
ground and made the pians that enabled him to buiid the road
which gives a ride nearly a mile and sixty feet in the air at
places over the limited space he had.

For months the work went on, the structural work being
framed in the carpenter shop on the grounds and then set in
position, each of the supports being set in a foot of concrete.
Some idea of the big task he carried out is given in the
statement that 158,000 feet of lumber and 82,500 bolts were
used in the building of the big amusement device.

Everything about it was built right on the grounds under
the personal supervision of Mr. Finton except the big cars with
their deeply padded, leather-cushioned seats, which came direct
from the factories.

Cr

Washington Herald, June 16, 1912, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,
1911-1912, Cook Collection.

197


fourteen to sixteen of these joints, including gambling on horse
racing or any other kind of a game. Glen Echo Park was run
by gamblers. Cabin John Bridge Park was ruined by gamblers.
Beer, whisky and all kinds of drinks were sold openly for
years in a prohibition county, where no liquor of any kind
could be sold under the law. !n those days there was no
respect paid to the law. But finally, by fines and arrests, this
was nearly stopped and today the Conduit road is almost free
from the, condition which makes one of the finest drives_in the
country.

The atmosphere of the area at the turn of the century may have been the
result in part of a “gold strike" at Glen Echo. During the summer and
fall of 1893 Edward Baltzley had formed the Glen Echo Gold Mining
Company presumably in the hope of recovering his losses at Glen Echo.
When a few nuggets of gold were discovered in subsequent years, the
area became a "gold rush" camp for “a feverish interlude," but it was
later noted that the "gold turned out to be literally a 'flash in the pan.
Another version of the "gold mine" story has it that stock was sold in the
Project, but that shareholders soon learned that the mine had been
"salted" for promotional purposes. '2

Despite the paucity of documentary materials relative to the facilities and
types of recreation offered at Glen Echo park during its early years it is

11. Washington Evening Star, June 27, 1914.

12. Washington Herald, August 9, 1936, and Washington Post,, April 23,
1945, Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.
In her aforementioned "History of Glen Echo" Carol Barton states:

The Baltzley's continued to build through the year 1892 with
hopes that the chautauqua would be revived, but nothing ever
came of it. Edward left the real estate company soon after 1892
and went to continue work on his life long fantasies -- the
search for gold. He was possessed with what one might call
gold fever. (in fact, he'd dug a gold mine at Glen Echo on the
hillside by the Clara Barton House, but he never found any
gold. He stopped digging short of what has later been proven
a gold-bearing vein). Edward died of mercury poisoning from
attempting to amalgamate gold from ore. Edwin continued to
have dreams of reviving the Glen Echo chautauqua even after
1892, but he finally gave this idea up, too. He lived out his
days writing and working on his inventions.

46


a Te

Under the direction of Site Manager William Anderson and Wendy Ross, an
arts specialist, meetings were held at the park during the spring of 1972
with interested groups to develop an expanded Program at Glen Echo

(now mirror-less) are being used for utilitarian and
administration purposes. Most of the others are gutted and in
need of repair, and, therefore, unsafe for children.

The Glen Echo Amusement Park might be considered rather
dismal now by those who knew it in its glory. But National
Capital Parks plans on something less than dismal for tomorrow
and consecutive Sundays (1-8 p.m.) throughout the summer.

There will be an opportunity for area artists, professional and
amateur, as well as children, to display their art work.
Entertainment will be provided, Raquel Pena and her Spanish
Ballgt, who will perform outdoors. Hot Dog stands will be set
up.

during the summer. The direction these meetings took was

described:

One of the first major commitments was to turn the old penny
arcade into a permanent home for Adventure Theatre, a
twenty-one-year-old adult acting company that specializes in
theater for children. This imaginative use of existing building
space gave hope that similar uses could be found for other
structures. In order to determine the park's direction, a
brainstorming session was held early in the planning period.
Architectural students, artists and many interested individuals
came together for a weekend. The opening of Wolf Trap Farm
Park for the Performing Arts in nearby Virginia gave impetus
to the idea of a culture and arts center. However, in
comparison with Wolf Trap, the arts programs at Glen Echo
would call for active participation rather than Passive
entertainment.

In a way, the original Chautauqua conception was reborn at
that meeting. Instead of the removal of existing structures,
which park officials had thought would be necessary, the
planners opened whole new possibilities for their reconstitution.
If the penny arcade could become a theater, why couldn't the
Hall of Mirrors become a crafts center? The space in the
Spanish Ballroom would be ideal for experimental dance

9.

Washington Post, June 19, 1971, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library. Some 2,000 persons rode the

carousel on June 20.

163


Admission FREE Always

! WASHINGTON'S ONLY BIG OUTDOOR PLEASUR q
PARK PRESENTING AT ALL TIMES STANDARD FEA#4
TURES AND AMUSEMENTS COMPARABLE TO
ATTRACTIONS OFFERED AT THE FOREMOST SUM«
MER AMUSEMENT PARKS IN THE LARGEST OF!

EXTRA [333 | TODAY.
SOLDIERS’ HOME.
MILITARY BAND

The Famous Musical Organization of the Capital
Among the New Features This Year Are:%

“THE WHIP” 4
CONBY ISLAND'S LATEST SENSATIONAL THRILLER AND AS POWs row:
ULAR AS THE BIG DERBY RACER. CARROUSEL, GRAVT
Wind THE OTHER LEN ECHO RIDES.

*y

“BARREL OF FUN”

ADDED TO JOY JIGGER, ROULETTE WHEEL, SLIDES AND

NEW FIGURE 8 FIREFLY “**

IN THE BIG PAVILION OF HILARITY

THE MIDWAY
PLAYGROUNDS, BOATING, PIONIC GnOWES. RES: URANT,
MALLER AMUS! NES’ ANDY BOSTNVELY THE PINOT -

DANCING PAVILION

AND THE BEST TEN-PIECE ORCHESTRA IN THE 900TH
DANCING STARTS AT §$:30—-WEEK NIGHTS ONLY

Washington Post, May 19, 1918, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,

1917-1923, Cook Collection.

88


eee”

found eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic
Places as part of a historic district commemorating the
amusement park era of the 30's, 40's and 50's. These include:
the Cuddle Up (1947), the Arcade (1940), the Bumper Car
Pavilion (1923), the Spanish Ballroom (1933) and the Crystal
Pool (1931). The amusement park maintenance building is being
nominated to be included as part,, of the historic district
dedicated to the amusement park era.

21.
Park,

U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Glen Echo
Glen Echo, Maryland, Management and Facilities Plan, February

1984,

p. 7.

177


3. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ASSUMES OPERATION OF GLEN ECHO
PARK

Following acquisition of Glen Echo Park in April 1970 by the federal

government, the National Park Service commenced clean-up operations and

oe . ; 7
removal of remaining amusement park ride structures and equipment.

According to one writer, the scene at the park was indeed bleak:

Only one of the original Chautauqua buildings remained--
{intact}]--the Chautauqua Tower, a round fieldstone structure
with a rusting tin roof located at the entrance to the park.
Paint peeled from the garish remnants of the dead amusement
park. Only concrete bases marked the sites of the Ferris wheel
and other rides. The mammoth swimming pool was badly
cracked and filled with autumn leaves of several years. The
Spanish Ballroom was dark and musty.

On June 20, 1971, the National Park Service opened the park to the
public for the first of a series of consecutive summer Sunday afternoon
events. According to the Washington Post of June 19, the type of
entertainment that would be offered at the park would be different from
years past:

In fact, the only ride left now is the old carrousel with its 1909
band organ, elaborate gilt horses and brass ring. The price
has gone up to a quarter a ride or five rides for $1.

The few remaining buildings have been roped off to the public,
but some, such as the Crystal Ballroom and the Mirror House

7. Washington Post, May 14, 1970; Washington Evening Star, May 14,
28, 1970; and Washington Daily News, May 14, 1970; Vertical Files, Glen
Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

8. Charles B. Fowler, "Glen Echo: Chautauqua 1974 Style," National
Parks & Conservation Magazine, 48 (September 1974): 22. Other
remnants of Chautauqua buildings included: back stone wall of arcade
which had been incorporated into a frame house abutting the Chautauqua
tower in 1914; one story stone structure used as Chautauqua caretaker's
house, the second story of which had been removed during the amusement
park period when the structure was converted for use as an incinerator
building; and remnants of one stone relieving arch of the hail of
Philosophy on the hillside sloping toward the George Washington Memorial
Parkway.

162

, a


a rr i

"Local Circles." Chautauguan, 15 (May, 1892): 247.
"Manager Gill Resigns." Billboard, 18 (June 30, 1906): 27.

"Modernization Is Glen Echo Keynote." Billboard, 50 (April 30, 1938):
38, 40.

Murphy, Cindy. "Remember Glen Echo? What's Going on Around the
Funhouse." Forecast, (June, 1979): 44-45.

"NPCA at Work." National Parks and Conservation Magazine, 49
(November, 1975): 22-23.

"Park List." Billboard, 17 (May 20, 1905): 26.

"Park List." Billboard, 18 (April 28, 1906): 54.

"Park List." Billboard, 21 (June 12, 1909): 25, 33, 41.

"Park List." Billboard, 28 (May 27, 1916): 32.

"Park List." Billboard, 19 (May 16, 1908): 22.

"Parks." Billboard, 13 (May 4, 1901): 23.

"Parks." Billboard, 14 (May 31, 1902): 16.

"Parks." Billboard, 15 (March 28, 1903): 20.

"Parks." Billboard, 16 (April 23, 1904): 15.

"Parks, Piers and Beaches." Billboard, 34 (May 27, 1922): 68.

"Parks, Piers and Beaches." Billboard, 35 (June 2, 1923): 79.

233


“_s* -' ”""-"6e°°”° Oro

The renovated park opened for the season on May 27 with some 15,000
patrons in attendance. The evening festivities were highlighted by the
personal appearance of the Washington Senators and Boston Red Sox major
league baseball teams. Summing up the day's events, the Washington
Herald observed on May 28, 1911:

Bigger, brighter, and better in every way than ever, Glen
Echo Park is now well started on what promises to be the most
successful season recorded at an outdoor amusement resort in
the vicinity of Washington. Completely altered in general
appearance from other years by extensive improvements, Glen
Echo now is in the same rank of resorts as the famous
amusement enterprises at Coney Island and Atlantic City where
millions annually find relief and enjoyment during the heated
term. In the rehabilitation of Glen Echo Park the new
management has been successful in the project to create a real
al fresco amusement rendezvous that differs from the ordinary
summer playground and city park, but which combines the most
attractive features of each in happy combination--a center of
rest, relaxation, and rational enjoyment, where young and old
alike may repair for coolness, comfort and diversion amidst the
inviting natural attractions and the varied amusement devices.

Starting today a special series of Sunday concerts of
instrumental music will be inaugurated in the main music shell,
when the First Regiment Band, Joseph B. Caldwell, conductor,
will render a varied programme of standard. and popular
compositions at 2:30 and 7 o'clock this evening. Several other.
features are announced for today. Principal among the half
hundred attractions now in operation at Glen Echo Park is the
handsome new dancing pavilion, on the polished maple floor at
which S00 couples can comfortably dance at one time. The
“human roulette wheel" and the "giant slide ride" are among the
most popular of the attractions in the "New Midway," where a
dozen other recent fun and sport devices are finding great
favor. The old favorites, retained because of their popularity
in the past, have all been transferred to new and more
advantageous locations, and their value as amusement providers
increased by improvements. These include the Ferris wheel,
model miniature railway, marine toboggan, Japanese exhibit,
gypsy camp, cafe and restaurant, photo studio, candy wheel,
and the numerous other staple amusements usually found in
parks catering to ladies and children.

By the introduction of many novelties, Memorial Day will be
celebrated in an elaborate manner at Glen Echo Park, and

67



iii Sein ya

National Association of Amusement Parks, Pools, and Beaches. 1960
Manual & Guide, 17th Edition. Chicago, 1960.

1967 Manual & Guide, 18th Edition. Chicago, 1961.

1962 Manual & Guide, 19th Edition. Chicago, 1962.

Onosko, Tim. Fun Land U.S.A.: The Complete Guidebook to 100 Major
Amusement and Theme Parks. New York, 1978.

Portrait and Biographical Record of the 6th Congressional District,
Maryland. New York, 1898.

Webb, William W., et al. Centennial History of the City of Washington,
D.C. Dayton, 1892.

Wilmeth, Dan B. Variety Entertainment and Outdoor Amusements: A

Reference Guide. Westport, Connecticut, 1982.

The works by Fancher, Gould, and Morrison provide historical
background for an understanding of the Chautauqua movement in the
United States, while those by Griffin, Kyriazi, Mangels, Matlaw,
Onosko, and Wilmeth present the historical development of the
amusement park industry. The books by Brown and Webb give some
brief glimpses of the Glen Echo area during the construction of the
Chautauqua buildings and convening of the Chautauqua assembly in
1891. The work by King provides a history of the construction and
operation of the Glen Echo Railroad and its successors. The
NAAPPB manuals discuss the administration and facilities of Glen
Echo Park during the 1960s, while the book by McDevitt describes
the park's features during the mid-1920s.

229


boasint heirs
(bu, wide); thence along; tie
curve to the left having a radius of Six hundred thirty five and no hundredths
(635.00) feet, an arc distance of Two huncred twenty-nine and eleven hunsredt
(229.11) feet to a point vf tangent situate at the southeasterly end of a
chord bearing South Sixty-nine degrees, fifty-five misutes, ten seconds
(69° SS" 10") East Two hundred twenty-seven and eighty-seven hundredths
(227.87) feet from the preceding point; thence North nine degrees, forty-four

minutes, forty seconds (9° ki! 0") East Seventy-five and no hundredths (75.00)

feet; thence on a curve to the left having a radius of Five hundred sixty and

no hundredths (560.00) feet an arc distance of Lirhty- and sixty-one hun-
dredths (86,61) feet to a point of tanrent situa

of a chor ring 5: four degr

(€h° 1" 10") East y fk two hunire

preceding North Fifty-t i (53") Bast sevent

dreaths (0.17) feet t

on for a

oad South Tent:

thence

210


The Chautauqua assembly atmosphere was enlivened with recreational
Pursuits. Beneath the amphitheater, two stories of stone grottoes and
Passageways, rustic bridges, and retreats were constructed. These
galleries were lit with electricity and provided a cool diversion from the
sweltering heat. These ‘passes paralleled Minnehaha Creek, which was
channeled beneath the building to power the speaker system. Plans
called for installation of rambling walks and seating along the river and
streams nearby. Work was already progressing on boating, canoeing, and
swimming facilities around Sycamore Island. Picnicking was popular, and
lunches were purchased in the "great hotel tent or cafe." A baseball
team, bicycling, tennis, and other sports rounded out the physical
education program, and children enjoyed an enormous swing on Faculty
Hill .23

The programs ran throughout the week from mid-morning until about 8:30
p.m. The weekday programs were secular in nature except that certain
Presentations, especially in anthropology and archeology, involved
religious problems raised by theories of evolution and views on the role of
science. Typical of the weekday schedule of events was that of Monday,
June 22, 1891:

10:00 a.m. Maj. J.W. Powell-~-"From the Hunter to
the Inventor Stage"

11:00 a.m. Dr. John J. Lafferty--"Lack of Luck with
Lee"

2:00 p.m. Musical Prelude: Violin Solo, Giuseppe
Vitale

2:30 p.m. Thomas Nelson Page: Reading from his
own writings, “Edinburg's Droundin"

4:00 p.m. Leonard H. Vincent: “George Eliot"

8:00 p.m. Constantin Steinberg: "What is Music?"

Illustrated by selections on the piano.°*

23. Washington Evening Star, June 6, July 11, 16, 18, 22, 23, 25, 1891.

24. Itbid., June 20, 1891.

28


BILONSIN NO

NVId 3901AN3S aNOHdIIIL WHUWd OHI NATD

2


cation and the operation of its trolley cars over said tracks for the
purpose of transporting passengers and for such other uses as may proverly

be made of these facilities in the operation of an electric railmay.

The property described herein is conveyed subject. to existing rights

and easements of Potomac Electric Power Company.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same unto and to the use of the said party hereto

of the second part, in fee simple.

AND the said party of the first part hereby covenants to warrant specially
the property hereby conveyed and to execute such further assurances of said

land as may be requisite or necessary.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the said party of the first part, on the day and
year first hereinbefore written, has had its corporate seal hereto attached,
and caused these presents to be signed with its corporate name by J. A. Be
Broadwater, its President, attested by Ralph T. Powell, its Secretary, and
has appointed the said J. A. B. Froadwater to he its true and lawful attorney

act and deed.

Deed, Capital Transit Company to Continental Enterprises, Inc., April 1,
1954, Montgomery County Deed Book 1922, Folios 398-402.

212


CHAPTER III
OWNERSHIP AND UTILIZATION OF NATIONAL CHAUTAUQUA
OF GLEN ECHO GROUNDS: 1893-1911

The malarial fever scare and the nationwide Panic of 1893 led to financiai
difficulties for both the Baltzley real estate and resort enterprise and the
National Chautauqua of Glen Echo. On April 7, 1892, the Glen Echo Sand
and Building Company, a Baltziey enterprise, borrowed "a large sum of
money" from the Baltimore Building and Loan Association for which it
gave “a mortgage to secure the payment of the same." By March 1894
the mortgage was in default and the building association was about to
foreclose. Thus, new terms to extend the time for payment of the loan
by the Baitzley firm were negotiated on March 10, 1894, as stated in a
moftgage recorded in the Montgomery County land records.

The Glen Echo Railroad also experienced financial difficulties as a result
of the demise of the Baltzley enterprise and the Chautauqua program at
Glen Echo. On August 8, 1895, James B. Henderson, George F.
Hamilton, and Leonard H. Poole, who had been named as trustees in a
deed of trust from the Glen Echo Railroad Company, offered

at public sale, to the highest bidder, at the junction of the
Georgetown and Tennallytown railroad and said Glen Echo
railroad . . . all that property known as the Glen Echo railroad
Property, including power house and equipment, rolling stock,
right-of-way and electric lighting plant, etc.

Although the story of the railroad lies outside the purview of this study,
one should examine the newspaper advertisement for this sale that
appeared in the Montgomery County Sentinel on June 21, 1895, for

references to the Glen Echo Chautauqua property. A copy of this
advertisement may be seen in Appendix F.

1. Washington Evening Star, July 25, 1895.

40

@ @ @
mmm EEO le CU mn Hmm HE ee ee


In order to obtain the maximum of mechanical efficiency at
Glen Echo it was found necessary several years ago to establish
a carpenter shop, plumbing shop, paint shop and blacksmith
shop; also a drafting room where ail plans are drawn before
they are executed.

Before opening for business every day, Sergeant Tom
Muck, of the coaster dips, accompanied by two buck privates,
Bill Brewer and Mike Prather, walk over the entire ride and
thoroughly examine it. They inspect the 4,000 feet of double
tracks, the trucks and wheeis of all cars, and pay particular
attention to the brakes and see that they are working properly.
They also examine all foundations and footings, and are
personally responsible for the proper training and conduct of
their crews.

To the carrousel, one of the most popular rides at Glen
Echo, Clarence Hurt devotes the mornings to mechanical
inspections and also assures himself that all stirrups, reins and
safety straps are sound. It is also his duty, when the park
opens, to see that patrons do not change from one figure to
another--horse, chariot or varied animals--or get on and off the
carrousel while it is in motion.

Lieutenant Joseph Deebo, operator of "the whip," is up
early every morning, inspecting his ten cars, the special strand
cable, pins, swivels, shoes and springs, and assuring himself
that they are in perfect working order.

Sergeant "Bus" Starry, operator of the airplane swings;
Sergeant Arthur Richards, operator of the "dodgem," and
Sergeant Julius Bolanz, operator of the "Pretzel"--Glen Echo's
new thrilling ride--also inspect their respective devices every
morning.

The same policy of careful inspection applies to the entire
park, and particularly to Crystal Pool, Glen Echo's $200,000
swim rendezvous that accommodates 3,000 swimmers. The
million and one half gallons of water that flow daily through a
battery of giant filters is inspected, tested and checked by
Major Carl A. Hechmer, nationally known chemist and sanitary
engineer of the Washington Suburban Sanitary District, every
few days. His assistant is Lieutenant Boyd Hickman, pool deck
supervisor, who also tests the water every hour.

At Crystal Pool a regiment of caretakers and guards insure
the safe guarding of hundreds of thousands of swimmers during
the season. The locker rooms are efficiently supervised by
Privates George Jenkins, Mitchell Medved and Steve Shelton,
star athletes of George Washington University.

Eight well trained girls supervised by Myrtle Faulkner are
required to handle patrons from the time of ticket purchase to
enter the pool and final exit from the building.

More than inspections, however, are required by Colonel
Schloss, for the operation of Glen Echo includes other details,
all involving great responibility.

The quartermaster department is in charge of Major Harry
Cohen and Captain Abe Schuman, park restaurateurs for 25

109


The year 1899 witnessed significant changes at Glen Echo that
foreshadowed its future use as an amusement Park. On June 5, the
Washington Traction and Electric Company, a forerunner of the
Washington Railway and Electric Company, was_ incorporated. This
concern set about to acquire through stock ownership a number of
Washington-area railroad properties, including the Georgetown and
Tenallytown Railway, Washington and Glen Echo Railroad, and Washington
and Great Fails Electric Railway companies that were serving the Glen
Echo area. That same year the rail lines to Glen Echo were
double-tracked and seven wooden trestles were replaced with steel
structures. About the same time the Billboard, in its listing of parks,
pleasure resorts, and summer gardens, noted for the first time an entity
known as Glen Echo Park with E. M. Brawner as manager. Available
materials do not indicate whether the park was leased by the railroad
interests or whether the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo, still the
owner of the mortgaged property at Glen Echo, commenced operation of a
resort or amusement center in cooperation with the railroad interests that

had improved the rail lines to’ Glen Echo. 1°

There are no available documentary materials indicating the facilities or
types of recreation offered at Glen Echo Park during its early years.
The atmosphere of the park area, however, appears to have been one of

low moral character as described by a long-time resident in 1914:

About nineteen years ago [1895] | moved to Glen Echo. The
car service was not good, so | rode to and from my businesses

on a bicycle. | have consequently often counted the clubs and
so-called speakeasies on the Conduit road from the District line
to our village. Fifteen years ago [1899] there were some

10. King, 100 Years of Capital Traction, pp. 48-50; Montgomery County
Sentinel, May 5, 1899; and “Parks, Pleasure Resorts, Summer Gardens,"
Billboard, I! (May 1, 1899): 21. Two years earlier in 1897 the National
Chautauqua, et al., had conveyed to the Washington and Great Falls
Electric Railway Company the lands included in the "Reservation for
Railroad." Deed, National Chautauqua, et al., to Washington and Great
Falls Electric Railway Company, 1897, Montgomery County Deed Book,
JA 58, Folio 184.

45


The franchise and railroad now offered is one of the most
valuable properties in the vicinity of the National Capital. The
railroad is a double-track road, thoroughly and substantially
built, with first-class stone masonry traversing a beautiful and
picturesque country, abounding in splendid villa sites,
overlooking the romantic Falls Branch and constituting a
necessary link in a chain of passenger railways connecting
Washington City with the far-famed ‘Glen Echo Heights,’ the
National Chautauqua subdivision, with the magnificent
amphitheatre, one of the largest and grandest auditoriums on
this continent, and the beautiful valley of Cabin John Run and
the magnificent bridge spanning it, the largest single arch in
the world.

Montgomery County Sentinel, June 21, 1895.

196

ee eee a aa


The Easter weekend opening featured artists from WMAL-TV. These e!

included Ruth Flaherty of a moppet television show, Joe Campbell, a
singing cowboy, and Superman, all of whom were placed on the park
Program by the television station through sponsoring companies such as
Sunbeam Bread, Kelloggs, and others. The trio greeted youngsters,
signed autographs, and distributed gifts and tickets for free rides and
sponsors' samples. In early May a number of Howdy Doody show
characters made personal appearances at the park, including Clarabel the
clown, Princess Summer-Fall-Winter-Spring, Buffalo Vic, and Zippy the
Chip. The year's record business was attributed by General Manager
Price to advertising of these events and the drawing power of the
television performers.

Other promotional features characterized the 1953 park season. These
included ballroom appearances of orchestras under the direction of Stan
Keaton, Billy May, Buddy Morrow, Ray Anthony, and Freddie Schaffer
and his all-female band. A drawing was held to give away a new 1953
automobile, courtesy of McKee Pontiac of Washington. A Miss Glen Echo
beauty contest was held at the park as was the Washington-area Mrs.

America contest. 103

The 1954 Season

The promotional arrangements between WMAL-TV and Glen Echo Park,
begun in 1953, were continued in 1954 in an effort to increase the
flagging attendance at the amusement center. Under the arrangements
the station's performers made appearances at the park on special days to
greet their fans and give away souvenirs. Other special promotions tying

in the station's advertisers were also planned. In April a new Ford

103. "Video Acts and Glen Echo Bow," Billboard, 65 (Apri/ 11, 1953): 85,
"Traffic Jam: Howdy Doody Sets Mark at Glen Echo, Md.," Billboard, 65
(May 16, 1953): 52; and Washington Post, April 5, 1953, Vertical Files,
Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

130


Newspaper accounts indicate that the Glen Echo Chautauqua site was used
for a variety of amusement and entertainment events during the

mid-1890s. An article in the Washington Evening Star on July 25, 1895,

implies that 22 employees of the Wells' steam laundry in Georgetown

enjoyed a "big afternoon and evening" at Glen Echo.2

In late July 1895 a "fete champetre" of the Potomac Commandery, No. 3,
K.T., was held at Glen Echo, attended by some 2,500 persons. !t was
noted that the "beautiful place resounded all day long with the shouts of
the merry-makers and the sounds of horses' hoofs as the tournament was
being carried out and company A, Sixth United States Cavalry, were
giving their drill." The events of the day were ably described in the
Montgomery County Sentinel on August 2, 1895:

The principal feature of the afternoon's entertainment was the
Cossack drill by the cavalry troop, consisting of twenty-three
picked men under command of Lieutenant Short. Their drill
was a splendid exhibition of horsemanship embracing rough-
riding, Roman races, troop evolutions and trick horsemanship.
A number of the boys were thrown, but no one was hurt, and
the horses seemed to enjoy the fun as much as their riders.

Another attraction was the tournament, in which about a
dozen expert riders tried their hand. The most of them were
above the average, in such exercises, and the ties which had
to be ridden off made the affair very long. It was finally
announced, however, that Mr. James Harris, the "Knight of the
Little Daisy," was entitled to the honor of first prize and the
supplementary privilege of crowning the queen. He chose Miss
Laura Hauser for that honor. The others who came close to the
winner was James Shugrue, Richard Ricketts and John Lynch..
All received prizes, consisting of saddles, bridles and spurs.
The award of the prizes was made by Judge Lacy of
Georgetown, and the same gentieman also made the speech when
presenting the winner at the coronation ceremony. A storm
came up during the cavalry drill, but it did not last very tong,
and the visitors weathered it out in the amphitheater and in the
cottages scattered around the place.

A concern was the feature of the evening. This took
place in the amphitheatre at 8 o'clock and a number of well
known local performers took part in the program.

2. Ibid.

a1


( ae

. MAP KEY
MARSH & McLENNAN

INCORPORATED
INSURANCE

NEW YORK
Fire Resistive Construction
Concrete, Cement Block or Stone

. Brick Building with Brick or Metal Cornice

Brick Building with Wood Cornice
Brick Building with Stone Front
Brick Building with Frame Side

* Brick Veneered Building

TK ist 2 Brick & Frame Building
Frame Building
‘Wood Metal Clad, Skel. Wood Fr. Metal Clad, Skel. Steel Fr. Wood Walls or Roof
E__) Cs Skel. Steel or Iron Fr., Metal * Metal Lath & Plaster Walls, Roof Incombustible
EQ skvcet Fire Wall 6 Inches Above Roof
Fire Wall 12 Inches Above Roof { Each Cross Line Indicates

omar Fire Wall 18 Inches Above Roof 6” in Height

see Fire Wall 36 Inches Above Roof

Figures 8, 12, 16, 20 Indicate Thickness of Wall in Inches
Wall Without Opening & with Size in Inches

Wall with Openings—Figures Indicate on Which Floor
Openings Protected by Single Non-Standard Fire Door
Openings Protected by Double Non-Standard Fire Door
Wall Arches for Driveways

or Openings Protected by Double Standard Doors
Q, 4t—+-#-_— Windows with Iron Shutters

oS 8. — Windows with Tin Clad Shutters
‘~~ Window Opening in First Story
‘“\ Window Opening in Second & Third Stories
‘“~ Window Opening in Second & Fourth Stories
~~ Window with Wired Glass in Standard Sash & Frame
Stable -
--- Water Meter
a Valve Pit
Water Mains & Size in Inches (Public) py Alarm Gong with Hood
ON Suction Pipe & Size in Inches ——t¢ Siamese Steamer Connection
EWP Exposed Pipe—Private Re Fire Escape with Vertical Pipe
@ since douse @ Triple Hydrants Fire Escape
Ove. Vertical Pipe or Stand Pipe Boiler Not Bricked In
@r. Fire Pump Vertical or Upright Boiler
sme) Foot Valve & Strainer Boiler Bricked In
——-—-® Automatic Sprinkler Riser QWerick Metal © Chimneys
—~ -—-O Open Sprinkler Riser Tey Open Elevator Shaft
——-1-- Ordinary Gate Valve Incombustible Elevator Shaft
— -f{-—- Indicator Valve
——$~. Post Indicator Valve

DRNERAY Ist

Automatic Sprinklers

——>—- Check Valve (Water flows in direction of check) No Sprinklers
——>--—- Wet Alarm Valve .

--4¢-- Dry Pipe Valve Fire Alarm Box
—x—x— Open Sprinklers ‘Watchman’s Station

207


APPENDIX |

DESCRIPTION OF "COASTER DIPS" RIDE (1921) IN
COASTER WORLD, JANUARY 1981

The Coaster Dips was opened to
the public in May of 1921 after un-

dergoing five months of construc-
tion by the park staff. it's original
designer was Frank Moore and it
was built for $60,000. in its first
few years, it drew crowds who
were eager to pay the ten-cent
fare for a ride over its twisting
trackage.

With the dawn of the Thirties, the
Part management decided to raise
the height of the ride to further
please the public. This was done,
and crowds flocked to the park on
Washington Raitway trolleys for
an excursion on the Coaster Dips.

Over the next ten years, rider-
Ship again increased and park
management raised the height of
the coaster a final time, thus creat-
ing the ride that 0.c. youngsters
spoke of in hushed, reverential

tones.

The Coaster Dips was located just
Inside the entrance to the park,
and was quite harmiess looking
from the midway. Its station was
tree-shaded by day, and adorned
at night with hundreds of white
lights arranged in curving patterns
along its eaves,

Once the rider was seated, the
train coasted around a right curve
then entered a long stretch of
Straight track. After coasting for
about two hundred feet, it made a
180° right turn which brought it to
the base of the lift hill.

As the daytime Passengers
ascended the seventy-two feet,
they were afforded a beautiful
view of the Potomac River and its
Virginia shore, while evening

200


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ONVAYYA 'OHD3 NID
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ANWINOD LISNWYL TWLidv>



Orphans Day event became an annual outing at the park for more than

twenty-five years 2

The Independence Day festivities featured an elaborate fireworks show.
The Washington Times of July 3 described the preparations for this

event:

Glen Echo Park which this season is proving to be one of the
most popular outdoor amusement resorts in Washington, will,
according to present indications, tomorrow be the _ holiday
rendezvous of a_ record-breaking crowd. The park's first
Fourth of July celebration will consist of a fine program of such
great variety as to insure pleasure for young and old alike.

In the evening an exhibition of up-to-day pyrotechnics,
representing an outlay of $1,000, takes place, starting at 8:30
o'clock. For a week the experts from this factory that plans
the famous fireworks displays for the steel pier in Atlantic
City, have been busily engaged transforming the spacious lawns
fronting the Ferris wheel into a pyrotechnic amphitheater. The
lengthy program embraces twenty-five numbers and includes
several navelties that are certain to prove delightful
surprises.

The first annual celebration of "Montgomery County Day" was held at
Glen Echo Park on Wednesday, July 26. The park was open from 9
o'clock a.m. to 11 o'clock p.m. and special transportation was provided
from Rockville. The program for the day was described in the

Montgomery Press on July 21:

At 1 o'clock the grand tournament will start and the entries for
this event will be confined solely to bonafide residents of
Montgomery county. The charge to the Knights will © be
delivered by Attorney W. Outerbridge Spates, while Mr.
Andrew J. Cummings will make the presentation of the prizes.
These prizes, consisting of a handsome English leather saddle,
bridle, spurs and whip are now on exhibition in the windows of

12. I\Ibid., June 13, 14, 1911, and Washington Post, June 15, 1911, Glen
Echo Park Company Press Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection.

13. Washington Times, July 3, 1911, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection.

70


The 1914 Season

The 1914 season at Glen Echo opened on May 23 with a crowd of 9,000
persons passing through the turnstiles. The Washington Herald of
May 24 noted:

Never in its history has the resort had a more auspicious
opening. The dancing pavilion was the most popular place on
the grounds. Since last season, the floor space has been
enlarged and last night all of the extra room was needed.

During the winter many improvements have been made, the
most noticeable being the new exit. In the past cars were
loaded and unloaded in the parking space just in front of the
entrance. This year a new exit has been constructed and a
gate system that keeps the crowds separated does much to
prevent a crush and suffers insurance against accidents.

Last night's crowd took in the resort from one end to
another and the long lines in front of the various attractions
waited patiently for a chance at the coaster, gyroplane and
other amusements.

With its entrance, flowers blooming all around, buildings
glistening under their fresh paint and newly laid walks, Glen
Echo is more picturesque and attractive than ever, and the
first night ofthe 1914 season found everything in readiness for
the opening.

Earlier the newspaper had reported:

All of the old attractions have been remodeled and in some
instances rebuilt, and patrons of the carrousel, roller coaster,
with its ride among the tree tops; Ferris wheel, gyroplane and
other fun-giving devices will find them in the same old places.
In addition the management has arranged for many new
attractions, many of them to be included in the free admission.

As the real big feature for the first week of the season
the services of Howard Leslie Holt and Lillian Taylor, two of
the best known exhibition dancers of the country, have been
secured. Fresh from their triumphs on the Keith circuit this
clever pair of dancers will be seen twice daily in the dancing
pavilion in the exhibition of the tapgo, hesitation, maxixe,
one-step and all of the modern dances.

32. Washington Herald, May 24, 1914, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1914-1916, Cook Collection.

33. Ibid., May 17, 1914, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,
1914-1916, Cook Collection. In addition, newly-laid walks had been

80


The Glen Echo Railroad is a double track electric railroad from
the District line at Tennallytown to the Conduit Road at Glen
Echo, a distance of three miles, and is now being extended
along the Conduit Road to Cabin John Bridge, a further
distance of one and three-fourths miles. At the Tennallytown
end it forms a junction with the Georgetown & Tennaliytown,
and Tennallytown & Rockville Electric Railroads. Here the
three roads own a union depot. The Connecticut Avenue
Electric Road by a half mile extension will also soon connect
here with the Glen Echo Road. The Georgetown & Tennallytown
is a double track road through Georgetown, or West
Washington, and taps the Washington & Georgetown Street
Railroad, now being converted into a cable road, and the

Metropolitan Road. The Washington & Georgetown Road
traverses Pennsylvania Avenue from the Navy Yard to
Georgetown, the business artery of Washington. The

Metropolitan Road is over the main thoroughfares from Capital
Hill to Northwest Washington, commencing with East Capitol
Street, then F Street and Connecticut Avenue.

The Glen Echo Railroad enters Glen Echo near its eastern
boundary, at the beginning of the Glen Echo Park, and
opposite Sycamore Island, now being converted into a pleasure
resort. From thence traversing the park along and fifty feet
from the Conduit Road to the Chautauqua grounds and Cabin
John Bridge, a distance of one and three-fourths miles. The
Chautauqua is midway between Sycamore Island and Cabin
John.

With the Glen Echo Park at one end, Cabin John at the other,
and the Chautauqua grounds in the middie, this short stretch
of a mile and three-fourths of road will, in a comparatively
short time, be in the nature of a Coney Isiand or Atlantic City
road.

The Glen Echo Railroad has been improved and extended to the
Chautauqua grounds, thus giving through route to Washington.
The Connecticut Avenue Road, which taps every street railroad
will soon be completed and connect with it. Ten pleasure
barges, capable of carrying 500 people each, have been built,
and will ply between Washington and Glen Echo, landing
Passengers at the entrance of Glen Vincent, 300 feet from the
Amphitheatre. The route is along the Potomac River,
commanding the most beautiful and romantic scenery. The trip
in itself is an event long to be remembered.

Thé Washington and Great Falls Railroad also expect to have
their road finished to the Chautauqua by 1893.

35


The 1943 Season

The 1943 season at Glen Echo, which began on April 20, with record
opening-week crowds in attendance, was marked by a number of cutbacks
resulting from the war effort. The boat ride was discontinued because of
the gas shortage, and the shooting gallery closed in June because of a
lack of ammunition. Labor was hard to maintain, especially guards and
cashiers, as many long-time park employees were mustered into the armed
services. Peanuts, popcorn, soda pop, and hot dogs were in short

supply.

No new attractions were introduced in the park in 1943. Nevertheless,
the "SO attractions and 8 thriil rides" continued to operate until the park
closed after a Labor Day finale, its principal features continuing to be
the "Whip, Flying Scooter, Dodgem Cars, Coaster Dips, Pretzel Ride,
World Cruise--and the Midway House of 100 Gadgets, which houses the
fascinating ‘Firefly Ride.'" The Paul Kain orchestra continued to draw ©
crowds to the ballroom (on opening night 2,840 dancers paid the new
admission price of 45 cents for men and 25 cents for women) with Joan
Ritter, formerly of the Earle Theater Roxyettes, achieving “new celebrity"

eq 86
as a vocalist.

The 1944 Season

Glen Echo Park opened its 1944 season on April 8 with some fifteen
thousand people in attendance. A good portion of the crowd were Army,
Marine Corps, and Navy personnel, including a contingent of paratroopers
from Camp McCall, North Carolina. The newest thrill ride was the
"Octopus," a device that went "up and down and ‘round and round! all at

86. Washington Post, April 4, May 16, 23, September 2, 5, 1943, and
Washington Evening Star, April 21, May 28, 1943, Vertical Files, Glen
Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library, and “Glen Echo Beats
Weather to Top All Past Marks," Billboard, 55 (May 1, 1943): 40.

121


pavilion, was of Spanish mission-type architecture and contained 7,500
square feet of dance area. The entire building (concrete, stucco, and
steel construction) was 90 by 145 feet and was designed to accommodate
1,800 dancers. At one end of the dance hall was a stage with adjacent
music and rest rooms, and the dance floor was bordered by corridors,
covered walks, a refreshment area, coat room, and lobby. New and
spectacular lighting effects "were provided in the interior" by equipment

; . - ; . 65
installed in a specially constructed cove and in window recesses.

Following its completion, the ballroom received nationwide Publicity in
Billboard. Noting that the structure would "not detract from anything at
the Chicago Exposition," the periodical stated that attendance at the park

had increased because of this "substantial" improvement by Schloss:

Of Spanish effect, with modern vari-colored lighting subdued
into a harmonious blending of color most pleasing in effect. He
gives them good music and a reasonable admission charge.
Needless to say that he draws a fine class of people.

From the rear veranda of the dance hall his modern swimming
pool and ample beach show to advantage and lend a cooling
atmosphere to the surroundings. The rest of the park is:
taking on the same modernistic motif. It ail shows progress,
which his people appreciate in increased patronage.

One of the first publicity-seeking events to be held in the new ballroom
was a contest, extending from August 1 to 19, to select Washington's
"Miss Personality." The winner was rewarded with a visit to the Chicago
Century of Progress "Hollywood studios" for a talkie-screen test. This

placed her in line for a chance to be named "Miss Universal" and awarded

65. Washington Times, April 22, 1933, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library. The National Park Service has
eleven construction drawings of the Spanish Ballroom, the originals of
which are on file in the National Capital Region Office. The drawings are
available on microfilm in the Technical Information center at the Denver
Service Center.

66. R.S. Uzzell, "NAAP: Manufacturers and ODealers' Section,"
Billboard, 46 (June 9, 1934): 39, 43.

105


Cruise," had been’ reconstructed "with numerous new features." New
streamlined Dodgem cars, as well as boats on the water ride, had been
installed during the winter, and some fifty attractions and concessions
had been repainted and modernized. A new policy of rotating orchestras
in the Spanish Ballroom was commenced, with "Littte Joe Hart and his
Boys" performing in the early part of the season and the park's regular
David McWilliams! band returning to play in August through the end of

the season. /9

The_ 1939-1940 Seasons

Glen Echo Park began its 1940 season on April 13, featuring a new
modern art deco entrance portal and promenade and a_ two-story
administrative building/arcade complex which had been designed by
Edward Schoeppe of Philadelphia and had cost some $100,000 to construct.
The adminstrative building housed office, kitchen, storage, rest room,
and refreshment and popcorn stand space. [It also housed two cafe
concessions that could accommodate up to 1,000 persons: the Concourse
Cafe on the ground level and the Roof Garden Cafe, which had an open
air balcony with umbrella tables reminiscent of facilities at the New York
World's Fair. As part of the work on the new entrance portal, the east
Chautauqua Tower, which had been used as a popcorn stand, was
removed. The parking facitlities were also improved during the winter of
1939-40.

One new ride was introduced at the park--the "Fiying Skooter," replacing
the "Aeroplane Swing." The ride, which had been invented and installed
by Alvin Bisch of Chicago, consisted of ten little airplanes that could be
steered up and down by passengers as they whirled in a circle 30 to 40
feet above the ground. At the time, only four such Bisch-built
attractions were operating, the three besides the one at Glen Echo

79. “Modernization is Glen Echo Keynote," Billboard, 50 (April 30,
1938): 38, 40.

114



riders were treated to a Sight near-
ly impossible to describe: the mists
rising from the river and mingling
with the sycamore trees on the
shore. .

At the top of the lift, the train
made a 180° turn to the left and
coasted toward the precipice. Chil-
dren grabbed the restraining bar,
shut their eyes and awaited the
end of the world,

The first drop of 70 feet was just
steep enough to make the riders in
the rear feel like they were being
pitched over the heads of those in
the seats in front of them.

Arriving at the base of the drop,
the train roared up a hill, crested
the summit and fell once again, At
the bottom, the track momentarily
leveled off then dipped into a

twenty-foot deep ravine. Along
this stretch of track, the train titer.
ally flew and Passengers who pre-
viously had their hands in the air
decided to grab the safety bar. An-
other interesting feature at the ra-
vine was the Presence of a high
trolley trestle to the right, from
which transit riders got a hint of
what was awaiting them at the
park

Rising out of the favine, the train
rounded a left turn and headed
back toward the station. But first,
it dipped back into the favine tor
additional excessive speed, then
mounted the peak of a camel back
drop, which then took it to a curve
over the loading area.

Immediately after rounding the
right Curve, the train sharply
pitched forward and sent the back
Séal riders literally Sprawling onto
the safety bar. With the curve and
then the drop, riders were first
shoved to the left and then thrown
forward. An, nirvana!

As the train ascended a smalt hill,
@ wooden beam appeared out of
nowhere and riders ducked their
heads before they roared through
the structure of the ride's second
hill and arrived at the final teft
turn,

Upon completing the turn, the

201


Paul Kain orchestra featured patriotic music with a large American flag in

the center of the band stana.°*

The beneficial side effects of the war on Glen Echo Park business were

described in a Billboard article on June 13, 1942. The article stated:

After two months of operation, the only complaint of Leonard
Schloss, manager of Glen Echo Park is that business is 'too
good.' Nerve-wrecked and gasless, [the] huge Washington
population finds Glen Echo a perfect relaxation spot. Close to
town and easily accessible by streetcar [the] play spot has
been getting around 15,000 customers a day. Management says
it can handle 12,000 comfortably. With close to 50 attractions
and rides, Glen Echo is having its biggest season ever.

Weather has been a terrific help. Easter week opening brought
perfect weather, as did Decoration Day weekend when [the]
pool alone drew almost 5,000 admissions.

[The] ballroom [is] open every night except Sundays, at 80
cents a couple including tax, [and] has been doing a big
business with around 2,200 persons pushing through the
turnstiles every evening.

Gas rationing has obviously helped [the] park. Nearness to
[the] city, and adequate streetcar service is mainly responsible
for [the] big crowds. Streetcars have been carrying over
8,000 passengers to {the] park on Saturdays and
Sundays.

Glen Echo's biggest headache has been labor, but [the]
situation [is] not yet at a critical point.

[The] park is equipped to blackout in three minutes. There
are 14 wardens on the grounds, all of whom have had first-aid
lessons. There is plenty of shelter. Lighting fixtures installed
this year cost $1,500 and are of a special type such as [those]
used in England. They give off a dim glow, with no light
showing above.

84. Nat A. Tor, "The Pool Whirl," Billboard 54 (Apirl 25, 1942): 41,
43, and Washington Post, May 31, July 5, September 6, 1942, Vertical
Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library. A copy of a
Glen Echo Park advertisement that appeared in the Diamond Chatterbox on
March 29, 1942, may be seen on the following page.

85. "Glen Echo 'Too Good.'" Billboard, 54 (June 13, 1942): 40, 42.

119


er a nn

Glen Echo, Maryland. Cariotta Anderson Collection (private).

New

This collection includes Glen Echo Park data in Washington area
newspaper clippings and a complete set of issues of The Echo, the
Glen Echo town newspaper edited by Carlotta Anderson.

Frank G. Corder Collection (private).

This collection of town council minutes (covering primarily the 1960s
and 1970s), in the possession of former Mayor Corder, provides data

on the relationship between Glen Echo Park and the Town of Glen
Echo.

Glen Echo Park, Historical Files (Property of Nancy B. Long,
Glen Echo town archivist)

These materials, including the 1936 Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book and the 1931 specifications for the Crystal Pool, contribute to
an understanding of the construction of the Crystal Pool and
operation of the park during 1936.

York, New York. New York Public Library, Performing Arts
Research Center. Leonard B. Schloss Collection.

This collection consists of the papers and memorabilia associated with
the entertainment business and amusement park career of Leonard B.
Schloss.

Rockville, Maryland. Montgomery County Historical Society. Vertical

Files, Glen Echo.

These vertical files contain press clippings, photographs, and other
documentary materials relating to the recent history of Glen Echo.

225


feet to the forthe. ct

tast 36.28 feet to the finuthacsterly corner ef L
£, said point being on the Northerly side of Tulexe Arecue (0 foot wide); thence
slong the Northerly side of said Tulene Avenve on a curve to the left having a ra

of 638.00 feet, an ara distance of 229.1} feet to a point-of tangent, situate at tke

Scuthoasterly end of a chord tearing South 69° S5* 10" East 227.87 fact frox the

Preceding point, thence North 9° 44" 40" East 75.00 feot; thenca one curve to the
left having a radics of 560 faot, an arc distanca of FG.f1 fret to a point cf tance:
situate at the Scutheasterly eud of a cherd desring South €4° Alt 10" Fe

feot from the preceding point; thence North CO” 53" East C.17 fvet toe point om

the Scutherly line of a reservaticn 3C feet wide for a railrcad, sei? retrt tein

the mest Easterly point cf Lot 25 in Block £; thence bow:

ling of said ressrvntion for a railroad, Merth 67° 3°

47" ost 312.625 fest; thence Serth C1° 1f' sast Seo.er

Oxford foad, South 27° 31! vest

peree South 42° 9" seat Lf7.46 faut, nore er less, to & poi

Yetionel Carttel Planning Cenmi survey of rieht of

ptreron Menorial farkvay and as sheen en plet af rusver
Sormissten and tearlas its vile sl Li-sfO; renee Polte
Caite) Plans Conmiss survey, South 43° alt 7" 3 2
thence North 82° 12" 2" cast 61.54 feat toa rirs; tence Senth 2

st 141.72 fest tom pipe; thence Jouth 1 33" ayct 122.85 feet
Mlle vook
thence South 77° 10!

Lach end feet +.

reer leone

Lat nusherod Vine tee:
“ational Chatszqua cf Then Ze! we viet reoeraad

Bao ty



The 1960 season at Glen Echo began inauspiciously but events in late
June foreshadowed issues that would cloud the amusement park's
operations for the remainder of its operating days. !° On June 30 five
blacks who conducted sit-in demonstrations to Glen Echo Park were
arrested for trespassing when they refused to get off the carousel. The
five, all later released on bond, were among 75 black and white persons
who picketed in front of the park's main gate for almost six hours,

Protesting the park's segregation policy, before leaving at midnight.

Demonstrations, led by Rev. Lawrence G. Henry, a Howard University
divinity student, and his Non-Violent Action Group, outside the park's
entrance continued, and by July 8 the number of pickets had increased to
about 100, of whom some 40 were blacks. All told, nine blacks and four
whites were arrested during the demonstrations. George Lincoln Rockwell
and 13 members of his American Nazi Party also appeared at the park to
stage counter-demonstrations in support of the park's segregationist

ar 1
policies.

On the 8th, six blacks sued for a federal injunction to prohibit the park
from enforcing its policy of racial segregation. The suit was specifically
aimed at the park's chief legal weapon for excluding blacks--its guards'
power to arrest them for trespass. The suit also asked for an injunction
that went beyond the arrest question to a general prohibition against

any inference with blacks' “using and enjoying" all the park's facilities.

14. (Cont.) except that the park featured 14 major rides and Woronoff
was listed as executive assistant for both years. National Association of
Amusement Parks, Pools, and Beaches, 1961 Manual & Guide, 18th Edition
(Chicago, 1961), pp. 58, 180, 232, and Ibid., 1962 Manual and Guide,
19th Edition (Chicago, 1962), pp. 17, 172, 228.

1S. "Talent on the Road," Billboard, 72 (May 30, 1960): 57.

16. Washington Evening Star, July 1, 1960, and Washington Post,
July 9, 1960, Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK
Library.

143


rr

interest in Girard Street be abandoned." If the rezoning request were

denied, the Bakers would remove the structure. ©2

In October 1964, when the Bakers applied for rezoning of the one-haif
acre on which the new shelter was located, the Potomac Valley League
sprang into action, urging the Montgomery County Council to deny the
request and join with planners in asking Secretary of Interior Stewart L.
Udali to move "now to condemn the Glen Echo Amusement Park or at least
acquire scenic easements on the property." Swift action was needed,
according to the league which represented fourteen groups along the
Maryland shore of the Potomac, to protect the beauty of the Palisades
from "the direct threat" of dense development in the form of high-rise
apartment hotels. Such development was permitted under commercial
zoning that the park had, and it was “common knowledge," according to
the league, that the park was up for sale at a price in excess of
$1,000,000. Udall had been contacted by two developers interested in
constructing high rise buildings on the park property. Accordingly, the
secretary warned both developers that the Interior Department was likely
to seek scenic easements, similar to those taken to preserve Merrywood in
Virginia, if they purchased the park and urged the county council to
reject the Bakers' zoning application.

The Montgomery County Council finally granted the Bakers! rezoning
request in January 1965. As a response, the Potomac Valley League
appealed the decision to the Montgomery County circuit court and began

preliminary moves to interest the federal government in preventing

22. Application for Building Permit, Montgomery County, Maryland,
Department of Inspection and Licenses, Permit No. 8404, February 5,
1964, and supporting documentation, Construction Codes Enforcement,
Department of Environmental ‘Protection, Montgomery County. In 1964,
the front of the ballroom was converted to an amusement house called
"Jungleland."

23. Washington Post, October 7, 1964, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

147


a a a a

ATTENTION:

Portions of this filmed document are
illegible due to the poor quality of
the source document.



Addition of a new ride, twice-weekly dancing, frequent personal
appearances, and extension of the Arcade, are combining to
enhance the fun appeal of Glen Echo Park this season.

The season opened officially on Saturday (29) with one of the
best turnouts in many years. Big draws were Cochise of tv in
the afternoon and the first weekly dance session fronted by Mel
Grant. Music was on records and by an eight-piece band.
Grant's sessions will hold forth on a Saturday basis, and there
will be regular Friday appearances by Don Owens and his group
with country music.

A German Carrousel is expected in mid-April. . . . Imported
through Harry Prince, it will go into the Kiddieland in place of
a kiddie Ferris Wheel sold to Prince and moved elsewhere.

The Baker management is working with local outlets to offer
appearances of kiddie tv stars during the season. There will
be three or four remotes on television and a few on radio by
local disc jockeys.

New Cuddle-Up cars have been added. . . . and new Skee Ball
alleys. Also, an addition of 40 feet by 50 is underway for the
Sportiand Arcade and considerable new units will be installed.

Sprucing up around the park is all but finished, and it has its
usual opening sparkle. Paint is mow being applied to the
ballroom.

Lenny Woronoff has been added to the staff, to handle
publicity. Robert A. Graves is managing the office and
handling other chores, and the general Park management is
being divided up among the Baker brothers.

7. "Sprucing and Growth Enhance Glen Echo," Billboard, 70 (April 7,
1958): 96, and Application for Building Permit, Montgomery County,
Maryland, Department of Inspection and Licenses, Permit No. 4067,
March 17, 1958, Construction Codes Enforcement, Department of
Environmental Protection, Montgomery County. The extension to the
Sportiand arcade cost between $15,000 and $16,000. The architect for the
project was J.S. Samperton, and engineering services were provided by
Kornegay Associates, Inc.

137


‘Te Last Word in Pleasure-Giving Devices, Installed in a New

Hog at a Cost of $30,006.00, Guaranteed to Please Even the
stidious, Either Adults or Kiddies, Operating Individual

‘alty-driven, Two-seated Motor Cars Over Ten Thi

Feet of Highly-polished Steel Flooring, Steering the Cars

Every ‘Which Way, and Aptly Nanred—

THE

KOOTER

i “WIL Be THE NEW FEATURE AT WASHINGTON'S
+ ONLY BEAL BIG STANDARD POSITION | OF
ALL THAT Sommihes TO MAKE THE POPULAR

| FREE ADMISSION
AMUSEMENT PARK

LEN ECHO

WHICH OPENS FOR THE SEASON

SAT, MAY 12th

‘Eresenting Ite High-Class Array of Diversified Pleasure-Giving |
Attractions of Proven Popularity of Past Seasens, With Added |
}

NEW DIPS IN THE °
DERBY RACER

$5,000 More Fun in the Big Midway, Such as’ :
“CROSSING THE ICE” — my
“WHIRL-I-GIG” :
. “LIVE LOBSTER PIT” .
“NEW ROULETTE WHEEL”

AND ADDED IMPROVEMENTS TO THH GIANT

Soaster Dips--Scenic Old Mill |

a Carrousel~-Ginger Snap Whip
Ear Beas Bi, ExCeL ae Leer

“The Strictly Censored, OOM Cooled

- BALLROO.

Finest. Dance Floor Near - OM |.
ww ORCHESTRA Or 18 DIRECTED SY ORMALAWH \

Washington Star, May 6, 1923, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,
1917-1923, Cook Collection.

98


in Block numbered Five (5), all in the subdivision of land in
said Montgomery County known as and called the National
Chautauqua of Glen Echo, as laid down and described upon a
plat of said subdivision duly recorded among the land records
of said Montgomery County in Liber J. A. Liber No. 25, Folio
253, to which said Plat reference is hereby made for a full and
complete description of the lands and premises hereby
conveyed;

Together with all and singular the buildings and improvements
thereon, and all the rights, roads, ways, waters, privileges
and appurtenances thereto belonging or in any ~ wise
appertaining.

3. ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW GLEN ECHO AMUSEMENT PARK

Upon acquisition of the property the Washington Railway and Electric
Company immediately established a new Glen Echo Park Company to
refurbish and operate the moribund Glen Echo Amusement Park. The
latter company would manage the park, while leasing the property from
the parent company. Leonard B. Schloss, who had managed Luna Park in
Scranton, Pennsylvania, from 1906-10 except for a brief interlude in 1906
as manager of Luna Park in Alexandria, Virginia, and Luna Park in
Pittsburgh (both parks were built and operated by the _ Ingersoll
Construction Company owned by Frederick Ingersoll), was hired to
refurnish the park and serve as general manager of the new operation at
Glen Echo. Under the headline, "Washington's New Summer Park,"
Billboard published an article describing the new operation:

For the creation of an up-to-date summertime playground to
afford the residents of the nation's capital a fun and merriment
rendevous during the "dog days," Glen Echo Park has been
acquired by a newly-formed company which includes in its
directorate Gen. George H. Harries, H.W. Fuller, Dr. L.W.
Glazebrook, Robert W. Wells, H.M. Keeling and others equally
Prominent in Washington financial and social circles. L.B.
Schloss, an experienced outdoor amusement promoter, who for
several seasons past operated Luna Park, Scranton, Pa., has

1. Deed, Frederick and Jennie Miles Hepburn, National Chautauqua of
Glen Echo, and Edwin and Edith M. Baltzley to Washington Railway and
Electric Company, March 14, 1911, Montgomery County Deed Book 218,
Folios 272-74.

58


Light opera was featured at Glen Echo during the summer of 1898. John
Clagett Proctor, a feature writer for the Washington Evening Star,

reminisced some years later about an evening performance that he

attended at Glen Echo:

The writer's personai recollection of Glen Echo carries him back
to the Spanish-American War, in 1898, where he attended a
Summer tight opera performance at this place shortly after the
call for volunteers for this war. A New Jersey regiment had
just arrived in Washington, and as it was probably a warm
night, the officers, in seeking a cool spot, took the trolley to
this amusement place and listened to the opera, after which
they entertained the chorus girls with champagne. Naturally,
the folks back home thought their beloved ones were having a
very lonesome time in Washington, while waiting to’ be sent to
the front, but not so with these brave soldier boys, for they
were having the time of their lives.

. Glen Echo was the scene of the annual encampment of the United
Daughters of the Confederacy of Maryland and Virginia on June 6-7,
1899. The first day, known as "Virginia Day," featured addresses by
President William McKinley, General Joseph Wheeler, Rear Admiral Winfield
S. Schley, and Governor Tyler. A luncheon, consisting of beef, bacon,
hardtack, and coffee, was served near the amphitheater. During the
afternoon a series of tableaux representing the several chapters of the
organization were presented, and General Wheeler introduced an
autograph copy of “The Battle Hymn of the South." June 8, known as
"Maryland Day," featured speeches by Governors Loundes and Tyler,
Senators John W. Daniel and Thomas S. Martin, Representatives John F.
Rixey, Richard A. Wise and Julian M. Quarles, Rev. Dr. Dane, John
U.L. Findlay, and Carlton Shaffer of Baltimore, Revs. R.H. McKim,
Byron Sunderland, E.B. Leavitt, Father Stafford, and Or. Hyde of
Washington, Judges Minor and Rich, Andrew C. Trippe, Gen. A.W.
Gordon, and Marshall McCormick.?

8. Washington Evening Star, June 20, 1937, Proctor Collection,
Columbia Historical Society.

9. Montgomery County Sentinel, June 2, 1899.

44


a a a

strolling minstrels

Magic shows

folk and bluegrass music festivals
National Symphony Orchestra
Arena Stage Living Theatre
special events

Labor Day Art Show

Pony Rides

Noon Walk

Teen-age Drama Program (Adventure Theatre)
11-13 year old Drama Workshop

The 1972 program required that many of the structures receive a "face
lifting." Six yurts were constructed as additional space for the crafts
program. The yurts, among the oldest and cheapest forms of shelter,
were circular wooden structures with sod roofs that fit naturally both

with nature and the handicrafts they housed. 12

The evolution of the Glen Echo Park program during the 1970s under the
auspices of the National park Service is outside the parameters of this
study. However, the following materials should be consulted for data on
this topic:

Adele Q. Brown, "Glen Echo Park: A Case Study," May 2,
1979 (typescript draft copy of study prepared for class at
American University, Washington, D.C., on file at Glen
Echo Park)

Bev Armstrong, "Glen Echo Park: A Case Study," April 24,

1975 (typescript draft copy of study on file at Glen Echo
Park)

"NPCA At Work," National Parks & Conservation Magazine, 49
(November, 1975): 22-23:

"Art Parks: Glen Echo is a Model Community Effort," Craft
Horizons, 38 (October, 1978): 40.

11. "Glen Echo General tnformation Packet," prepared by Wendy Ross,

Program Planner, [1974], (typescript copy on file at Montgomery County
Library, Rockville, Maryland).

12. Fowler, “Glen Echo: Chautauqua 1974 Style," 23.

165


!
‘

- EVER IN THE H
weir RESORTS KNO

—

FREE ADMISS{ON
AMUSEMENT PARK

GLEN
CHO

EEE
_NOT ONE DISSATISFIED PATRON
AMONG THE THOUSANDS WHO RODE

.. THE NEW
COASTER DIPS

WITH ITS TRAINS OF THREE CARS EACH, RUNNING ON
3.000 FEET OF INCLINES, DIPS AND CURVES

THE NEW
CARROUSEL

HOUSED IN ITS MAGNIFICENT BUILDING
AND WHO DANCED TO THB STRAINS OF
THE GREAT. ORHMANN ORCHESTRA AT :

THE NEW BALL ROOM

OPERATED ON THE MODERN METHOD OF
. ALL EVENING DANCING
AT A SCALE OF PRICES MEETING THE POPULAR PURSE:

SINGLE ADMISSION TICKETS

LADIES, 2Sc. GENTLEMEN, 50c.

LADY AND GENTLEMAN, Per Couple, 75¢

EACH PRICE INCLUDES REVENUE TAX

|
i

MORE POPULAR THAN EVER

THE GIANT DERBY RACER, THE BIG MIDWAY PUN
HOUSE, THE GINGERSNAP WHIP, OLD MILL, BOAT-
ING AND THE VARIED LIST OF SMALLER AMUSE-

MENT FEATURES OF STANDARD QUALITY.

FOR
TODAY

ALL AMUSEMENTS EXCEP£ DANCING
AND AS AN ADDED POPULAR ATTRACTION

FREE CONCERTS

FROM 4 TO 11 P. M. BY THE NATIONALLY FAMOUS

. MINSTER’S BAND

. PERSONS®..T DIRECTED BY ME. 80L MINGTER

93

Washington Herald, May 15, 1921, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,
1917-1923, Cook Collection.


PLAN ue ! 7
s WENGE sesrna capacity soe ineewane
Stase ano S0t0
AMPHITHEATRE INSIDE DIAMETER 25057,
pd THE va Bempenc ss Sagas.

CHAUTAUQUA,

ar
GLEN ECHO,
EAR

Woman's Executive Committee, National Chautauqua, back cover.

18


REPOSITORIES VISITED DURING RESEARCH

Boulder, Colorado
University of Colorado Library.

Denver, Colorado

Denver Public Library.

Falls Church, Virginia.
Northeast Team, Falls Church, Denver Service Center, National Park
Service.

Glen Echo, Maryland.
Glen Echo Park.

Lakewood, Colorado.
Technical Information Center, Denver Service Center, National Park

Service.

Rockville, Maryland.
Construction Codes Enforcement, Department of Environmental
Protection, Montgomery County Government Executive Office
Building.

Montgomery County Historical Society.

Montgomery County Land Records, Montgomery County Judicial
Center.

Montgomery County Library.

a Sa

Turkey Run, Virginia.
- George Washington Memorial Parkway.

220


SECONDARY SOURCES

Books

Brown, Stuart —., Jr. ed. Skyland: The Heart of the Shenandoah

National Park by George Freeman Pollock. N.P., 1960.

Dictionary of American History, Vol. 11.

Fancher, Pauline. Chautauqua: Its Architecture and Its People. Miami,
1978.

Gould, Joseph €E. The Chautuagua Movement: An Episode in the

Continuing American Revolution. Albany, 1961.

Griffin, Al. "Step Right Up, Folks!" Chicago, 1974.

King, LeRoy O. 100 Years of Capital Traction: The Story of Streetcars

in the Nation's Capital. [Washington], 1972.

Kyriazi, Gary. The Great American Amusement Parks: A Pictorial

History. Secaucus, New Jersey, 1976.
McDevitt, Cleland C. The Book of Washington. Washington, 1927.

Mangels, William F. The Outdoor Amusement Industry From Earliest Times

to the Present. New York, 1952.

Matlaw, Myron ed. American Popular Entertainment: Papers and

Proceedings of the Conference on the History of American Popular

Entertainment. Westport, Connecticut, 1977.

Morrison, Theodore. Chautauqua: A Center for Education, Religion, and

the Arts in America. Chicago, 1974.

228

a a Se


By a second deed, dated April 17, the Baltzleys conveyed a 67.5-acre
parcel to the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo for "the sum of one dollar

thereon, and the rights, ways, easements, privileges,
advantages and appurtenances thereto belonging or in anywise
thereunto appertaining.

And This Deed Further Witnesseth, that these presents are
made upon the express condition that the lands and premises
heretofore described are conveyed to the said The National
Chautauqua of Gien-Echo to be used by the said corporation for
the purpose of education upon the Chautauqua idea and plan
and for no other purpose whatever, and in the event that the
same shall be used for any other purpose than for the purpose
of education upon the Chautauqua plan, than these presents
shall become null and void, and the said lands and premises
shall revert to the said Edward Baltzley and Edwin Bailtzley,
their heirs and assigned as fully and completely as if these
presents had never been executed .

and other valuable considerations." The deed described this tract:

Situated near and below the mouth of Cabin John Run, and
between the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal bed and the Washington
Aqueduct, in said Montgomery County to wit: All, saving those
certain pieces or parcels of land and premises hereinafter
excepted, that certain tract of land known as and called the
"National Chautauqua of Glen Echo,' reference being hereby
made to the map of the subdivision of the said ‘National
Chautauqua of Glen Echo,' prepared by Henry B. Looker in
1891, the same being attached hereto and made a part hereof,
for a full and complete description of the lands and premises
hereby conveyed. Saving and excepting out of the grant
hereby made ail that certain piece or parcel of tand and
premises fronting on the said Chesapeake and Ohio Canal bed,
known and distinguished on the said map as “Reservation for
Railroad," reference being hereby made to said map for a more
full and complete description of the lands and premises hereby
excepted. And Saving and Excepting out of the grant hereby
made all that certain price or parcel of land and premises
fronting on the said Washington Aqueduct known = and
distinguished on the said map as "Reservation for Railroad,"
reference being hereby made to said map for a more full and

7.

Deed, Edward and Laura A. Baltzley and Edwin and Edith M.
1891,

Baltzley to National Chautauqua of Glen Echo, March 24,
Montgomery County Deed Book, JA 25, Folios 179-81.

14


rs in

derby racer, thus putting it on a par with the coaster dip. Some $5,000
in improvements was made to the midway, including installation of a new
lighting system and four devices: "Crossing the Ice," "Whirl-i-gig,"
“Live Lobster Pit," and a new "roulette wheel," which had been raised to
the floor surface. The "Rocking Pigs" and the "Firefly" were improved,
the latter rebuilt to make it speedier. A new boathouse, wharf, and

boats were constructed for those who desired "to paddle the nearby

waters." A military band organ was added to one of the sheds in "The
Old Mill" ride. The maple floor of the redecorated ballroom was
resurfaced to look like "glass". More than 500 tons of limestone

screening were placed on the park walks, and a profusion of flower beds
were planted.

The 1924 Season

The 1924 season at Glen Echo opened on May 10. The following month,

on June 22, the Washington Post printed an article describing the park's
features:

The management evidently has given the devotees of dancing
just what they want this season with the new orchestra of ten
which plays nightly from 9:30 until 11:00 o'clock in the big
open ballroom. Jazz as never given before is promised by
these musicians who use 12 different instruments. The floor is
glass like and the building is entirely screened. Sixty electric
fans and the location on the top of the hill overlooking the
upper Potomac assure a delightful place to dance.

53. "Parks, Piers and Beaches," Billboard, 35 (June 2, 1923): 79; and
Washington Post, May 10, 13, 1923, Washington Evening Star, April 29,
1923, and Washington Herald, May 6, 22, 27, 1923, Glen Echo Park
Company Press Book, 1917-1923, Cook Collection. A copy of the Glen
Echo Park advertisement appearing in the Washington Star of May 6,
1923, may be seen on the following page. Also see Glen Echo Park
Company Cash Book, 1920-1926, Cook Collection. The National Park
Service has eight construction drawings of the "Skooter Building," the
originals of which are on file at the National Capital Region Office. The
drawings are available on microfilm at the Technical Information Center of
the Denver Service Center. The “skooter" was installed in 1923, but the
drawings are dated 1925, leading to the tentaive conclusion that a new or
renovated "skooting building" may have been constructed in 1925.

97


of the park's management. To guarantee crowd control the owners would

. . 37
be :.:quired to install mechanical counters.

Despite the increased security precautions at Glen Echo the atmosphere at
the park continued to deteriorate. In his "Step Right Up, Folks!" Al
Griffin described the deterioration of the park and its reputation during

its last years:

. In its last days, Glen Echo was simply a dangerous place
to visit. Gangs of young hoodlums sometimes stood under the
Alpine Sky Ride and pelted its helpless passengers overhead
with beer cans and pop bottles. One youth was shot down with
a steel ball bearing from a slingshot as he swung by like a
duck in a shooting gallery. Women were molested constantly;
fights raged almost every weekend; and concessionaires were
robbed left and right 43 The park was in shambles by the time
it finally closed down.

Various proposals were aired throughout 1966-68 relative to the future of
Glen Echo Park. In July 1967 Senator Brewster proposed that
Montgomery County acquire Glen Echo Park and develop it as a local
historic landmark. Earlier he had recommended that the Nationa! Park
Service acquire the property through a trade with the owners, but that
federal agency had determined that "Glen Echo would not qualify as a

national historical park facility "39

In early 1968 the Department of the Interior and the National Capital

Planning Commission formally requested that the General Services

37. Washington Evening Star, March 8, 21, 1967; Washington Daily News,
March 8, 23, 1967; and Washington Post, July 1, 1967, Vertical Files,
Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library. The park was closed
on Easter Monday, March 27. At first authorities thought the ordinance
would limit park patrons to about 2,200, but later in June it was found
that the park could admit 4,110 at one time under its provisions.

38. Al Griffin, "Step Right Up, Folks!" (Chicago, 1974), p. 24.

39. Washington Post, July 26, 1967, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

154


i Sn, 2

Da@wing tH 5S 1/ § 26713
SHT 22

Pant 1 or 4

157


rn ae

2. EFFORTS OF THE SAVE THE CAROUSEL COMMITTEE

As soon as the Bakers announced the permanent closure of Glen Echo in
April 1969, they began efforts to sell the various rides and attractions in
the park. Other items in the park were transferred to Palisades
Amusement Park in New Jersey, an amusement center owned by the
Bakers. Thus, most of the rides and their related temporary structures
were dismantled and removed from the park during 1969-70.

The sale of the carousel in April 1969 to James Wells, a Falls Church,
Virginia, collector who owned the Melody Memories Museum of
merry-go-rounds and related musical devices, led to formation of a Save
the Carousel Committee. It was headed by Nancy B. Long, a Glen Echo
councilwoman and the town archivist. While the committee was negotiating
with Wells to purchase the carousel and thus kept it at Glen Echo Park,
Wells sold it to Color Productions of California, Inc., in April 1970, and
the firm, headed by Michael Roberts, made plans to move the carousel to
Berkeley. Negotiations for purchase of the carousel were then commenced
with Roberts who agreed to sell the carousel for $80,000, provided the
Save the Carousel Committee had the necessary funds by May 1. The
funds were raised and the carousel was sold to the National Park
Foundation, which transferred it to the National Park Service, thus
keeping it in the park. Donors for the fund raising effort included the
Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, the Alvon Foundation of
Washington, Montgomery County Councilman Greenhalgh, Montgomery
County Government, Maryland National Capital Park and Planning
Commission, Town of Glen Echo, Girl Scouts, and “hundreds of donations

from individuals and groups. "©

6. Washington Evening Star, May 4, 1949, and Washington Post, May 2,
1970, and Minutes of Glen Echo Town Council Meetings, May 28, June 26,
August 21, October 28, December 16, 1969, and January 27, February 4,
17, March 24, April 21, May 19, 1970, Minutes of Glen Echo Town Council
in possession of Corder. Also see Barbara Fahs Charles, "Mix Antique
Charm and Artistry, Add Children and Spin" Smithsonian, 3 (July, 1972):
41-47, and Frederick Fried, "Last Ride for Carousel Figures?" Historic
Preservation, 29 (July-September, 1977): 22-27, for more information on
the awakening interest in preservation of carrousels in the United States
during the 1970s.

161


As the construction continued, preparations were finalized for the
assembly that would be held at Glen Echo from June 16 to July 4 and the
summer school that would continue through August. The Chautauquan
noted:

The general program arranged for the opening season, June
16-July 4, comprises lectures, concerts, readings, spectacular
entertainments, and other features. The speakers will be Dr.
T. DeWitt Talmage, Hon. John J. Ingalls, Chancellor John H.
Vincent, Dr. W.R. Harper, the Rev. Russell Conwell, the Rev.
Thos. Dixon, Prof. John 8B. DeMotte, Dr. Lysander
Dickerman, Dr. Lyman Abbott, Dr. W.L. Davidson, Mr.
James A. Green, Dr. Samuel G. Smith, Jahu DeWitt Miller,
Thomas Nelson Page, Maurice Thompson, Dr. George L.
Spinning, Mr. H.A. Moore, P. von F. Mamreov, Mrs. J. Ellen
Foster, Miss Annie Shaw, Prof. W.A. Scott, Leon H. Vincent,
Miss Jane Meade Welch, and others. In the way of music there
will be concerts, in which the Washington Marine Band, the
Rogers Orchestra, and the grand chorus of 500 voices will be
heard. The New York Stars, the Swedish Male Quartet, and
other first-class musical organizations will appear. A large
chorus pipe-organ is to be ready for the Opening Day.

The summer school is to continue through July and August.
Departments of instruction provided for embrace special classes,
including Music, French, Physical Culture, Oratory, Delsarte,
and Kindergarten; the Institute of Biblical Literature;
Sunday-school Normal Classes, and Christian Work. There will
be several special courses of lectures.

The President, Mr. Edwin Baltzley, the Superintendent, Dr. A.
H. Gillett, and all the other officers of the association are
making the best of preparations for all of the C.L.S.C.
interests. The Assembly will start off with daily meetings of
the Round Table, and there qyill be the customary observances
on Recognition Day, June 25.

The variety of instruction and entertainment would be had easily and
inexpensively, according to the sponsors. A notice in the Washington
Evening Star on June 15 informed the public that travel to Glen Echo was
simple by the Tennallytown electric cars, which charged only 35 cents for

18. "The Summer Assemblies for 1891," Chautauquan, 13 (July 1891):
$37.

26


[rn ae

structures and maintain others for various program use. More
usable space is needed for Park development, but it is of great
importance also that deterioration of various structures be
halted. Many of the structures at the Park have not received
any major repair since they were vacated in 1968. The
following is a list of structures and their present level of
deterioration.

1. Chautauqua Tower and Yeliow Building. Both. are in poor
condition and deteriorating rapidly. Parts of the Tower
roof have already fallen. Bids are being taken for repair

of the roof.
2. Pool. - The dressing rooms and pool structure are beyond

repair. Deterioration is stabilized for the present, but
both present a safety and fire hazard.

3. Ballroom and Jungleland. Jungleland is a safety hazard

and should be torn down; the roof is collapsing and the
floors are unsafe. Areas adjoining the Ballroom need roof
repairs.

4. Bumper Car and Laff House. Bumper Car Building needs
structural support in the front and a new roof. Visually,
the structure detracts from the Park's appearance. The
Laff House is structurally sound except for the floors.
Both structures need repair to halt deterioration.

5. Children's Experimental Workshop. Portions of the floor
have collapsed, and are now being temporarily supported.

However, deterioration continues. Floor needs
replacement, since the building is heavily used for
programs.

6. Adventupe Theatre. The roof is badly in need of
repair

14,

“Annual Site Report: Glen Echo Park, 1974," pp. 9-10,

in

Armstrong, "Glen Echo Park: A Case Study," Appendix. During fiscal
year 1974 the following improvements had been made in the park:

1. Potters Yurt. Newly installed hot water tank.

2. Park Police Sub-station. Interior repainted.

3. Children's Experimental Workshop. Air conditioner
installed and roof repaired.

4. Candy Corner. New sink and hot water tank installed.

5. Adventure Theatre. Twelve new electric outlets installed;
minor roof repairs made; air conditioner motor replaced.

6. Photo-Lab. New light fixtures installed.

7. Park Police Stables. New restroom facilities installed.

167


Charles J. Murphy, Springfield, Virginia (consultant, National Capital
Trolley Museum)

Alfred E. Savage, Rockville, Maryland (president, National Capital
Trolley Museum)

Robert A. Truax, photographic consultant, Columbia Historical Society,
Washington, D.C.

Robin D. Ziek, Takoma Park, Maryland (author of archeology study at
Glen Echo Amusement Park)

ee Se

223



the firm of Marsh & McLennan in July 1934. A copy of the inspection

summary and map may be seen in Appendix «7°

The 1935 Season

The 1935 season at Glen Echo attracted ever-increasing crowds, aided in
Part by completion of the mew Massachusetts Avenue extension from
Washington in early July. The new road led directly into Conduit Road
at the park where a new 3-acre, 800-car parking field was located. The
new roadway shortened the distance to the park from Washington by two
miles. A special entrance led from the parking area to the amusements.
Parking fees were set at ten cents per automobile to encourage further
visitation via automobile.

The opening of the Massachusetts Avenue extension led to one of the
biggest Fourth of July celebrations in the history of Glen Echo as’ some
18,000 people visited the park and the pool attracted some “6, 000
swimmers. On July 6 the Washington Times described the popularity of
the park: -

Approaching the peak of the outdoor amusement season, Glen,
Echo Park with its trained personnel of more than 200, remains
the ideal playground for Washingtonians. Before the park
closes in September it is expected that 700,000 fun-seekers will
pass through the turnstiles at this free admission recreation
center on the banks of the Potomac.

Prominent among favorite features providing genuine recreation
are Crystal Pool, with accommodations for 3,000 swimmers; the
Spanish Garden Ballroom, where 1,500 couples dance on week
nights to the lilting strains of David McwWilliams' 12-piece
orchestra; the Coaster Dips offering thrilling three-minute rides
amid the treetops; the Pretzel, Glen Echo's new twisty, spooky
ride; the Old Mill with a dozen major surprises, the Airplane
Swings that vie with speedy transcontinental planes; the

70. The inspection summary and map were made available to the author
of this report by Robert A. Truax, a photographic consultant with the
Columbia Historical Society, from his private collection.

107



On this general basis, and with the co-operation and
assistance of educators and the public, we shail endeavor to
build upon the magnificent foundation laid for us an institution
which shail embody the sentiment of Chancellor Vincent--

"Educational opportunities for all, everywhere through all
of life."

And realize the prayer of Dr. W. R. Harper--

"May the Glen Echo Chautauqua be in fact what it is
in name --a National tnstitution."

EDWIN BALTZLEY
EDWARD BALTZLEY
ADAM S. PRATT

A. H. GILLET

JAMES 8B. HENDERSON

Quoted in The Glen Echoan: Devoted to Glen Echo and Glen

Echo

Chautauqua, Located at Glen-Echo-On-the-Potomac, Five Miles

from

Washington, The Washington Rhine (Washington, D.C., [1892]), p.

186

48.

ee es laa


PARCEL 4

to include Parcels One, Two, Three, Fo r,
arersestion of the Leh or N r2* 29 W 393.U0 foot tine of said Parcel One
with the west T f Oxford Rosd, “thence with the ‘tith chrough the 22nd Lincs oft
Percek One ae eesurvered, (11 5 278 41" uv" w 209.00 feet, :
(2) & 43% Go" 25" © 202.16 feet, i
S 4c* 19° 25" W 198.47 feet Fo U.S.P.S, aonument i
a

Five and Suven at a pipe fo

165.27 feet to U.S.2.S. susnumene i
+ 7 found, thence t
§ 82° Lo" 3u" £ 82.09 fect,
S 43° 27! 40" E 141.40 feet, :
(7) $12" 54" UO" W 123.92 feet te U.S.P.S. sonuxent
No. U-G found, thence
(8) S$ 27° 31" Qo" E 7L.2L feet, :
(9) S$ 63" 33" 30" E 35.19 feet,
(10) $ 77% 12" 4u" © 81.96 feet to U.S.P.3. mon:
So, U-L found, thence
(11) 8 47° 08" 53" E 168,62 feet to che point of begtaniag
of said Parcel No. 1 where furmerly stood U.S.P.S ©
No. 2-11, thence with the 2nd, 3rd, and a part of the oth
lines of Parcel One aa resurveyed,
(12) South 46% 03" 40" Ease 282.70 feet,
(13) $719 23" 20" £ 40.77 feet to a concrete mon
found at the intersection with the west line of Bowcoin
Street, th ace with said West Line,
(14) N 15* 56" 19" & 100.00 feet eo intersect the aforesaid,
North line of Tulane Avenue, being algo the aforesaid th
line of Parcel One, thence with said line, 1
(15) Along the arc of a curve to the left h..ing a redius
of 635.00 feet, a distance of 88.31 feet, chord $ %6* 31°
32” F 88.24 feet, to the end of said 4th line, thence
continuing with the North line of rulene Avenue so as to
inelude aforesaid Parcel Tvo, i
(16) along the arc of said curve a distance of 189.47 feet,
chord $ 89° u3' 28" E 148.75 feet, to intersect the soutn- :
erly line of the railroad reservation, 30 feet wide, thence
with said line, :
(17) W 52° 34° vo" W 115,70 feet to the end of the 8th Line
of said Parcel One, thence with 9th, 10th and the afore-
said Lith lines of Parcel One as resurveyed, following the!
Westerly lines of said reservation, i
(18)"N 31° 09" 30" W 309.10 feet, i
(151M 20° Ob 20" W OZLL7L Feet, :
(20) N 62° 19" 00" W 368.36 feet to the place of BEGINNING: }
CONTAINING 16.4978 acres of land, and

BEGINNING for aforesais Parcel Six at the intersection uf the East ting of Bowdoin
Street with the South line of Tulane Avenue, thence with said East line, :

(DS 15° 56" 19" W 98,16 feet to the end of the 1st line |
of the EXCEPTION described in the aforesaid deed, thencd
crossing Parcel Six with the 2nd line of said exe tz0n{

(2) along the are of a curve to the left having a radios of
40.00 feet, @ distance of 65.71 feet, chord $ 31° ui! |

19" E 38.57 feet, to intersect the North line of H
Oberlin Avenue, thence with said North Line, i

(3) along the arc of a curve to the left having a radius of |
805.00 Ecet, @ distance of 69.14 fect, chord 8 go* 33’ !

£ 09.12 feet, thence leaving said line, !

(4) 8 do* 53" 44" E 160,00 feet to intersect the aforesaid
South iine of Tulane Avenue, thence with said South lin

(9) along the are of a curve to the right having a radius
of 005.00 feet, a distance of 94.00 Feet, chord N 79°
12" SI” W 89.93 feet, to the place of BEGINNING: CON-
TAINING 0.3158 acre or land, iaaking a total area of}
16.8138 acres of land.

parts of Lots 14 and 20 in Block (1) abl of l thru 2i, both inclusive, in 3lock
(3); all of Lots Ll theu Ll, doth inglusive, hock (4); all of Lots 1 thru 33, doth
inclusive, in Block (5) all of Loge 10, 13, 14,15 and Parts of Lots 11 and 12 in
Block (6); all of Lors t chru IL, doth iclusive, and Lots 13 thru 18, both inclusive
and Part of Lot 12 in Block (7); Parts of Lots i thru 4, in Block (8) and Part of Lor
o im Block (8) and all the streets and roads and public ways encompassed within the
described area being a part of a subdivision know: 4@s Plat of The National Chataugua
of Glen-icho of Mane x. cy. Marylaad as per plat recorded in Plat Book B at
Plat 16 among the Land is of Montgomery County, Maryland.

INCLUDED in the above description are all of ie 15 thru 19, both inclusive, and

Algo any asd oll cig
any alleys, roads, stresta, §

;title end Gis sed perty of the first part io
ing said land and in aay.

ee'Gr Tighte of way sbutting or adjoia-
: CSreee appurtenant thereto.



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128


Cr ar

. and new rest rooms.

In July 1978 the Washington Star reported that there was "new life in the
Crystal Ballroom." Dances were being held featuring music by the New
Sunshine Jazzband. Repairs to the structure and facilities, however,

“were needed, including the installation of electric and plumbing fixtures

16

:The structures at Glen Echo Park were put to a variety of adaptive uses

during the mid- and late-1970s. In June 1979, for instance, it was
reported:

Now work tables fill the bumper car pavilion and the Spanish
Ballroom hosts Saturday night square and folk dancing with live
music. The shooting gallery houses a theater. Auto mechanics
classes are held in Kiddyland. The 15-foot sliding board from
the Crystal Pool graces a playground made near the sandy
sunbathing area. Sculptors weld works of art in the locker
rooms. The roller coaster maintenance shop is a woodworking
center and the stone tower, the only remaining original 1891
structure, is an art gallery when it's not under renovation.
The Dentzel carousel with its 55 hand carved and hand painted
animals was saved by fund-raising citizens and operates during
warm weather.

In 1980 a five-member team consisting of Denver Service Center and
George Washington Memorial Parkway personnel was established to develop
a site plan and prepare a report entitled Existing Conditions Study: Glen

Echo Park Facilities. The site plan and related utility plans (copies of
which may be seen on the following pages) identified 31 structures on the
park property. In the "document summary" of the Existing Conditions
Study, the team observed:

Of the 31 identified structures located within the 16.8 acre site
of Glen Echo Park, most were constructed after 1920 as part of
the amusement park operation which lasted from 1900 through
1967. Since 1972, the majority of these buildings in usable

16. Washington Star, July 9, 1978.

17. Cindy Murphy, "Remember Glen Echo? What's Going on Around the
Funhouse," Forecast, (June, 1979): 44-45.

169



provided, proceeded to sell the property so described in said
Mortgage, on the day named in the advertisement of sale, to
wit: the 2nd day of November, 1902, And Whereas at said sale
said property was sold to Bird M. Robinson and Randolph
Barton, Receivers of the Baltimore Building and Loan
Association of Baltimore City at and for the sum of $15,000.00,
which said sale was duly reported to the Circuit Court for
Montgomery County by said Fielder C. Slingluff, Attorney,
under the title “Baltimore Building & Loan Association of
Baltimore City vs National Chatauqua of Glen Echo (No. 1999
Equity)."

And whereas afterwards on or about the 16th day of
January, 1903, said cause was revolved by said National
Chatauqua of Glen Echo to the Circuit Court of the United
States for the District of Maryland.

And Whereas by an order passed by said Circuit Court of
the United States for the District of Maryland on the 9th day of
April, 1903 in the cause which was thus removed and which is
entitled in said Court "Baltimore Building and Loan Association
of Baltimore City, vs. National Chatauqua of Glen Echo,"
certain exceptions to said sale were by said Court overruled
and said sale so made and reported by said Fielder C. Slingiuff
was finally ratified and confirmed.

And Whereas by an order passed on the 13th day of April
1903, by said Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland
in said cause entitled the “Baltimore Building and Loan
Association of Baltimore City vs. National Chatauqua of Glen
Echo" said sale so reported by said Fielder C. Slingluff,
Attorney, was also ratified and confirmed.

And Whereas said Bird M. Robinson and Randolph Barton,
Receivers of said Baltimore Building & Loan Association of
Baltimore City have fully paid said sum of $15,000.00). In
Consideration of the premises, and of the sum of the payment
of said sum of Money said Fielder C. Slingluff, Attorney as
aforesaid in pursuance of the power so given in said mortgage,
and in compliance said sale, does hereby give, grant, assign
and convey unto said Bird M. Robinson and Randolph Barton,
Receivers of Baltimore Building and Loan Association of
Baltimore City, their successors, and assigns, all the property
so described in said mortgage from said National Chautauqua of
Glen Echo to said Association, and which property is more
particularly described as follows:

All those pieces or parcels of ground lying in Montgomery
County in the State of Maryland, and described as follows:

Being a part of the same pieces or parcels of land, which
are fully described, First, in a deed from Edward Baltzley and
Laura A. Baltzley, his wife, and Edwin Baltzley and Edith M.
Baltzley, his wife, to the said "The National Chautauqua of
Glen Echo," dated the 24th day of March A.D. 1891, and
recorded March 28th, A.D. 1891 in Liber J.A. No. 25, folios
179&c, one of the Land Records of said County and,

50


and one of the finest in the United States." Lloyd Hickman, a
well-known George Washington University football star, was placed in

charge of the pool and lifeguard crew. ©

The 1932 Season

On February 24, 1932, some ten weeks before the season opened at Glen
Echo, fire demolished the old park boathouse, a frame and stone
structure. Volunteer firemen from Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Glen Echo,
and Cabin John prevented the fire from spreading to the adjacent small
woods which extended to the new swimming pool. It was presumed that
the blaze started as a result of careless use of fire by "tramps" who
frequently sought refuge in the unoccupied building during the winter

months. ©4

The 1933 Season

The newest attraction at Glen Echo Park when its 1933 season opened on
May 6 was the "Spanish Ballroom," a new $50,000 structure designed by
Alexander, Becker & Schoeppe of Philadelphia and constructed by local

organized labor. The structure, built on the site of the earlier dance

63. Washington Evening Star, February 21, 1931, and Washington Post,
May 26, 1940, Vertical Files, Gien Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK
Library. The specifications for the pool, entitled "Specifications for
Swimming Pools & Buildings to Be Built at Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo,
Maryland, For the Washington Railway and Electric Company," (1931), are
on file at Glen Echo Park in the custody of Nancy Long, the Glen Echo
town archivist. Also see Washington Herald, July 31, August 7, 1936;
Montgomery Press, May 22, 1936; and Government Standard, May 22,
1936; Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1936. The National Park
Service has fourteen construction drawings of the Crystal Pool, the
originals of which are on file at the National Capital Region Office. The
drawings are available on microfilm at the Technical Information Center of
the Denver Service Center.

64. Washington Times, February 24, 1932, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

104


announcement is also made of a weekly, display of several
fireworks, starting next Thursday evening.

The first week of operation of Glen Echo Park Amusement Park was a
tremendous success, thus inducing the Glen Echo Park Company to
introduce more attractions. Summarizing the events of the first week of

operation, the Washington Herald observed on June 4:

Glen Echo Park will auspiciously usher in the second week of
its season today with another of the special series of Sunday
concerts of standard and modern instrumental music rendered
by the full military band of the United States Soldiers' Home,
under the leadership of John S.M. Zimmermann. The first of
these Sabbath musical events was so largely attended that the
management has already arranged to have a dozen different
local bands appear in the new music shell on successive
Sundays.

Encouraged by the remarkable patronage of the opening week,
the management of Glen Echo Park is already at work on
further improvements, which, when completed, will add greatly
to the attractiveness of this popular playground. From Coney
Island there have been received six brand new amusement
devices, which will be found in the "new midway," and these
features, together with the thrilling "human roulette wheel" and
the laughable “giant slide," will make that spacious structure
the fun center of the resort. That riding devices are more
popular this season than ever before with outdoor amusement
seekers is shown by the fact that the receipts for the past
week from the “social dip," marine toboggan, and model railway
were the largest in the history of Glen Echo. The passenger
capacity of this trio of rides is being increased by the addition
of new cars.

Of the fifty attractions now in operation at Glen Echo, none has
enjoyed greater favor than the handsome new open-air dancing
pavilion, which has been declared to have the finest floor
surface of its kind in or near Washington. Automatic entrance
and exit gates to the dancing floor, which were completed
yesterday, will make access to the pavilion easier and more
comfortable.

8. Washington Herald, May 28, 1911, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection. Also see Washington Times, May 27,
1911; Washington Post, May 28, 1911, in Ibid.; and "Washington's New
Summer Park," Billboard, 18 (June 3, 1911): 20.

68


Construction of the Chautauqua buildings at Glen Echo progressed rapidly
during the spring of 1891 despite some unusually wet weather. On

May 19 the Washington Post reported:

. the Conduit road is a drive any city might be proud of.
In addition to the beauty of the drive itself Washington will one
day be proud of it because it leads to the site of the Glen Echo
Chautauqua.

What lines of loaded wagons going and empty ones
returning! Timber, cement, iron, and other materials for the
Chautauqua buildings; and what crowds of men, masons,
carpenters, and common laborers, hundreds of them, making
music with hammer, saw, and trowel, during the day, and in
the evening, when work is done, passing the time on the way
to their lodgings, with jest and song. There are the buildings
themselves. The amphitheater wall is now well-nigh done and
the scaffolding is being taken down. The roof timbers are
nearly ail in place, and in a few days the immense floor space
will be in the shade as the roof is finished. While a gang of
men are busy on the roof another crowd make quick work of
placing the floor timbers in position. Four weeks more, and
the finest amphitheater in the world will stand complete, a
unique, permanent, and beautiful building.

Over on the crest of the bluff the Hail of Philosophy
begins to look like a castle of the oldentime. The lower story
is quite complete and the second or main story is being pushed

11. (cont.) entrance to the Chautauqua grounds as well as the hall of
philosophy. The AREA, Inc., report concluded:

We have also determined that the tower is very probably the
work of either T.P. Chandler or Victor E. Mindeleff -- both
respected architects of their day. There are records of both
men having worked at Glen Echo and presently the stronger
suggestion is that Mindeleff is the author of the work on the
tower. Philosopher, naturalist and artist who has very well
considered at the time -- however, we have not yet been able
to unearth any great amount of information about the man.

U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, The Chautauqua
Tower--Glen Echo Park, Glen Ecno, Maryland, Phase One of An Historic
Survey and Architectural Documentation, by Rurik F. Ekstrom, AIA,
AREA, Inc., Architects, Planners [1974-75]: Also see Craig Bennett,
"Glen Echo Park," Design Action: The Mid-Atlantic Architecture &
Design Review, 2 (July-August, 1983): 8, and U.S. Department of the
Interior, National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places
Inventory -- Nomination Form, "Chautauqua Tower," prepared by Barry
Mackintosh, March 28, 1980, for more historical and architectural data on
the Chautauqua tower.

20


a ric Popalar Concerts By
¥ ‘National Capital’s Famous.

OL ee aR ‘s
ITARY BAND.

jintcted by Washington's Leading Bandmastel «.

night'at’8:3@ and Nightly During the Season ~
‘ATTRACTIONS THIS YEAR

INCLUDE

NEW DANCE HALL

: aoe Arrangement of Surprising Splendo-

8’ SUPERB UNION ORCHESTRA OF TEN ARPISTS

reat Fun-Giving Device Aplly Termed the _

JOY JIGGER” ~~
ppc yapercenrtars marcers

“Fa DERBY RACER

Cc ROUSEL
ag ADE TY RRR PMTCT,

Washington Herald, May 20, 1917, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,
1917-1923, Cook Collection.

86


CHAPTER |
DEVELOPMENT OF SUBDIVISION AND SUMMER RESORT AT
GLEN ECHO BY THE BALTZLEY BROTHERS: 1888-1891

During the tate 1880s the natural beauty of the high ground along the
Potomac River upstream from Washington, D.C., began attracting real
estate promoters and developers. | The first large real estate promotion
in Montgomery County, Maryland, was the establishment of the Glen Echo
subdivision and summer resort by brothers Edward and Edwin Baltzley,
the former a resident of Washington and the latter a Philadelphia
businessman and_ entrepreneur. Their dream was to "create for
Washington and the nation a suburban place of residence equal to the
historic cities of the Rhine, or the interesting towns which crown the
beautiful hills of the Hudson." The twin brothers who founded Glen Echo
were a study in opposites -- Edward, a dynamic and flamboyant socialite,
and Edwin, who had a formal, business-like personality and was the
inventor of an economically producible mechanical eggbeater in 1885. The
brothers derived the money to enter the real estate development field

from this invention.2

Edward Baltziey purchased some 516 acres for their real estate
development venture from William and Sarah M. Reading on July 7, 1888.
That same day Edward and Laura A. Baltzley pledged a mortgage to
William Reading for $18,000. As described in the deed, the property
purchased by Baltzley was “part of a tract of land called 'The Resurvey

1. ° The best treatment of the local history of the Glen Echo area prior
to the 1880s may be found in U.S. Department of the Interior, National
Park Service, Glen Echo Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway,
Archeological Overview, by Robin D. Ziek, April 1982, pp. 4-12.

2. Washington Post, May 21, 1891; Carol Barton, "History of Glen
Echo," 1978 (typescript mss. in Glen Echo Park files); Roger S. Cohen,
Jr., "The Glen Echo-Cabin John Area," The Montgomery County Story, 7
(August 1964): 4; and Portrait and Biographical Record of the 6th
Congressional District, Maryland (New York, 1898), pp. 565-66.



The elaborate display of aerial fireworks last week will be
repeated next Thursday evening on a more lavish scale. Cars
for Glen Echo Park, where the admission will continue free
during the season, now depart from downtown on a
three-minute scheqple every evening and on Saturday and
Sunday afternoons.

The weekly Thursday evening fireworks shows at Glen Echo became more
elaborate during the season. On June 1, for instance, an "elaborate
exhibition of aerial pyrotechnics" was put on, featuring a representation

of Niagara Falls in multi-colored fire. in addition, there were

sixteen other numbers on the program and the various set
pieces and surprising effects will show the latest novelties the
manufacturers of fireworks have devised for use in the
observance of Independence Day this year.

More new attractions were added at Glen Echo during June and July. In
early June "open air card parties" were begun, and in early July nightly
free moving picture shows were commenced in a "section of the grounds"
that had been "converted into an open-air amphitheater." The latest
films were shown, and a "complete change of program" was promised for
each evening. "Spotlight dancing" was inaugurated at the dancing
pavilion in mid-July, almost doubling attendance at that attraction. |"

Although Sunday was the most heavily attended day of the week Schloss
attempted to encourage attendance during weekdays and holidays by
scheduling special events. In cooperation with the Automobile Club of
Washington, Glen Echo Park sponsored Orphans Day on June 15, giving
some 500 youngsters "carte blanche at the park, including free rides on

the merry-go-round and free admission to other attractions." The

9. Washington Herald, June 4, 1911, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection.

10. Washington Times, June 1, 1911, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection.

11. ibid., June 13, July 6, 23, 1911, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection.

69


of L.B. Schloss, proves that Washington will support a
metropolitan outdaor amusement resort if conducted along lines
of respectability.

The 1912 Season

Glen Echo Park opened its second season on May 25, 1912, advertising
itself as “The New Glen Echo Park." Throughout the winter a force of
men, under Superintendent Frank Finlon, had been at work making
improvements to the park. A new organ was provided for the
merry-go-round. New crushed rock paths and roadways were laid, a new
2,000-foot, seven-dip scenic gravity railway or roller coaster (built by
the Philadelphia Toboggan Company) having eight six-passenger cars was
erected in the space formerly occupied by the hydraulic dive, and the
Ferris wheel was relocated near the park entrance and refurbished
open-air motion picture "stadium." Further remodeling was carried out in
the midway, the dancing pavilion was enlarged, and "The Dip" and
miniature electric railway were improved. New steel boats with landing
stages were installed, and a maze of distorting mirrors was added to the
midway. A ladies' parlor was built near the entrance gate where a maid
would be in attendance at ali times. Sand piles, swings, and other
playground equipment were installed near the parlor. Some 22,000
multi-color electric lights were installed to illuminate the park at night.
Many of the old attractions were given a “new dress," and numerous small

amusements were added 20

The opening of the park in 1912 was given due attention in Billboard.
That periodical stated:

19. Washington Post, September 14, 1911, and Washington Herald,
September 23, 1911, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1911-1912,
Cook Collection.

20. Washington Times, May 17, 22, 1912; Washington Post, May 26, 1912;
and Washington Herald, May 26, 1912; Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection. See Appendix G for a detailed
description of the new gravity coaster.

75


APPENDIX O
EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT SUMMARY: 1984

| (based on current use of occupied structures
and proposed use of unoccupied buildings)
| ascusrecruant: [ —RECRIMIERE —] —ETESTATOR—[ WT SH ERP
> .e]2 2 e fe
3 ait +43 : i>.) i UE
5 ase) s[ejf | eldefbe] 6 yd:
| srsceruaes 33 BQyee/ ea) Sag 2) galt aisa| gatza
_ aS gs]eh les losiscizaingize| soles
navtavaua Tover x x x x
| Rood Snip Bldg x x x x
dance Theatre x x x x
Adventure Tneatee x x x x
| Elec, S0/Sneoting cattery “ x x x
caressed x x x x
3a! troor/Jungle Land x x x x
Satiraom Cate x x x x
Cuddte-Ue Pavilion x na{ na] na x x
Burper Cac Pavilion x wa wa | wa x x
AHO Avareness x x x x
inzinerator B1d5. x x x x
Ticeee sooth x wa ona | wa x x
candy corner x a | wa | na x x
| se? srapte x wa] ma] wl x x
ctystat Pook x x x x
| First avd play. x x x x
Face & USPP Offices x x x x
Pottery Yurt x x x |x
Soler vere x va | wad wa x x
verte x wa | wa} om x x
ree x wa] wa | wa x x
| Tid ieland Shee x va pom | mm 7 ¥
Ott ice Cenopy x na} wa] om x x
x fom] om] omadina | oma | wa x

U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Glen Echo Park,
Glen Echo, Maryland, Management and Facilities Pian, February, 1984,
Appendix C.

219


‘re ee, ee

PREFACE

This historic structure -report (historical data) has been prepared to
satisfy in part the research needs that were stated in the task directive
"Remove/Rehabilitate Unsafe Utilities/Structures At Glen Echo." The
directive under Package 183 was prepared by Susan L. Shufelt in July
1984. Data from this report will provide an information base with which
to plan the preservation, stabilization, interpretation, and management of
structures in Glen Echo Park. This report emphasizes the following

features outlined in the task directive:

The history of the park will be researched as it pertains to the
construction life of the eight buildings [Chautauqua Tower,
Carrousel, Cuddle-Up Pavilion, Bumper Car Pavilion, Spanish
Ballroom, Amusement Park Maintenance Shop (Yellow Barn),
Crystal Pool Remnants, and Administration/Arcade Building],
the utility systems, and setting changes as they affected the
buildings. All sources will be researched including the Richard
Cook Collection, Library of Congress, Montgomery County
Building Permits Office, and architectural drawings storage
area. The product of this research will be a narrative and will
include copies of ali material found that relates to the
Chautauqua Era, Amusement Era, and Public Use Era.

A number of persons have assisted in the preparation of this report. My
thanks go to Manus J. Fish, Jr., Director, National Capital Region, and
members of his staff Paul Goeldner, chief, Historic Resources Services,
and Gary Scott, historian, for discussing the nature of the research
required for the project and providing suggestions that were helpful in
scoping the parameters of the study. My thanks also go to John F.
Byrne, superintendent, George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP),
under whose administrative jurisdiction Glen Echo is managed by the
National Park Service, and William M. Brabham, historian (GWMP), for
their help in gaining a better understanding of the history needs of
the project. Special thanks are due to Audrey F. Calhoun, Site
Manager, Glen Echo Park, for conducting me on a guided tour of the
park, making available park files for reference purposes, and arranging
for my research in the Richard A. Cook Collection. Other personnel at
the park, Sandy Weber, Carol Barton, and Diane Leatherman, also aided

vii


The most prominent new attraction of the 1931 season at Glen Echo,
however, was the new Crystal Pool which was opened during the summer.
Ground was broken for the pool on February 20. The pool and related
structures, which cost in excess of $200,000, were constructed by the
Washington firm of Skinker & Garrett from plans developed by Alexander,
Becker & Schoeppe, Inc., Architects & Engineers, of Philadelphia. ©” The
pool was erected on the site of the former "Derby Racer" and was
designed to adjoin the ballroom. The pool, which was to accommodate
3,000 bathers at one time, was divided into four sections for general
swimming, deep water swimming, diving, and a shallow, wading area (15
x 25 feet) for children. The main pool had a "big rest float," modern
high and low diving platforms, a large water slide, and a refreshment
stand within the enclosure. A sand beach, more than 10,000 square feet
in area, adjoined the pool and featured umbrellas and chairs for loungers.
The pool building development included a shaded observation pavilion from
which spectators could witness water sports below, and steel lockers,
bath house dressing booths, and inside and outside showers for
3,000-4,000 swimmers. The general swimming area featured an electric
water fountain with rainbow lighting at night, blue-white floodlights, and
underwater lighting, as well as an elaborate filtration system that poured
1,500,000 gallons of purified water through the pool every 24 hours. The
filtration system, which filtered the entire 500,000 gallons of pool water
every eight hours, was reported to be "a model of science and efficiency

62. The contract for the design of the ballroom was awarded to
Alexander, Becker & Schoeppe on March 11, 1931. This firm apparently
designed similar complexes in Woodside Park and Sylvan Hall in
Philadelphia. Born on November 27, 1890, in Philadelphia, Schoeppe was
a graduate of Northeast High School and received a certificate of
proficiency in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1913.
Two years later he graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology
with a B.S. in architecture. In 1920, he became a registered architect in
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with offices in Philadelphia located first
at 1437 Spruce Street and later at 1602 Spruce Street. Schoeppe died on
October 18, 1943. This biographical data on Schoeppe was supplied to
the author of this report by William H. Brabham, historian, George
Washington Memorial Parkway.

103


also scheduled. The nightly films attracted such crowds that the seating
16

Capacity in the outdoor amphitheater was increased.

In late August Glen Echo Park featured diving exhibitions by the
Hellkvists during the .afternoon and evening. The diving events were

described:

Record-breaking crowds are nightly seen at Glen Echo Park,
drawn there by the wealth of attractions and amusement
devices. that are provided in conjunction with the sensational
free feature that is being offered every afternoon at 4 o'clock
and at night at 8:45. At these hours the Hellkvists present
their high-diving exhibitions, holding thousands of interested
spectators at the big open-air theater, in the center of which is
erected a seventy-five-foot specially constructed tower, from
which these performers risk life and limb in their effort to
thrill.

The evening performances conclude with the suicidal-seeking
and spectacular fire dive from the top of the structure into a
tank of water five feet in depth, the tank and costumes worn
by the intrepid artists being saturated with gasolene prior to
their making the perilous leap for life.

A Labor Day celebration was held at Glen Echo Park, kicking off a 10-day
carnival and mardi gras festival. The festivities were described in the
Washington Heraid on September 10:

Today will be a gala day in the Glen Echo Mardi Gras festival.

All of the amusements will be going, and there will be four
concerts by Mills' orchestra. This feature of the festival is
free, as are also the moving pictures in the amphitheater and
the shadow dancing sketch.

Attendance at the park has been bigger the past three days,
during which the carnival has been running, than it has all
season. More than 4,000 young poeple attended the opening
Thursday evening, and since then the attendance figures have
increased with each succeeding day.

16. Washington Post, August 8, 1911, and Washington Times, August 8,
1911, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection.

17. Washington Times, August 24, 1911, Glen Echo Park Company Press
e@ Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection.

73


APPENDIX A
SHORT HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA MOVEMENT

In an assembly held at Chautauqua, on the shore of Lake
Chautauqua, N.Y. Aug. 4-18, 1874, John H. Vincent, a
Methodist clergyman of New York, later bishop, and Lewis
Miller of Akron, Ohio, who were interested in developing
Sunday schools, planned a course of meetings to give
instruction in Sunday-school organization, management, and
teaching, and study of the Bible. They also arranged to
include some recreation and a few lectures not actually relating
to Sunday schools. The visitors were at first housed in a sort
of camp, which rapidly grew into a permanent summer colony.

In 1876 the session was lengthened to three weeks, and
later, with the introduction of new subjects, it extended to two
months. In 1878 the Literary and Scientific Circle (home-study
courses) was launched, in which 7,000 persons participated in
the first year. Over the years, as many as 25,000 were
enrolled at once. At the assembly grounds in 1879 a school for
teachers in secular subjects and a school of languages, later
known as the College of Liberal Arts, were opened. Other
developments, year after year, were schools of mathematics and
sciences, of library training, domestic science, music, arts and
crafts, expression, physical education, practical arts, and--in
cooperation with Cornell University in 1912--agriculture. The
growth of the institution was rapid. Many churches other than
the Methodists were represented at the first gathering, and
there was never any disposition to make the teaching of
religious Subjects denominational. One after another there came
to be built on the grounds lecture halls with seating capacities
of from 200 to 5,000, a theater, clubhouses, gymnasiums, a
memorial church, memorial library, and a colonial marketplace.
Between 1924 and 1932 (when the attendance fell off
considerably because of the industrial depression) about 45,000
persons attended the general assembly each season. A
magazine, the Chautauquan, was published from 1880 to 1914.

Hundreds of local assemblies appeared within two or three
decades in the United States and Canada, imitating in a limited
degree the Chautauqua plan and often calling themselves
"“Chautauquas." At least two of these, the Catholic Summer
Schoo! at Lake Champlain and the Jewish Chautauqua Society at
Atlantic City, N.J., have been permanent and extensive in
their programs. Shortly after 1900 the traveling Chautauqua
appeared--promoted by a fecture bureau, moving from town to
town, giving a week or more of lectures, concerts, and
recitals, from two to three programs a day, usually in a large
tent. This had a considerable popularity for more than a
decade.

Dictionary of American History, 2:1.

180

oe oe a ae


The amusements--and there are some. The "skooter,"
which was installed last season, heads the list again this year
for popularity. Twenty-five, two-seat cars electrically driven
and guided by the occupant promise more fun than one has
seen in many days. These cars are padded with large rubber
bumpers, are correctly balanced, and are absolutely harmless,
as either adult or child may operate one.

Then there are the two big rides--the coaster dip with its
4,000 feet of thrills and numerous drops some of them 35 feet,
and the derby racer, a two-car train which races through
space, giving thrill after thrill. Crowds are always in evidence
on these two devices. The whip, the old mill, and the
carrousel offer less strenuous rides, but are never without
their patrons. The giant midway which houses two score fun
features will give the excursionist a whole evening's fun under
one roof. There are such devices as the whirl-a-gig, crossing
the ice, rockling pigs, live lobster, kiddie car, slides and many
others to give a continuous fount of fun. From one end of the
park to the other, shady nooks abound, where picnickers may
find tables and other conveniences for their luncheons. Cool,
sparkling spring water flows near at hand. Admission to the
park is always free. .

The 1925 Season

The 1925 season at Glen Echo opened on May 16 with some 10,000 persons
in attendance. New features at the park were described in an article in

the Washington Times on May 2:

A new ballroom costing $10,000 is nearing completion. “Happy”
Walker and his Golden Pheasant Band will furnish the music for
dancing from 8:30 to 11:30 every weekday evening.

Second in importance will be the new riding device, "The
Frolic." Director Leonard B. Schloss terms it a parabolic,
centrifugal thriller, the most eccentric ride in the world. The
cars go two ways at once--in and out--as if on a hinge, while
they are spinning madly around in a circle driven by a
powerful motor (60 horsepower).

The Big Dip, the Derby Racer, The "Skooter," the Old
Mill, the Whip will again offer thrills and amusement this season

54. Washington Post, June 22, 1924, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1924-1925, Cook Collection. During the winter of 1923-24 the walks
in the park had been regraveied and all buildings and rides had been
repaired and repainted. An enlarged parking area was laid out by the
Corson and Gruman Company, paving contractors. Washington Post,
May 8, 18, 1924, and Washington Star, May 12, 1924, Ibid.

99


gyroplane, all of the old Glen Echo amusements and attractions were still
available, some with recently-installed improvements. For instance, the

Washington Times of May 14, 1916, announced:

As in past seasons the rule of free admission will prevail at all
times, and the open-air movies nightly, band concerts every
Sunday afternoon and evening, and other free features will
again be on the bill. Picnic parties will be welcome to use the
spacious groves with the playgrounds and conveniences that
make the park an ideal place for all-day outings.

This year the service in the restaurant will be one of the
features, with prompt service and an excellent cuisine, and new
and more complete arrangements have been made for canoeing
and boating.

In the big dancing pavilion Charles O. Mills will again direct a
large orchestra for be dancers, and the floor will be in better
condition than ever.

The 1917 Season

The 1917 season at Glen Echo, which opened on May 19, saw a number of
improvements and new attractions added to the park. As part of its
annual “clean-up, paint up camgaign," the park, according to the
Washington Herald of May 13, 1917, would "present the resort in a brand
new dress at the opening." The dancing pavilion had been renovated and
redecorated, thus allowing a 10-piece orchestra, composed of the city's
best union musicians led by Charles O. Mills, to perform nightly. The
"joy jigger," a huge bowl-like ride that revolved at tremendous speed and
was modeled after one installed at Coney Island the year before, was
installed in the midway. The gravity railway, which had been overhauled
at a cost of $7,000, was "speedier" and "dippier" than ever, and its price
would be "six tickets for a quarter." The lighting system had been
changed, its twenty-five thousand mazda lamps, with more than one
million in combined wattage, designed to make the resort "a veritable

39. Washington Times, May 14, 1916, and Washington Herald, May 14,
1916, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1914-1916, Cook Collection.

84


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(rs

condition have housed a variety of cooperating community
organizations, artists, and performers conducting cultural
recreation programs with the cooperation of the National Park
Service.

In an effort to provide an information base that would facilitate
DSC planners in preparing the now-in progress DCP and GWMP
personnel! in making informed decisions concerning the
demolition, repair and rehabilitation of these often deteriorated
structures, this existing conditions report has been prepared.
It consists of descriptions of the structural, mechanical and
electrical systems, architectural materials, and safety problems
encountered in each of the structures. . . . Also included in
this report is an assessment of their condition jand an evaluation
of their ability to support present uses... .

By spring 1982 the crumbling concrete Crystal Pool and adjacent rotting
wooden bath houses had become safety. hazards in the park. The locker
rooms, which had been turned into studies by the resident sculptors,
were in danger of collapsing on to the George Washington Memorial
Parkway. Hence, the National Park Service contracted with the W. Fludd
Wrecking Company to demolish the Crystal Pool complex in March,
preserving only the art deco entrance pylon, part of the retaining wall of
the pool, and adjoining first aid and rest room building. Portions of the
former pool site were landscaped and planted in grass and trees, and a

small children's playground was built, 19

The ballroom structure was rehabilitated in 1982-83, including the removal
of the "Jungleland" amusement attraction in its front facade. On July 31,
1983, the 50th anniversary of the structure was celebrated with a dance
featuring Tom Cunningham's Big Band. The celebration dance

18. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Special
Study: Existing Conditions Study, Glen Echo Park Facilities, October,
1981, p. 1. A simplified summary of the findings reported in the study
may be seen in Appendix O. As a result of this study immediate action
was taken regarding identified safety hazards.

19. Washington Post, May 19, 1982, and Northwest Current, October 23,
1983, Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Columbia Historical Society.

175


building association, which held the first trust on the property.
The building association is in the hands of receivers and the
trustees were compelled to sell the property to close up its
affairs. The land and improvements cost the Baltzley brothers
of Philadelphia originally many hundred thousand dollars. It is
understood that it was sold to the Chautauqua Association for
about $300,000.

The Chautauqua Association failed in its efforts to make the
place pay expenses. A trust of $20,000 was placed on the
Property. Later a  2cond trust of $17,000 was placed on it.
The Chautauqua Association was obliged to give up the
Property, and it passed into the hands of the building
association which had made the first loan.

The sate of the property has not been confirmed yet and it is
thought possible that the Chautauqua Association may be able to
recover it. It is understood that if the association is able to
offer a better price than $13, 009 within 10 days it will be given
the preference as a purchaser.

The few available documentary materials on Glen Echo Park appear to
indicate that it was a small haphazard operation until about 1907. Various
secondary sources state that the park was leased by Alonzo P. Shaw
during the early 1900s. Billboard did not list the park in 1900, but in
1901-03 it listed the park as a functioning entity with W. Francis Thomas
as manager. In 1904-05 the park was listed in Billboard but with no
manager, and in 1806 L.D. Shaw, who had earlier built a large Ferris
Wheel at Coney island, was listed as manager. Washington area
newspapers during the 1900-06 period contain periodic articles describing
the recreational amusement centers at Marshall Hall near Mt. Vernon and

Cabin John Bridge Park but make no mention of Glen Echo park. 7

16. Quoted in Washington Evening Star, May 20, 1903, Proctor
Collection, Columbia Historical Society.

17. "Parks," Billboard, 13 (May 4, 1901), 23: "Parks," Billboard, 14
(May 31, 1902): 16; "Parks," Billboard, 15 (March 28, 1903): 20;
"Parks," Billboard, 16 (April 23, 1904): 15; "Park List," Billboard, 18
(May 28, 1905): 26; “Park List," Billboard, 18 (April 28, 1906): 54;
Montgomery County Sentinel, June 19, 1903; and Washington Evening
Star, May 30, 1904, May 25, 1906. Also see Edwin —. Slosson, "The
Amusement Business," Independent, 57 (July 21, 1904): 134-39, and
Rollin Lynde Hartt, “The Amusement Park," Atlantic Monthly, 99 (May,
1907): 667-77, for data concerning the general state of amusement park

52


Several years later in 1902 Day Allen Willey expanded on the concept of

enjoyable features of the day's pleasure as the picnic itself. In
these recreation-grounds . we have a_ peculiarly American
variation of the German beer-garden--without the beer. The
reproach that we take our pleasures sadly can no longer be
made. The American people--or at least a very large part of
the American people--has become a pleasure-loving folk. is
there a more festive-looking vehicle than the open electric car,
with its happy-faced occupants? A sort of semi-holiday aspect
is imparted even to the loads of operatives on their way,
morning and evening, between their work in the factory towns
and the country pomes that so many of them have the good
fortune to live in.

the "trolley" park in an article in Cosmopolitan:

7
The expression, "“trolley-park" may not as yet have come into
common use, but no explanation of its meaning is necessary.
The oldest of the trolley-parks has been in existence but a few
years, yet today these resorts are to be found in the outskirts
of nearly every city in the land. The fact is that the street
and suburban railway companies, realizing the profit arising by
catering to the pleasure of the masses, have entered into the
amusement field on an extensive scale. These breathing-spots
are not confined to the cities, but are becoming popular as
centers of recreation for clusters of small communities which
may be linked by the electric current.

Originally, few, perhaps none, of the promoters of the
trolley-route thought of it as a means of carrying the
pleasure-seeker except to public parks. The main incentive
was the business to be secured by transferring the throngs of
toilers to and from store, office and factory, and forming a
means of communication between the different parts of the city.
With the advent of the electric car came the opportunity to
build homes amid more natural surroundings. Townfolk became
more appreciative of the charms of the country, but
trolley-riding for enjoyment, which has become a summer habit
in the larger centers of population, was not thought of a
decade ago. The companies were quick to note the increase in
their revenues from this unexpected source, and naturally
encouraged it by giving transfer-tickets from one route to
another and allowing children to ride free or at half-price. As
a result, people of all classes availed themselves of the
opportunity to get a breath of fresh air and pass the long

13.

Sylvester Baxter, "The Trolley in Rural Parts," Harper's Monthly,

97 (June, 1898): 61-62.

48


The National Chautauqua of Glen Echo, the fifty-third such assembly to
be established, was incorporated under the laws of the state of West
Virginia on February 24, 1891, for "the purpose of establishing and
maintaining an _ Institution of Learning to be conducted upon the
Chautauqua idea and plan." The object of the organization, as set forth

in the charter, was to

Promote liberal and practical education, especially among the
masses of people; to teach the sciences, arts, languages, and
literature; to prepare its patrons for their several pursuits and
Professions in life, and to fit them for the duties which devolve
‘upon them as members of society; such instruction to embrace
all departments of culture which the board of trustees may deem
useful and proper.

To form the organization 43 incorporators, representing some of the
prominent families in Washington, “subscribed the sum of $350 to the
Capital thereof" and paid the sum of $35 “on said subscription." The
charter permitted the increase of "the said Capital by the sale of
additional shares from time to time to one million dollars in all." The
original capital was divided into shares of $10 each which were held by
seven men--Adam S. Pratt, Edward and Edwin Baltzley, James B.

Henderson, James C. Pratt, Linsen de F. Jennings, and Fred W. Pratt.2

2. Woman's Executive Committee, The National Chautauqua of Glen Echo
(Washington, D.C., 1891), pp. 1-2, and National Chautauqua of Glen
Echo, Journal, 1891-93, Richard A. Cook Collection, Gaithersburg,
Maryland. The names of the incorporators were:

B.H. Warner, Beriah Wilkins, John W. Thompson, S.W. Woodward,
Maj. John W. Powell, Commissioner of Education Wm. T. Harris,
Bishop Hurst, Dr. A. H. Gillet, Rev. Dr. Geo. Elliott, Rev. Dr.
Hershey, Rev. Dr. Corey, Rev. Dr. Sunderland, Rev. Dr. Baldwin,
Rev. Dr. Naylor, Rev. Dr. Newman, Rev. Dr. Hamlin, Rev. Dr.
Bartlett, Rev. Dr. Butler, Rev. Dr. J. H. Elliott, Rev. Dr. McKim,
Elijah W. Halford, Rev. Dr. Shippen, Rev. Dr. Power, Dr. Green,
Dr. Wm. A. Hammond, Geo. Peter, James B. Henderson, Hattersly
W. Talbott, James Anderson, Thomas Anderson, Wm. V. Bouic, Jr.,
Judge John Vinson, Adam S. Pratt, General Drum, Edward Baltzley,
Robert Ball, Arthur B. Cropley, H. Bradley Davidson, L. De F.
Jennings, Fletcher Johnston, Geo. A. Jordan, Edwin Baltzley.

10


[ae

The Truax Collection contains a fire insurance map and inspection
report prepared by Marsh & McLennan in July 1934. It is the only
available one of its kind that could be found during research for
this study.

Printed Documents

Glen-Echo-on-the-Potomac: The Washington Rhine. [1891].

The Glen Echoan, Devoted To Glen Echo and The Glen Echo Chautauqua,

Located at Glen-Echo-On-the-Potomac, Five Miles From Washington,
The Washington Rhine. [Washington, ca. 1892].

Woman's Executive Committee. The National Chautauqua of Glen Echo.
Washington, [1891].

These documents provide considerable data on the Baltzley real
estate and resort development at Glen Echo and the National
Chautauqua of Glen Echo during the early 1890s.

Newspapers

Montgomery County Sentinel.

Washington Evening Star.

Washington Herald.
Washington Post.

Scattered. articles from these newspapers provide data on the
operation and development of Glen Echo during the Chautauqua,
amusement park, and federal government ownership periods.

227


Several days later an advertisement appeared in the Washington Evening
Star, describing the beauties of Glen Echo and describing railway
schedules between Glen Echo and Washington but making no mention of

the Chautauqua. The advertisement stated:

The trip over the Glen Echo railway is one of remarkable
beauty.

See the magnificent amphitheatre, the coliseum of America.
Enjoy the wonderful scenery, the beautiful rambles, the cool
scenery, the beautiful rambles, the cool grottos and the
innumerable other charms that the place presents.

The Glen Echo railway cars on weekdays leave Glen Echo on the

hour and return on the half hour till 2 p.m. when cars leave

Glen Echo and Tennallytowp every half hour. On Sunday cars

run every twelve minutes.
The malarial fever scare left the Glen Echo area with a tainted reputation.
The Chautauqua program was cancelled for the summer and the buildings
deserted. The sale of lots stopped, due in part both to the malarial
fever scare and the affects of the nationwide financial Panic of 1893, and
without a cash flow the sizable undertaking was doomed. A Chautauqua
assembly was tentatively set to begin on June 22, 1893, but apparently

efforts to resurrect the moribund program were unsuccessful. >”

36. Ibid., July 5, 1892.

37. The Assembly Calendar: Season of 1893," Chautauquan, 17 (June,
1893): 377.

39


Star reported that £. Middleton, Jr., manager of Glen-Echo-on-the-
Potomac, was presenting "in the immense amphitheater" the Fadettes,
"Boston's famous woman's orchestra" under the direction of Caroline B.
Nichols in "grand concert." Other features at Glen Echo were Hart and
Irving, "transformation artists and mystifiers," Koppe, "the sensational
club juggler," and Miss Gertrude Ferguson, "Washington's favorite fancy
dancer." Admission to the grounds was free, and patrons were advised
to "take Georgetown and Tennallytown road, connecting at Thirty-second
and M streets with the Capital Transit cars and Thirty-second and P
streets with the Metropolitan line; also Washington and Glen Echo road via

Seventh, Fourteenth and U Streets, to Chevy Chase Circle."®

In 1897 Clara Barton had the Red Cross headquarters at Glen Echo
(which had been built with materials from a Red Cross warehouse used by
the American Red Cross after the flood at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in
1889) converted into her home and had the massive stone facade replaced
by a more domestic, wood Victorian front. Between 1897 and 1900 she
bought several additional lots from the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo
and the Baltimore Building and Loan Association. She used the ten-acre
parcel in front of her home as a pasture, an arrangement that led to
continuing bickering with those who would operate Glen Echo as an
amusement park after 1899.7

6. Ibid., August 31, 1897, quoted in Washington Evening Star,
September 17, 1947, Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Callection,
MLK Library.

7. For more data on the Clara Barton House see, U.S. Department of
the Interior, National Park Service, National Capital Region, Clarai Barton
House, Glen Echo, Maryland, by Steven H. Lewis, August, 1964, pp.
11-12. Also see U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service,
Denver Service Center, "Historic Structure Report, Clara Barton House,
Clara Barton National Site, Maryland," by Charles W. Snell, October,
1977 (draft typescript copy on file at Clara Barton National Historic Site.)
The bickering resulted in the park's proprietors installing a roller coaster
near the Clara Barton house during the late 1900s. The coaster was
boarded near the present front lawn of the house and one of the curves
of the ride passed near the side of the structure.

43


Problems arose between the Glen Echo town government and the Glen Echo
Park Company in mid-July, and the controversy attracted widespread
publicity. The common water supply of the park and town had run dry,
being only a small spring-fed pond. Since the park should have been
closed on Sundays according to the state blue laws Mayor Louis C.
Witkowski requested that Schloss close the park on Sundays beginning
July 31 to help conserve water. Strained relations ensued when. Schloss
resisted the mayor's request, and when Witkowski appeared at the park
toting a revolver an altercation of fisticuffs with park personnel resulted.
The mayor then retaliated by closing the park on the last Sunday in
July, citing a strict enforcement of the Maryland blue laws. He also
swore out warrants that resulted in the arrest of the park's 111
employees, 96 of whom were Glen Echo town residents. Schloss, in turn,
made plans to reopen the park on Sunday, August 7, by holding religious
services. Rev. Francis J. Lukens, superintendent of the Central Union
Mission in Washington, gave an afternoon sermon in the dancing pavilion
on the topic “Who Is My Neighbor?," and the Soldiers' Home Band
presented three sacred concerts. During the evening a free moving
picture representation of the Passion Play was narrated by Lukens.
Despite the fact that all rides, attractions, and food concessions were
closed, some 3,000 persons attended the religious services. The heated
atmosphere surrounding the Sunday closure of the park, however, soon
abated as officials worked out a compromise solution to the Witkowski

edict, and by mid-August normal Sunday operations were resumed. !®

During August Glen Echo Park staged a number of promotional events.
These included a "prize waltzing contest" and "“red-head night," the
latter permitting “young ladies" whose hair was "red, auburn, titian,
copper-tinted, or their corollary shades" to use all park attractions free
of charge. Similar celebrations of "blonde" and "brunette" nights were

15. Washington Herald, August 7, 8, 1911; Washington Times, August 7,
1911; New York World, August 7, 1911; Baltimore Sun, August 7, 1911;
and Washington Star, November 28, 1911; Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection. -

72


CHAPTER V
OPERATION OF GLEN ECHO AMUSEMENT
PARK UNDER REKAB, INC: 1955-1970

1. ACQUISITION OF GLEN ECHO AMUSEMENT PARK BY REKAB, INC.

On June 17, 1955, Glen Echo Park was sold by Continental Enterprises,
Inc., to Rekab, Inc., a firm owned by three Baker brothers--Abram,
president, Emmanuel, vice president, and Samuel, secretary-treasurer,
for the sum of $950,000 ($775,000 for land and improvements and $175,000
for personal property). Rekab, Inc., had long been in the amusement
park field with interests in Palisades and Olympic parks in New Jersey,
as well as amusement operations in Atlantic City. The company had
recently abandoned its operations at the Palisades Park when a New

Jersey court ruled that its game of chance was illegal.

During the fifteen years that Rekab, Inc., owned Glen Echo Park, the
Baker brothers acquired further property in the immediate vicinity of the
park. Among these acquisitions were the following: 6,130 square feet
from Charles E. and Ruth T. Shuff on April 1, 1958; three and one-half
lots from Granville and Mabel Combs, on December 7, 1959; and six lots

from Thelma Mae Anderson on February 24, 1961.7

1. Washington Post, June 18, 1955, August 18, 1960, and Washington
Evening Star, June 19, 1955, Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana
Collection, MLK Library, and Boettjer, "Street Railways in the District of
Columbia," pp. 162-63. A copy of the deed of conveyance may be seen
in Appendix M. Various newspaper accounts and advertisements, as well
as some legal documents, refer to the Baker firm as Kebar, Inc. The
interchangeable use of the names Rekab, Inc., and Kebar, Inc.,
continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

2. Deeds, Charles E. and Ruth T. Shuff to Rekab, Inc., April 1, 1958;
Granville and Mabel Combs to Rekab, Inc., December 7, 1959; and Thelma
Mae Anderson to Rekab, Inc., February 24, 1961; Montgomery County
Deed Books 2446, Folios 165-67; 2688, Folio 254; and 2825, Folio 485.

134


dancing in the ballroom program for the first time with Ralph Case calling

the dances each Thursday evening. 28

The Glen Echo Park management extended the visitors! parking area
during the summer of 1950 at a cost of $2,500. This was accomplished by
grading and surfacing an additional area in the southeast corner of the

existing lot as shown on a drawing on the following page. 29

The 1951 Season

The 1951 season at Glen Echo park featured one new ride, a
"Tilt-A-Whirl," in addition to its numerous other attractions. Kiddieland
featured a new "Circus Ride" with gaily painted "Big Top Trappings."
The more than fifty attractions included "thrill rides, sporttand,
picnicking facilities, novelties, a kiddieland, ballroom dancing, skee ball,
a shooting gallery, etc." The opening feature in the ballroom was Sam

Donahue's orchestra. 00

98. Application for Building Permit, The Maryltand-National Capital Park
and Planning Commission, Maryland-Washington Regional District,
Montgomery County, Permit No. WA 2333, February 28, 1950,
Construction Codes Enforcement, Department of Environmental Protection,
Montgomery County, and Washington Evening Star, April 9, 1950, Vertical
Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Coilection, MLK Library.

99. Application for Building Permit, The Maryland-National Capital Park
and Planning Commission, Maryland-Washington, Regional District,
Montgomery County, Permit No. WA 3009, June 12, 1950, Construction
Codes Enforcement, Department of Environmental Protection, Montgomery
County.

100. Washington Daily News, April 5, 1951, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library, and Application for Building
Permit, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission,
Maryland-Washington Regional District, Montgomery County, Permit No.
WA 4610, April 2, 1951, Construction Codes Enforcement, Department of
Environmental Protection, Montgomery County. The "Tilt-A-Whirl" cost
$12,000 and had 24 inch x 24 inch size footings. Also see Falls Church
Echo, April 6, 1951, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1944-1954,
Cook Collection.

127


wings of Night, her mistress, Darkness, surrenders to the
brilliant day of a large company of electric lamps.

Midway of the hall a Japanese reed curtain is suspended from
the high roof, and gracefully looped back to the sides. This is
to divide the room in two by an artistic semblance of a division,
when large private parties desire to be alone. Ladies here, as
also in "Canon Eyrie," may entertain their friends, in parties
however large or small, instead of at their own homes, and lend
the fragrance of the woods, the river, the park, and this
unique building to their entertainment.

Through an exit on the south we pass upon the grand
"Pow-wow Balcony," fronting upon the river, and overhanging
a steep hillside, from which, at the risk of your life, you could
step into the water below. A high cedar balustrade intercedes
in your behalf not to do this, however.

At each end of the balcony is a high tower, with dining-rooms
on the second story, and lookouts on the third, each of
distinctive style, and made with such emulation that the eye
never tires of their beauty.

The dining room in the tower on the west bears the name of
"Crows' Nest," while the lookout above it is "Cloud Top." The
ascent to them is by a "tower staircase," a short distance from
the rooms, which are reached by bridges.

The dining-room in the tower on the east is christened
“Pow-ha-tan," as the inscription, seared by a hot iron on a
white pine board, tells you. The lookout above bears the
engraving, "The Owl's Roost." All of the rooms are adorned
by these heat-graven captions, some of which are enriched by
highly interesting pictographs, over which you puzzle your wits
to get the hidden message. You ascend to these rooms by a
tong, hither and thither, rambling stairway of new design.
Indeed, there are no two patterns alike in this great building
of cedar .

Standing upon the stairway leading to the "Owl's Roost," and,
looking northward, an elaborate architectural picture is before
you. Below a circuitous stairway leads to the “Choral
Balcony," from whence music is dispensed to open-air
audiences. Across the interim from where you stand, the
seven-gabled roof, which crowns the tower on the northeast of
the building, reminds you of the belfry of some great

cathedral. But it is the "Cruso" that commands your more
interested attention; Cruso in name, perhaps, because of its
resemblance to Robinson Crusoe's umbrella. It is a beautiful

piece of workmanship in cedar, perched on the very pinnacle of
the great roof. A handsome stairway descends from it straight
to the "Choral Balcony," a long distance below. Sweeping your
vision to all points of the compass from this eyrie, a grand


The 1952 Season

The 1952 season at Glen Echo Park included a variety of special "big
name" guest appearances in an effort to increase flagging attendance.
The list of appearances included WTOP-TV star Pick Temple on April 5,
Tommy Tucker on April 12, Howdy Doody's Clarabel on June 21, Billy
May on July 18, Ralph Flangan on July 25, Johnny Long on August 1,
and Jimmy Dorsey on August 28. In June, the park also sponsored a

"School's Out Party" with radio station WMAL disc jockey Jim Gibbons as

the master of ceremonies. In August WRC. radio held a special day of

competitions at Glen Echo, including a pie-eating contest, a "prize fight"

between paperweight boxers still in diapers, a peanut race, diving
101

contest, and other similar events.

Before the season started the Glen Echo Park Company applied for a price
increase for its attractions. The request, however, was denied by the
federal Office of Economic Stabilization because the application "failed to

show that the present ceilings impaired normal pre-Korean earnings." 102

The 1953 Season

The 1953 season at Glen Echo Park began on April 4 with some six
thousand persons in attendance. New centralized ticket booths were
introduced to reduce confusion at the various attractions where tickets
had formerly been sold. Blocks of tickets for ten rides at $1.50 were
sold. Prior to the opening, Glen Echo Park officials had distributed some
ten thousand free tickets to school groups. The park featured a new
$15,000 skee-ball installation.

101. "Glen Echo Skeds Bid Name Talent," Billboard, 64 (June 28, 1952):
74, and Washington Times-Herald, April 3, July 30, August 22, 1952,
Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1952-1953. Cook Collection.

102. Washington Evening Star, April 3, 1952, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

129


likely that the new park was similar in concept to "trolley" or “electric”
parks that were springing up-near metropolitan areas throughout the
nation. Such parks catered to the increasing pleasure-seeking demands
of the American public, while at the same time providing more revenue for
the emerging railroad companies that were expanding their lines to
outlying areas of metropolitan centers. In his "The Trolley in Rural
Parts," Sylvester Baxter described the characteristics of "trolley" or
“electric" parks in 1898: .

A decade has worked wonders in the evolution of the electric ‘

railway, as in many other modern things. it has grown from
an experiment to a universal institution. It is to be found in
all parts of the world. it has cheapened very materially the
cost of transportation. Its general utility in ordinary traffic is

rivalled in importance by its recreative uses. On perhaps a
large majority of trolley lines the summer-excursion business is
depended upon to make the undertakings profitable. The
ordinary traffic may possibly pay operating expenses, but the
dividends come from the summer travel. There are some highly
Profitable lines that run only in the summer. in the great
cities, even, the summer traffic shows an enormous increase
over that of winter. The open car is the phaeton, the landau,
of the multitude. The business of transporting the public to
and from the parks, the basebal! and racing grounds, etc.,
together with suburban trips and fresh air outings, assumes
enormous proportions.

In the country the same lines of traffic have developed on a
retatively greater scale. Thousands of women and chiidren, for
instance, who hitherto have rarely found the opportunity to get
outside of their own door yards, now are enabled, at a slight
outlay, to enjoy regular weekly outings; long trips through
pleasant scenery, shopping and sight-seeing expeditions to
neighboring large towns and cities, with the prospect of a
theatre matinee or perhaps a popular concert; or a visit to one
of the great recreation-grounds run by the street-railway
company, with all sorts of attractions--band concerts, variety
performances, a menagerie, swings, teeter-boards,
roller-coaster, fireworks, etc.

These street railway recreation-grounds are now very numerous
throughout the country. Routes are laid out to beautiful lakes
that had been visited only by occasional fishermen or hunters,
or to picturesque spots on river or seashore. Here delightful
electric-launch trips are to be had, with power obtained from
the trolley wire; and there are also sailboats, rowboats, canoes,
and perhaps Venetian gondolas. Church societies,
Sunday-schools, and other organizations charter open cars for
picnic trips to these places, and the going and coming are as

47


THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

1918 SEASON
1919 SEASON
1920 SEASON
1921 SEASON
1922 SEASON
1923 SEASON
1924 SEASON

1925 SEASON

1926-1929 SEASONS / 100

1930 SEASON
1931 SEASON
1932 SEASON
1933 SEASON
1934 SEASON
1935 SEASON
1936 SEASON
1937 SEASON

1938 SEASON

1939-1940 SEASONS / 114

1941 SEASON
1942 SEASON
1943 SEASON
1944 SEASON
1945 SEASON
1946 SEASON

1947 SEASON

/ 87
/ 89
/ 90
/ 90
/ 94
/ 96
/ 97
/ 99

/ 102
/ 102
/ 104
/ 104
/ 106
/ 107
7111
/ 113
/ 113

/ 116
/ 118
/ 121
/ 121
/ 122
/ 123
/ 124



Wendy M. Ross, "The Children's Experimental Workshop," Parks

& Recreation, 10 (September, 1975): 26-31, 60-61.

Patricia Raymer, "Glen Echo," Washingtonian, 10 (July, 1975):
162-65.

Mark Travalglini, "From the Echoes of Chautauqua," American
Education, 13 (May, 1977): 17-21.

Washington Star (Magazine Section), May 7, 1978.

By 1974-75 the expanding Glen Echo Park program necessitated major

rehabilitation and renovation of the deteriorating structures.

of the park observed:

The inheritance of the park site was not, however, entirely
problem-free. [In the first place, the buildings are in varying
states of disrepair, some requiring major renovations before
they can be used, some perhaps requiring the additional
expense of tearing them down completely. How to renovate and
use the existing physical resources is a major decision facing
Glen Echo today. In the second place, the garrish colors of
the rusting and rotting amusement park structures arranged
around a large stretch of asphalt presents a bizarre appearance
for an artistic and educational organization with a strong
commitment to ecological responsibility. The Children's
Experimental Workshop takes place in the Hall of Mirrors;
open-air performances are under the Cuddle-Up; one artist has
his studio in the renovated locker room of the Crystal Pool.
The decision to maintain the amusement park structures was
based on the principle of revitalizing existing resources rather
than tearing them down. Yet, the image and the atmosphere
created by the physical environment qipes not fit the
organization which now operates on the site.

Commenting further on the status of the structures the “Annual
Report: Glen Echo Park, 1974" stated:

The programs of Glen Echo Park have been directly dependent
upon the ability of the National Park Service to restore certain

13.

Armstrong, "Glen Echo Park: A Case Study," pp. 1-2.

166

One study

Site

ee en ae


APPENDIX E
NATIONAL CHAUTAUQUA STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES AT
GLEN ECHO

The Glen Echo Chautauqua, besides having the grandest
Amphitheatre in the world, the most unique and beautiful Hall
of Philosophy, and wonderful scenery, has many _ other
advantages of which little has been said.

SANITATION.

The sanitation is near perfect. Miles of sewer and water pipes
have been laid. The water is from springs a mile distance,
conducted in pipes in the most approved manner from the hills
and at an elevation of sixty feet above the Chautauqua
grounds. The sewerage is carried directly to and into the
swift current of the river. The fall is rapid in all directions,
which insures the very best service. To obtain this, trenches
had to be cut through solid rock in places a half mile long and
fourteen feet deep. All public and = private buildings are
supplied with pure spring water.

ELECTRIC LIGHT.

The grounds and buildings are brilliantly lighted by
electricity. Incandescent lights will be placed in all cottages at
moderate prices.

THE AMPHITHEATRE.

The Amphitheatre is built of Potomac granite, is 208 feet
in diameter, roofs over nearly an acre of ground; has, besides
its great auditorium, thirty grotto rooms; is supported on three
circles of pillars, the first of which is stone, thirty in number
and six feet in diameter at the base; the other two circles are
of phoenix iron columns, some of which, together with some of
the stone pillars, are sixty feet tall. It requires 24 arc lights
of 2,000 candle-power each to light the Amphitheatre.

The grand pipe organ, costing ten thousand dollars, was
made by the Carl Barckhoff Organ Company of Salem, Ohio. It
is one of the most melodious, powerful, and sweet-toned organs
in the country, and in many respects surpasses all others.
Mr. Barckhoff himself inspected the building and calculated the
organ for it. Its perfect adaptation to the building attests the
great skill of its maker. Perhaps never before was an organ
heard to such advantage.

190

a ee a, ae


APPENDIX M
DEED TRANSFERRING GLEN ECHO PARK FROM
CONTINENTAL ENTERPRISES, INC., TO REKAB, INC: 1955

Made this 17 == day of Po in the yvar

Nineteen hundred and fifty-five . » by and between
ICs, a corporation duly organized end existing undor and by virtue of the laws of
the State of Delamre, party of the first part; snd REXAB, INC., « corporation of

the State of Maryland, party of the second part.

ott ~ - . i Dollars,

the said party of the first
unto the said part y of the second part, in fee simple,

the following described land and premises, with the improvements, easements and appur
belonged, situate, lying and being in ontgonery —
fate of Maryland, namely.

A tract cf land in Montcomery County, Nery

"National Chatauqua cf Glen Echc, of ‘tontconory Cou

Plot recorded in Liber JA-25 at folio 253, one of the Land Records of
County, Maryland, and re-reccrded in flat book "8" at folic 18, one of the Lene
in three p follows:

G for the sere at

"Laticnal Chatsuqua «f Clon o 5 the Lard Recor:
of Mentgorery County, Meryland, in Plot 3 17, ons of the Lane
Records of said County, thence the fellu s onc distances as siated and
shom ina certified plet cf survey by i. ¥, iaddox, y Surveyor, Rorictored
Land Surveyor lo. 528, ont c Maryland, endo June 22, 1947; aleng tho
2 Chic Sanal Cor-ce:
on the y side of Tlrard

treet (thirty feu wide}; thence aleny tha Aecrerly side cf smid Ttrard Street,

213



rr a ae

Administration (GSA) endeavor to acquire Glen Echo Amusement Park
through an exchange of surplus government real Property, since
acquisition of the property would help protect the Potomac Palisades and
Provide additional park lands. Finally in April 1969 the Bakers
announced that Glen Echo Park would be closed permanently because of
declining attendance while awaiting the outcome of the federal
government's proposal to acquire the park in exchange for other

acceptable property. 40

40. Washington Evening Star, May 4, 1969, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library, and Washington Post, April 2,
1969, Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Columbia Historical Society. Two maps

showing the layout of Glen Echo Park during the 1966-70 period may be
seen on the following pages.

155


ATTRACTIONS AT GLEN ECHO PARK: 1911

Dive

Carousel

Miniature Railway

Dip

Dance Pavilion

Check Room -- Byron S. Adams

Bands

Features

Cigars-- Lauria Garrett

Caddy Wheel

Palmistry--Madam C. Caretta

Boats--George O'Neal

Japanese Ball Game

Soda, Cones, tce Cream--Charles A. Winslow
Peanuts, Popcorn, Crisp, Taffy--Irwin Buckingham
Photos, Cards, Souvenirs--Charies C. Barber
Photo Studio

Knives and Canes--Harry T. Nichols

CT Wheel--Harry T. Nichols

Fish Pond--Harry T. Nichols

Glen Echo Park Company Voucher Check Book,

Collection.

64

1911-1912,

Cook


Parents were friends of Edwin Baltzley and thus helped him find
employment as a timekeeper on the project. In later years, Pollock would

reminisce:

The Baltzley Brothers progressed in a large way. Hundreds of
thousands of dollars worth of lots were sold in Washington and
| believe that the figure may have run up into the millions.
Plans called not only for many beautiful homes but also for the
Glen Echo Electric Railway, the Red Cross Center, the Hall of
Philosophy and other major building operations, many of which
had been planned by Victor E. Mindeleff who made a specialty
of rustic stone buildings. Also, either being planned or
already erected, were the entrance towers to the Chautauqua
grounds and the Amphitheater, all being a part of the
Chautauqua program, the prinicipal feature of the Glen Echo
development.

In six months the number of employees jumped from 50 to 300
and as cottages and homes began to go up like magic all
through the Chautauqua grounds, an additional 300 masons were
brought from New York. Soon there were 900 men on the
payroll and my job as timekeeper became quite strenuous. Some
of the operations were as far as five miles apart and, as it was
impossible for me to make the rounds on foot in one day, |
purchased a horse.

Starting out at seven o'clock (1 lived in Mr. Edwin Baltzley's
lovely home on Cabin John Creek just across from the Cabin)
John Hotel) in the mornings, !| would reach Bethesda by nine.
Then, after taking the time report from the foreman in charge
of the railroad work, ! would take cross-country roads to where
building operations were going on at Gien Echo Heights and
there make contact with other foremen. Thence to the huge
stone quarries which faced the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal; then
to the Chautauqua grounds; then to the foreman in charge of
the Red Cross buildings; and, finally, to the numerous smaller
operations.

While riding these rounds | realized that | was wasting time
waiting at each project to contact the respective foreman and
soon hit upon the idea of blowing a bugle to announce that |
was coming. It was great sport to ride cross-country, jumping
fences and other obstacles and blowing my bugi¢ as |
approached each project, and it worked out well... .

11. Stuart E. Brown, Jr., ed., Skyland: The Heart of the Shenandoah
National Park by George Freeman Pollock, (N.P., 1960), pp. 41-42.
Research by AREA (Architect Rurik Ekstrom Associates), Inc.,
Architects, Planners in 1974-75 determined that Mindeleff was probably
the architect for the Chautauqua tower and adjacent arcade at the

19


has resumed the position of general publicity director, a post
he has filled for two seasons.

Schloss married Miss Gertrude Moses during his first year as manager at
Glen Echo and the couple had two children. He was elected to the first
board of directors of the National Amusement Park Association in 1907,
and later became active in various amusement park business associations,
serving as president, vice president, and a director of the National
Association of Amusement Parks, Pools, and Beaches (NAAPPB). In 1940
he became vice chairman of the public liability insurance committee of the
NAAPPB, in which post he sponsored a plan by the association in
cooperation with the Associated Indemnity Corporation of California to get
90 percent of the amusement park industry to obtain liability coverage.
He was also active in many Washington-area civic and club activities,
having membership in the Woodmont Country Club, Variety Club of
Washington, Board of Trade, and Masons. Schloss retired from his duties
at Glen Echo in May 1950 after forty years of service and died at his

Washington residence in February 1954 at the age of 81.°

4. "Park Notes Billboard, 19 (May 16, 1908): 22. Also see "Manager
Gill Resigns," Billboard, 18 (June 30, 1906): 27; The Luna Park Breeze,
June 16, 24, 1906, and Luna Park Sourvenir and Guide Book, 1907, in
Leonard B. Schloss Collection, Theatre Collection, Performing Arts
Research Center, New York Public Library, New York, New York.

5. Washington Herald, August 9, 1956, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1936; Washington Times, August 24, 1936, unidentified newspaper
clipping, February 9, 1954, and Koontz to Schloss, May 3, 1950, Eichberg
“Collection; "Alexander Asks All Ops to Join," Billboard, 52 (March 30,
1940): 36, 38; and "All Problems Affecting Biz Up for Airing," Billboard,
55 (April 3, 1943): 38-39, 41. Included in the Eichberg collection is a
copy of an article written by Gertrude M. Schloss, entitled "The
Amusement Park Through The Eyes of a Mother Patron." The article was
published in the National Association of Amusement Parks Bulletin in June
1930. Also see Scranton Republican, September 2, 1907, and Scranton
Times, September 21, 1907, Schloss Collection.

62


The 1959 Season

During the 1958-59 off-season two construction projects were undertaken
in Glen Echo Park for which building permits were received from
Montgomery County. Portions of the grandstand around the Crystal Pool
were converted to a sundeck at a cost of $2,500. Thomen & Cromar, of
Silver Spring, Maryland, provided architectural services for the work,
and H. M. Myerson of Washington, D.C., was the contractor .®

A second project involved construction of a new compressor house near
the "Comet Jr."  and_ incinerator. The one-story concrete block
structure, which cost some $500, was 14 by 12 feet and 8 feet in height.
Kornegay Associates, Inc., of Silver Spring, Maryland, provided design
services, and park personnel built the structure?

in April 1959 Billboard published an article that featured excerpts from
interviews with amusement park operators around the nation. One of the
persons interviewed was Abram Baker, one of the three brothers who
owned and managed Glen Echo Park. Baker addressed three topics in his
interview: ride market, park business, and 1959 prospects. He stated:

Ride Market:

The ride manufacturers in this country seem to lack imagination
in planning and developing new rides, and the quality of
construction sometimes leaves a good deal to be desired.
Domestic manufacturers are certainly eager to sell rides, but
they do nothing to assist park operators in the way of
financing on favorable terms. This has prevented many

8. Application for Building Permit, Montgomery County, Maryland,
Department of Inspection and Licenses, Permit No. 45855, September 23,
1958, Construction Codes Enforcement, Department of Environmental
Protection, Montgomery County. -

9. Application for Building Permit, Montgomery County, Maryland,
Department of Inspection and Licenses, Permit No. 47923, February 2,
1959, Construction Codes Enforcement, Department of Environmental
Protection, Montgomery County. A copy of a drawing attached to the
permit application may be seen on the following page.

138


CHAPTER IV
OPERATION OF GLEN ECHO AMUSEMENT PARK UNDER THE
WASHINGTON RAILWAY AND ELECTRIC AND
CAPITAL TRANSIT COMPANIES: 1911-1955

1. INTRODUCTION

After its purchase by the Washington Railway and Electric Company in
1911 Glen Echo Amusement Park was renovated, enlarged, and developed
as one of the principal amusement centers in the Washington, D.C., area.
Hence it became one of a growing number of mechanical amusement parks
throughout the nation where patrons with increasing amounts of leisure
time on their hands could escape their urban routines into a world of
mechanically induced thrills and fantasies. The craze continued on
through the "Roaring 20s" and the depression decade of the 1930s when
Americans sought to escape from the reality of the times into a world of
thrills and fights. During World War II, Glen Echo continued to be a
favorite entertainment spot for Washingtonians kept close to home by
wartime travel and gasoline restrictions as well as American servicemen
near the city. Glen Echo, like other amusement parks throughout the
nation, continued to enjoy widespread popularity in the postwar era as
the "baby boom" furnished new "park goers." By the mid-1950s,
however, public taste was turning fickle as modern theme parks
originated by Walt Disney's Disneyland began capturing the imagination of
Americans. Regional theme parks began to attract the crowds that had
once patronized the older local amusement parks.

The history of the amusement park industry is outside the purview of
this study. However, anyone desiring to study this topic for the
purpose of understanding the development of Glen Echo Amusement Park
within the context of the evolution of the amusement park industry should
consult the following works:

Frank L. Albert, "The Future of Amusement Parks in America and the
Publicity of Them," Billboard, 22 (March 10, 1910): 20-21, 86.

55


The board of trustees engaged many of the finest platform performers and

lecturers of the day.

4. Sunday-School Normal Class. For Sunday-school
officers and teachers. The regular course of the- Chautauqua
Normal Union will be taught by the best teachers to be had.

5. Class work in music, vocal and instrumental, with
lectures on the "History and Philosophy of Music," by Prof.
c.C. Case, Prof. Constantin Sternberg, Mr. H.A. Moore, and
others.

6. School of Physical Training. A department in which,
by lectures, classes, and gymnasium work, students will receive
instruction in the care and development of their physical
powers. This department will also provide for wholesome
diversion and sport for children and young people.

7. School of Methods. With the advice and, as far as
possible consistent with his other duties, under the direction of
the U.S. Commissioner of Education, Hon. William T. Harris,
L.L.D., a school of methods for secular teachers will be
organized and conducted.

8. University Extension. One of the notable educational
movements of the last few years is what is known as
"University Extension,” originating in England at the seat of
the great universities there, and now being extensively utilized
in this country. The plan includes a full course of lectures on
specific subjects, with registered classes of students, who are
expected to take notes of each lecture, and at the conclusion of
the course pass an examination upon the subjects presented.
Three courses of lectures on this plan have been provided--one
on "American History," by Jane Meade Welch, one on "The
Modern Poets," by Prof. W.D. McClintock, and one on “English
Authors," by Mr. Leon Vincent.

9. The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. To
aid those who are already pursuing this reading course and to
awaken an interest in the plan on the part of others, there will
be a special series of lectures on English literature and history,
astronomy and geology, and studies in pedagogy and social
science. This course of lectures will be supplemented by
round-table work, special local circles, vesper services, vigils,
camp-fires, and a recognition service. To these schools and
classes others may be added as the plans of the management
mature.

10. A Woman's Department, which shall have charge of
the advancement of a woman, improving and enlarging her scope
of usefulness. A specia! woman's executive committee, of which
Miss Clara Barton is President, has been appointed to have
charge of this 4 work. They will alsa constitute a finance
committee.

4.

ibid., p. 4-6.

12

Contracts were signed with religious orators such


Initially, the Sunday schedule called exclusively for devotional gatherings
such as Sunday school, Bible study classes, sermons, and vesper
services. As the season progressed, however, the Sunday programs
grew more secular with popular music and topics being interspersed with

religious renditions and subjects .2°

The first year for the Chautauqua of Glen Echo was highly successful,
attendance being so good that the assembly, originally scheduled to end
on July 4, was extended to August 1. The assembly commenced plans to

publish a weekly newspaper, The Glen Echo Chautauqua. The crowds

were large, and many people planned to spend the entire summer season.
The Baltziey brothers did a brisk business as there was great demand for
the property in the area. In September 1891 The Chautauquan noted the
optimism of the assembly:

The magic growth and beauty of Glen Echo and the success
attending the session June 16-July 4, were it not for the vivid
substantiality of every detail, would have given the Assembly
the character of a meeting in Wonderland . . . . An electric
railway has been built which soon will reach the grounds, and
another is already projected. The buildings are beautiful, and
many of them constructed of massive granite quarried on the
spot.

Opening Day relieved the promoters of the enterprise from any
anxiety concerning the welfare of the Assembly. Large and
enthusiastic crowds continued to take possession of the grounds
and in various ways showed their enjoyment of the proceedings.
The great new organ, the orchestra, the celebrated Marine
Band, and solos and choruses added their music to the harmony
of the occasion. Washington ministers vied with each other in
their addresses, and Chancellor A.H. ‘Gillett, the Rev. T.
DeWitt Talmage, and other popular speakers entertained and
instructed appreciative audiences.

Competent teachers in the several branches of physical, social,
economic, musical, spiritual, and general science won high
approval in their respective departments. To the skill and
experience of Dr. A.H. Gillett, who was chosen Chancellor, a

25. Ibid., June 27, 1891.

29


Tensions built up between the Bakers and the town council because of the
building permit issue and other problems. The continuing controversy
led to a meeting on June 20, 1966, between the Bakers and town officials.
According to a memorandum prepared by Mayor Frank G. Corder and
council vice-president William E. Briggs, Jr., the issues addressed at the

It was noted that the amusement park has flaunted permits in
the past. The County seems disinclined to enforce the
regulations. It was noted also that Glen Echo ordinances are
inadequate and should be rewritten "with teeth in them" so that
enforcement can be carried out. Our building code should
include any structure within the town premise. Amusement
devices should be inspected before permits are issued. At this
point, the question was raised in regard to. preparing
ordinances covering these matters. The Mayor suggested that
we establish priority needs in regard to ordinances and adopt
them piecemeal,7so that eventually we would have a modern set
of ordinances.

meeting included:

Mr. Abram Baker complained about the requirements for permits
for building structures in the Amusement Park. He said up
until the last several years whatever he wanted used to be
granted by the Town without his having to furnish any
information or fill out an application for a building permit. The
Mayor pointed out that the Town's Ordinances require this
procedure, and that his corporation is certainly not immune
from requirements that apply to al! other property owners in
the community.

Mr. Abram Baker felt that the Town's repeated requests for a
complete application for a building permit for the Alpine Hi-Ride
shelter . . . was “underhanded." He felt the Town's officials
should have come to him personally rather than writing letters.
He said he did not believe that the Council could require a
building permit for the shelter or other structures at the
Amusement Park. He then reiterated that he believes "these
things" (e.g., building permit application zoning requirements)
should be worked out on a "neighborly basis," i.e., little
details by which he does the Town "a favor" and the Town then

27.
the

“Minutes of the Meeting of the Town Council Held April 20, 1966, in
Town Hall, Glen Echo, Maryland," Minutes of Glen Echo Town

Council, in possession of Corder.

149


"15,000 Take in Glen Echo Bow: Schloss Hopeful." Billboard, 56 (April
22, 1944): 44.

The numerous articles in the Chautauquan provide considerable data
on the history of the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo, while those
in Billboard describe the establishment, development, and operation
of Glen Echo Amusement Park. The articles authored by Albert,
Baxter, Hartt, Hutton, Slosson, Thompson, Travers, and Willey
provide a historical background for understanding the growth and
development of the American amusement park industry. The articles
authored by Simpson and Travaglini present historical overviews of
the Chautauqua movement.

Theses

Boettjer, John W. "Street Railways in the District of Columbia."
Unpublished M.A. thesis, George Washington University, 1960.

Boyce, Caroline E. "A Guide to the Historic Preservation of Pre-World
War I‘! Amusement Parks." Unpublished M.A. thesis, Cornell
University, 1981.

The thesis by Boettjer provides data on the relationship of street
railways to the growth of Glen Echo Park, while that by Boyce
discusses the historical development and more recent preservation of
various amusement parks in the northeastern United States.

Technical Documents

A Proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Glen Echo Amusement Park Area

of the Town of Glen Echo, Montgomery County, Maryland, September
1966. Prepared by the Glen Echo Town Council with the technical
assistance of Mansfield M. Bascom. (Copy on file at Glen Echo
Park.)

236

a ae


evenings enjoying the "trolley-breeze," for a rapidly whizzing
trolley-car can stir a breeze in the stillest night of midsummer.
The need of some place where one could alight and thus vary
the monotony of the ride, led to the inception of the park
scheme. From the few acres of grove, or possibly the open
field with a tree here and there, some rough benches, and a
shed or so for. protection from the weather, these
pleasure-grounds have been developed into resorts some of
which are far more attractive than the public parks of the cities
where they are located. On a holiday one may see more than
fifty thousand people gathered in some of the more extensive
trolley-parks owned by companies in Philadelphia, Detroit,
Minneapolis, Baltimore, and other centers of population,
listening to the band-concerts, watching or taking part in the
ball games, boating on the lake or river, strolling along the
shady walks, having a family picnic under the trees or enjoying
the summer opera. Except for the nickel, dime or quarter
which admits to the concert, rents the boat, or provides some
other special amusement, the park is free to all, the company
obtaining its reward in the fares which it collects. These
parks, combining natural and artificial diversions, have become
the Mecca on holidays and Sundays not only of what we are
pleased to term the working classes but of the "middle
millions" -- especially those parks where no_ intoxicating
beverages are sold and where other copditions are designed to
encourage the patronage of the family.

Meanwhile the unsettled finances of the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo
and the related Baltziey enterprise led to the foreclosure and sale of the
former Chautauqua grounds to Bird M. Robinson and Randolph Barton,
receivers of the Baltimore Building and Loan Association by order of the
U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Maryland for $15,000 on April 1,
1903. According to the deed of conveyance the legal maneuvering

involving the sale was complex. It stated:

Whereas under and by virtue of the powers contained in a
mortgage from the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo to the
Baltimore Building and Loan Association of Baltimore City
bearing date the 10th day of March, 1894 and recorded among
the proper records of Montgomery County, State of Maryland in
Liber J. A. No. 43 folio 325 &c. the said Fielder C. Stingluff as
the Attorney named in said mortgage did, after having complied
with all the requirements of the law in such cases made and

14. Day Allen Willey, "The Trolley-Park," Cosmopolitan, 33 (July, 1902):
265-67.

49


a a a

Thompson, Frederic. "Amusing the Millions." Everybody's Magazine, 19
(September, 1908): 378-87.

Tor, Nat A. “The Pool Whirl." Billboard, 54 (April 25, 1942): 41.

"Traffic Jam: Howdy Doody Sets Mark at Glen Echo, Md." Billboard, 65
(May 16, 1953): 52.

Travaglini, Mark. "From the Echoes of Chautauqua." American
Education, 13 (May, 1977): 17-21.

"The Evolution of -a People's Park." American Education, 13
(May, 1977): 22-24.

Travers. H.G. "Novel Park Rides and Devices." Billboard, 24 (March
22, 1913): 30, 142.

Uzzell, R.S.  “NAAP: Manufacturers and Dealer's Section." Billboard, 46
(June 9, 1934): 39, 43.

"Video Acts Aid Glen Echo Bow." Billboard, 65 (April 11, 1953): 85.
“Washington Season Opens." Billboard, 43 (May 23, 1931): 40.
"Washington's New Summer Park." Billboard, 23 (June 3, 1911): 20.

"Whitey Rides Home." Washingtonian, 2 (December, 1966): 32-33, 48,
50.

Willey, Day Allen. "The Open Air Amusement Park." Theatre, 10 (July,
1909), 18-19.

. "The Trolley-Park." Cosmopolitan, 33 (July, 1902): 265-72.

235


complete description of the lands and premises hereby
excepted. :

On February 1, 1891, active construction operations were commenced at
Glen Echo to embellish the natural scenery of the property and construct
buildings to house the Chautauqua assembly program. Some 40 acres of
the property "were plotted and offered for sale to create a building and

improvement fund." As to the location of the property, it was noted:

The site chosen is on the high banks of the historic Potomac,
south of the Conduit road, at the terminus of the Glen Echo R.
R. It comprises about 80 acres, donated and dedicated for the
Purpose, and is that magnificent river front beginning a mile
and a half this side of Cabin John Bridge and extending to the
bridge. It is 125 feet above the river and throughout its
entire length commands inspiring views of the Potomac, which is
so beautiful at this point. Nature has done so much for the
place in the way of shade, running streams, leaping cascades,
picturesque rock forms and wonderful vistas of the river that it
only requires a touch of the landscape gardener here and there
to make it an ideal place for such an institution. There will be
drives upon the commanding bluffs, walks, fountains, flowers,
and great buildings. °

Plans for the construction of the buildings at Glen Echo were based on
"the experience of all Chautauqua work done in the past." By the early
spring of 1891, three buildings were under construction. According to

the Woman's Executive Committee, the structures were

located in a deep, beautiful glen, hereafter to be known as
Glen Vincent, whose rugged, rocky, wild grandeur adds a
wonderful charm to the grand purpose to which it is to be
devoted. A mountain stream wins melody and laughter, and

8. Deed, Edward and Laura A. Baltzley and Edwin and Edith M.
Baltzley to National Chautauqua of Glen Echo, April 17, 1891, Montgomery
County Deed Book, JA 25, Folios 252-54. The Looker map referred to in
the deed, which is found in Montgomery County Plat Book 8, Folios
16-17, may be seen on the following page. In addition to the donation of
the 77.5-acre property, the Baltzleys added a cash subscription of $1,000
to spur development of the Chautauqua program. Certain "valuable
franchises by which the river front and adjacent islands were obtained
for the uses of the public" were also negotiated by the Baltzleys.
Washington Post, August 11, 1891.

15


Cabin John, and Kensington fire departments. Thereafter, the stone
walls around the base of the building were bulldozed and the huge pit
filled before grading of the parking lot began. A culvert was built to
carry Minnehaha Creek under the parking area toward the Potomac. A
causeway was built over Minnehaha Creek to connect the new lot

extension with the existing parking area.>

The 1957 Season

Glen Echo Park received well-publicized unfavorable attention in area
newspapers for its racialiy-segregated entrance policies for the first time
during the spring of 1957. Two separate incidents triggered the
publicity. General Manager Price would not allow black children to
participate in the Sustaining Fund Campaign held at the park on June 1
for the National Symphony Orchestra because the park was "patronized by
whites only." A second incident occurred when a black Washington high
school student was eliminated from a television talent show, sponsored by
Pepsi Cola, Motorola, and the park, because the finals were held at Glen

Echo.®

The 1958 Season

The 1958 season at Glen Echo, which opened on March 29, was the first
in which Rekab, Inc., made extensive improvements to the park.
Billboard featured the new attractions, building improvements, and
expanded management staff at the park in an article on April 7, 1958:

5. Washington Post, September 17, 1956, and Washington Evening Star,
September 17, 1956, Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection,
MLK Library.

6. Washington Afro-American, May 28, 1957, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

136


Two features of the park that had become institutions, according to the
Washington Herald, were the candy and doll concession and the ice cream
and refreshment operation. Jake Wolfman had run the candy and doll
concession since 1911. The ice cream parlor sold ices, creams, and
syrups that were made on the grounds under the supervision of Charles

A. Winslow. A restaurant catered to evening dinner parties.°°

Several special exhibitions were featured in August 1914. On the 2d
complete returns from the Cleveland Indians-Washington Senators baseball
game were shown at the park on a Rodier electrical scoreboard installed
in the dance pavilion. The scoreboard was an exact duplicate of the one
used in front of the Washington Post Building in the District of Columbia.
Some 2,000 seats were set up in the pavilion for patrons to observe the
board. Other special events were a District championship dance contest,
a cluster diamond ring being given as the women's prize and a gold watch
as the prize for the best female and male dancers. Marie Thebin gave

afternoon and evening high diving exhibitions and fire dives at night.26

The 1915 Season

The 1915 season at Glen Echo Park was commenced on May 22 after a
vigorous spring "Clean-Up, Paint-Up" campaign under the direction of

35. (bid., June 28, 1914, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,
1914-1916, Cook Collection.

36. Ibid., August 2, 1914, and Washington Post, August 23, 1914, Glen
Echo Park Company Press Book, 1914-1916, Cook Collection. In 1914 a
fire destroyed much of the stone arcade adjacent to the still extant
Chautauqua tower. A wood barn-like structure (known as the Yellow
Barn) was erected by Superintendent Frank Finlon in its place,
incorporating the remaining back wall of the stone arcade. From 1914 to
at least 1926 portions of the Yellow Barn, as well as the second and third
stories of the adjacent Chautauqua Tower, served as the residence of the
Finlon family. Portions of the Yellow Barn also served as the park
maintenance shop from 1914 until 1968 when the park closed. The first
story of the. tower became the office of the park watchman. This data is
based on information given to the author of this study by Eleanor
Beamer, the daughter of Frank Finlon.

82


workshops. Old concrete bases could become pedestals for
outdoor sculpture. The Cuddie Up would provide the right
space for a marionette show. Other spaces were designated for
artisans and educators of every type. So began the concept of
the park yas a multi-interest cultural center for adults and
children.

The 1972 summer program included creative education, park improvement,
and public programs. According to a “Glen Echo General Information
Packet" prepared by Wendy Ross, the program coordinator, the summer
Program consisted of the following elements:

July 1st and 2nd was the Glen Echo kickoff weekend. Weekend
hours for public programs were established as Saturdays from
10 A.M. to 9 P.M. and Sundays from 1 P.M. to 9 P.M. The
Artists in Workshop program scheduling occurred throughout
the week and the park was open during the day to registered
participants. The Childrens Experimental Workshop involving
8-12 year olds from the metropolitan area was held during the
week, Monday through Friday, 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Adventure
Theatre productions were scheduled on the weekends and
during evening hours on weekdays.

The following is a list of programs in the park during the
summer 1972:

Creative Education Programs:
Artists in Workshop Instructional program
Childrens Experimental Workshop

Park Improvement Programs:
Volunteer in Parks projects

Public Programs:
Bob Brown Puppet Theatre

Adventure Theatre Productions

dance demonstrations (folk and modern) put on by Montgomery
Recreation Dept.

art exhibitions

arts and craft demonstrations

carousel rides

family events

picnicking

10. Fowler, "Glen Echo: Chautauqua 1974 Style," 22-23. Also see Mark
Travaglini, "The Evolution of a People's Park," American Education, 13
(May, 1977): 22-24.

164

ee ee a ae


When the two iatter roads are completed the combined facilities
will be capable of carrying twenty,thousand people to and from
the grounds every thirty minutes.

The Baltzley real estate enterprise was flourishing by the spring of 1892

as the brochure indicated that "forty-one cottages are in process of”

erection on the Chautauqua grounds, to be sold to desirable purchasers
on the installment plan." The cottages were "especially provided for
those who desire to avail themselves of the Chautauqua advantages and
the benefits of a life in Glen Echo." The prices of the cottages ranged
between $2,347 and $2,914, the terms requiring a down payment of $500
in cash and monthly payments of $20 to $30. The cottages were
connected with city sewer and water systems and featured electric light,
hot and cold water, and bath facilities. it was anticipated that electric
cars would soon "be finished to the houses ."39

In the late spring 1892, just as the summer Chautauqua assembly at Glen
Echo was to open for its second-season, disaster struck in the form of a
malarial fever scare. Professor Henry C. Spencer, president of the
Spencerian Business College in Washington, died suddenly of pneumonia
on August 30, 1891, but rumors began spreading that his death was the
result of malaria contracted at Glen Echo. Years later, George Freeman
Pollock, an employee of the Baltzleys, described the ensuing debacle:

The second year at Glen Echo, the Amphitheater, Hail of
Philosophy and the Electric Railway being completed, the
Chautauqua opened with an excellent program. Then, while
everything was on the boom, Mr. Baltzley built "Cedarcroft
Cafe," a beautiful, rustic structure at the terminal of the Glen
Echo line on the Conduit Road, and in addition to my other
duties, assigned me to operate this enterprise as sole manager.

The Cafe was furnished in good taste, our patronage was high
class and my French waiters came from New York, while Ed

32. Ibid., pp. 9-10, 35. A "Map Showing Relations of Railroads to the
Glen Echo" that appears in the brochure may be seen on the following
Page.

33. Ibid., back inside cover. Also see Washington Post, May 7, 1944,
for further data on the development of the Chautauqua grounds.

36


which will interest the children and the older people as well.
This theater is situated not far from the dancing pavilion, and
commencing at 8:30 there will be Presented each evening three
reels of the latest moving picture plays.

Not to be outdone in its praise for the park the Washington Herald of
May 18, 1912, observed:

Because of its natural beauty, Glen Echo has long been the
most attractive of all the summer resorts about
Washington. . . . patrons will find improvements and additions
that will enable the park to keep its position as the cleanest,
best and most enjoyable place of amusement in or about
Washington.

Crushed rock roadways, blossoming flower beds and well kept
lawns, and brilliant illuminations by night are only a few of the
many efforts the management has made to make the park
agreeable and convenient for visitors. The removal of the
80-foot Ferris wheel from an obscure position at the rear of the
grounds to a point nearer the dancing pavilion, and within a
few yards of the entrance gate, serves to brilliantly illuminate
that section of the grounds which was formerly badly lighted.

The dancing pavilion will continue operations under the same
plan inaugurated several seasons ago, and which proved
successful in drawing a desirable class of people to this popular
resort. Manager Schloss will rigidly enforce the rule that no
improper or questionable conduct will be tolerated in the
dancing pavilion, or any other section of the park. As the
admission to Glen Echo is free, the management reserves the
right to eject any person whose conduct is at all annoying to
the wamen and children to whom this amusement enterprise
caters.

The opening week brought record crowds to the park. Transportation to
the park was improved over that provided in 1911 with the Washington

22. Washington Times, May 19, 1912, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection.

23. Washington Herald, May. 18, 1912, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection.

77


In 1974-75 the National Park Service commissioned an historic survey and
architectural report on the Chautauqua tower. The report was prepared
under contract by AREA (Architect Rurik Ekstrom Associates), Inc.,
Architects, Planners of Baltimore, Maryland. Among the conclusions in
the report, written by Rurik F. Ekstrom, AIA, were:

The structure in use during the Chautauqua period (1891-92)
included a substantial wing that has been altered severally and
rebuilt as the barn-like portion of the building on the north
side of the tower. The east wall of the north wing is
constructed of masonry and remains almost entirely as it was
during the original construction and forms a good basis for
establishing a datum from which any future restoration of this
portion of the structure may be constructed.

Any decisions concerning the reconstruction of the north wing
should be postponed until the tower of the structure has been

Preserved .

Fundamentally, | feel that the tower must be preserved and
that the first phase for its preservation and ultimate restoration
should be undertaken immediately. Included as a part of this

report is a set of drawings and construction project manual
describing the first phase of preservation. This phase should
include the reconstruction of the tower roof, the stabilization of
the third floor masonry piers (between the windows) and the
installation of temporary roofing until such time as the shingles
can be duplicated, and replaced on the roof--possibly next
year.

The tower should not endure another winter without the
completion of first phase preservation.

14. (Cont.)

8. Ballroom. The L-shaped passageway surrounding the
Ballroom has been converted to Gallery space: Plaster
wallway formed, double hung doors installed, 35 Gallery
lights installed, five electrical heaters installed.

3. Fine Crafts Building. Steel toilet partitions installed.

10. Construction Projects:

Complete Ballroom roof.

Replace roof and complete duct work in Adventure
Theatre.

Paint exterior of Carrousel.

15. The Chautauqua Tower - Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, Maryland,
Phase One of an Historic Survey and Architectural Documentation,
(1974-75), n.p.

168

oe en Sn, Fae


APPENDIX J
RECEIPTS, GLEN ECHO AMUSEMENT PARK, 1920-1925

1920
May 16 -- Opening Day -- $2,111.82 (iow receipts for year)
June 4 -- High receipts for year -- $28,406.19
September 12 -- Closing Day -- $16,000.54
8 rain days -- no receipts

1921
May 15 -- Opening Day -- $3,878.97 (low receipts for year)
July 9 -- High receipts for year -- $29,423.76
September 11 -- Closing Day -- $17,277.69
3 rain days -- no receipts

1922
May 14 -- Opening Day -- $3,777.44 (low receipts for year)
September 8 -- High receipts for year -- $25,082.04
September 10 -- Closing Day -- $24,748.69
4 rain days -- no receipts

1923
May 13 -- Opening Day -- $2,112.86 (low receipts for year)
July 6 -- High receipts for year -- $28,485.18
September 9 -- Closing Day -- $15,438.97

4 rain days -- no receipts
Closed August 7 -- President Warren G. Harding's funeral

1924
May 10 -- Opening Day -- $2,308.15 (low receipts for year)
July 5 -- High receipts for year -- $22,630.89
September 14 -- Closing Day -- $11,660.86
9 rain days and 3 cold days -- no receipts
1925
May 17 -- Opening Day -- $4,544.41
June 20 -- High receipts for year -- $21,571.21
June 22 -- Low receipts for year

3 rain days -- no receipts

Glen Echo Park Company Cash Book, 1920-1926, Cook Collection.

203

ek ee a Se


THE MARKET.

This building is nearing completion and will be occupied by
capable tradesmen to cater to the wants of the residents of Glen
Echo. The electric railroad communicates with it from both
directions.

When it is remembered that within one year $550,000 have
been raised and expended and the most magnificent buildings in
enduring granite have been erected, railroads made, a perfect
system of water supply and sewerage completed, an electric
light plant for public and private use installed, many roads
made, the grounds of the Chautauqua improved and beautified,
store buildings erected, administrative offices built, hotel in
process of construction, forty-three cottages building, boating
and pleasure facilities provided, and many other things
accomplished, the management feel that they have justified the
generous confidence extended by the public last year.

The Glen Echoan, Devoted to Glen Echo and The Glen Echo Chautauqua,
pp. 19-23, 45. .

194


All the attractions will be in operation. There will be baseball,
bowling, boating and rides and drives and foolish houses
without end. On the apening day Proprietor Shaw will
introduce a singularly fine railway ride through a waterfall,
which is of interest both to see and to participate in. The
iNuminations after nightfall are said to be of a particularly
effective character. Music and a commodious and cool dancing
pavilion wi'' also be provided.

A

large and shady portion of the park has been set aside for

picnic parties. New and clean tables have been set up and
family parties will be afforded every facility for a complete
enjoyment of the day. A dining room and dairy lunch will be
in operation, under the management of a competent chef, and
Popular prices will prevail.

Little documentation concerning Gien Echo Park during 1909-10 could be

found.

In June 1909 Billboard listed the park with the Glen Echo Park

Company being named as "proprietors and managers." The park featured

live bands, but did not have vaudeville programs.

20.

Washington Evening Star, May 27, 1908.

21.

"Park List," Billboard, 21 (June 12, 1909): 25, 33, 41. Also see

Day Allen Willey, "The Open Air Amusement Park," Theatre, 10 (July,
1909): 18-19, for more data on the state of amusement park operations in
the United States during these years.

54


Railway and Electric Company trolleys running on a two and three-minute

schedule during the rush hours.°4

Throughout the summer special attractions continued to bring crowds to
Glen Echo. In June Mme. Caretta, who had just returned from the Orient
accompanied by Zueva Casseen, a psychic, set up a "crystal gazing"
attraction in the gypsy camp.2> In late June the "Flickering Dance" was
introduced in the dancing pavilion, superceding the "Spotlight" in
popularity 26 A large fireworks show, costing $1,000, was displayed on
July 4, under the direction of A. Cimarosi, proprietor of the Newfield,
New Jersey, Pyrotechnic Company and former supervisor of the Atlantic
City fireworks displays.2” In mid-August a goat circus, featuring
Alvaredo's trained goats, was brought to the park.28 The park ended its
season on September 8 after a special Labor Day celebration and a

week-long carnival and mardi gras.-?

In August 1912 Glen Echo Park authorities again ran afoul of local
officials who began a drive to strictly enforce the Sunday blue laws.- On
the 4th, Montgomery County Sheriff Clifford L. Howard arrested 20 park
employees, and the following Sunday arrested four employees when he
found the carousel and photograph gallery still operating at the express
command of Schloss who wished to test the constitutionality of the blue

24. Washington Times, May 28, 1912, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection.

25. Washington Herald, June 16, 1912, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection.

26. Ibid., July 2, 1912, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1911-1912,
Cook Collection.

27. Washington Times, June 30, 1912, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1911-1912, Cook Collection.

28. Ibid., August 20, 1912, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,
1911-1912, Cook Collection.

29. Ibid., September 5, 1912, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,
1911-1912, Cook Collection.

78


Previous years, free swim lessons were given at the pool by Senior Red

Cross Life Savers, who were college students. doubling as lifeguards. ©

A new picnic grove was added to the park attractions in 1936. It was
located "near the parking lot immediately at the entrance from
Massachusetts Avenue extended." Up to twenty church, fraternal, and
civic groups made reservations to use the grove for picnics on a weekly
basis. Large business concerns also continued to hold annual outings at
the park, one of the biggest being that of the Capital Transit Company in
late August with some twelve thousand employees and their families in

attendance. ’7

The 1937 Season

The 1937 season at Glen Echo Park opened in mid-April. - The War
Department (which had jurisdiction over Conduit Road), through surveys
taken the prevous year, had found that motoring on Conduit Road was
becoming hazardous because parking was allowed directly in front of the
park. Accordingly, department officials had placed guard fences and
signs telling park patrons where to park. The park management
cooperated in this safety effort by converting its parking area, which had

been enlarged to accommodate 1,000 vehicles, into a free parking tot. 78

The 1938 Season

The 1938 season at Glen Echo Park, which opened on April 16, featured a
variety of renovated attractions. The "Old Mill," renamed the "World

76. Ibid., June 28, 1936.

77. Washington Herald, April 19, 1936; Washington Post, August 28,
1936; and Washington mes, June 16, 26, 1936; Glen Echo Park Company
Press Book, 1936.

78. Washington Post, April 12, July 25, 1937, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

113



a a ae

APPENDIX D
WASHINGTON POST, JUNE 12, 1891,
CONCERNING NATIONAL CHAUTAUQUA

AT GLEN ECHO

THE NATIONAL CHAUTAUQUA
The Glen Echo Railway all Right--More About Prices.

All day long yesterday the Glen Echo electric railroad was carrying
carloads of delighted people to and from Glen Echo. An account of the
necessity for the delivery of ties along the line of the road and cars
could not be run with the regularity desired, but of their capacity for
comfort and speed there could be no question. The trip was made from
Tennallytown to Glen Echo several times within ten minutes, indicating
that the time between the city and the grounds will be much less than

.was anticipated.

With the twelve cars owned by the Glen Echo line and those of the
Tennallytown line it will be possible to handle a large number of people
with promptness and comfort. When everything is ready and the entire
equipment is in service and trains moving every five minutes, the
question, How are we to get to Glen Echo? will be satisfactorily answered.

ACCOMMODATIONS THERE

For meals or lodging there will be ample provision. The "Powtomac," the
big tent hotel, will be open for guests on the 15th, and if its pleasant
rooms are all taken, other canvas will be spread and more rooms will be
provided. The dining-room will seat a large number of people, and Mrs.
Lockwood will be prepared to accommodate all who come. The fact is that
the resources of the association are such that if the present
accommodations should prove too limited they can be expanded to almost
any limit.

The Dairy Cafe will feed 500 people at a time and the service will be
prompt and efficient. The best way is to secure a tent, see it pitched
properly, and furnished, and then make a pleasure of the inconvenience
of camping and enjoy the excellent things of a splendid musical and
literary programme. A gentleman calling at Dr. Gillett's office yesterday,
after looking over the programme carefully, said if Washington understood
what this means the attendance would tax the resources of the association
to provide for it. The correspondence indicates that the attendance will
be very large, and with the hearty support of Washington the assembly ‘is
an assured success. Get your tent. Secure your ticket. Help on the
great work and benefit yourself by buying a lot on the Chautauqua
grounds. Call at Room 9 Sun Building for information, or see the
secretary on the grounds.

187


following page) denying the truth of all such rumors. The following day
Schloss submitted to an interview in the Washington Daily News, noting

among other things that:

Roller coaster cars can't jump the track. . . . because of a
three-wheel arrangement which keeps them immovably in place.
And water in the world cruise is snake-proof, being pumped
from a creek thru a screen with holes almost like a sieve. Also
the pump would break down if any such foreign body
penetrated thru the feed valve.

And... . the big Crystal Pool never is drained during the
swimming season; its 150,000 gallons of water are in constant
circulation, forced by electric pumps back and forth to huge
basement filters, 500,000 gallons every eight hours.

Moreover, if anybody, dropped dead or was killed or hurt at
Glen Echo or any other public piace, police would have to be
notified immediately, unger the law. Then the case would be a
matter of public record.

The 1941 Season

The 1941 season at Glen Echo commenced on April 12, with newspaper
advertisements that the park was presenting "forty acres of completely
reconditioned amusements for fun-loving Washingtonians." The 12-piece
Paul Kain orchestra was again providing nightly entertainment in the
ballroom, featuring Adele Van, a popular songstress, and sharing
melodies with '"swingsters, dancers, jitterbugs, and jive specialists." A
special rate of "25 cents plus tax" for swimming was made available to
United States servicemen who wore their uniforms to the gates of the

82
pool.

81. Washington Daily News, July 23, 1940, and Washington Evening Star,
July 24, 1940, Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK
Library.

82. Georgetown News, April 4, 1941, and Washington Post, June 1, 1941,
Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

116


Edward Baltzley's large stone mansion, the subdivision,
clearing, plotting, and sale of over 300 acres of land in lots
averaging 12,000 feet each to about 300 purchasers; the
acquisition of hundreds of acres of tand, and now the
establishment of a National Chautauqua, which will be a national
benefit, and which involves the building of an amphitheater in
massive stone sixty feet tall roofing over an acre of ground,
with forty grotto rooms beneath the floor, with seats above
rising from the forum on all sides nearly to the roof, and
resting on sotid masonry; the beautiful stone structure called
the Hall of Philosophy, the erected [sic] of a number of
cottages for the chancellor and others, the construction of the
final home and headquarters of the Red Cross Society of the
United States, the establishment of a water supply and
sewerage system, the provision of an electric light system and
fire department, the fencing in of Chautauqua grounds with an
eight-foot wire fence, the placing of 500 tents with floors upon
the grounds, the construction of the gate-houses and a block of
seventeen store buildings, boathouses, and the provision of a
grand pipe organ for the amphitheater, together with a
‘multitude of minor things, which necessarily accompany such an
enterprise.

An article appeared in one of the Washington newspapers on May 27,

1891, indicating that work was largely completed on the amphitheater”
The article stated:

Since the laying of the corner stone at Glen Echo work has
gone steadily forward on the great buildings. The last arch on
the stone work of the amphitheater is now completed and the
tinners and roofers are making the hills echo the noise of their
hammers as they push the work through.

The pipe organ was said to be ready for shipment and the
foreman in charge of the various iines of work assured the
Management that everything would be in readiness for the
opening day . .

A picnic party of Epworth Leaguers drove out night before
last, reaching the grounds at about 10:30 o'clock. The rain
was falling, but it did not dampen their spirits, as they
repaired to the amphitheater and enjoyed themselves as only
young people can until nearly midnight, when they started
homeward. The first hymn to be sung under the great roof
was the old favorite one, 'Nearer, My God, to Thee.!

15. Washington Post, May 21, 1891.

16. Quoted in Washington Evening Star, June 20, 1937, in John Claggett
@ Proctor Collection, Columbia Historical Society, Washington, D.C. By May

23


further expansion or development of the park property. The league's
decision coincided with reports that Roger Euster, a New York City
theater owner and producer, had purchased the park for $3,500,000 and
intended to continue operating the park as an amusement center while
converting the ballroom to a  theater-in-the-round seating 1,000

persons.°4

Meanwhile, attractions in Glen Echo Park were deteriorating. On July 27,
1964, for instance, eight children were injured when the 5-inch main

shaft of the "Paratrooper" ride shapped.°>

In March 1966 Rekab, Inc., applied for a building permit to construct a
shed over the new “Alpine-Hi Ride" (also known as the "Sky Ride").
The wood shed was 20 by 40 feet and 14 feet high with masonry footings.
Universal Design of Wildwood, New Jersey, provided architectural
services, and Allan Hawes served as engineer for the structure which was

built by park crews at an estimated cost of $1,500.26

While Rekab, Inc., generally applied for county building permits for
construction in the park, the company seldom obtained permits from the
Town of Glen Echo. Such was the case for the "Alpine-Hi Ride," and the
town council considered ways of ameliorating this problem. The minutes
of a meeting of the town council on April 20, 1966, stated:

24. Ibid., January 7, 1965, and Washington Evening Star, January 24,
1965, Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

25. Washington Post, July 28, 1964, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library. Despite the general deterioration
of the park a new ride, “The Scrambler," was installed in 1965.
Washington Evening Star, August 21, 1965, Vertical Files, Glen f€cho,
Columbia Historical Society.

26. Application for Building Permit, Montgomery County, Maryland,
Department of Inspection and Licenses, Permit No. 102358, March 8, 1966,
Construction Codes Enforcement, Department of Environmental Protection,
Montgomery County. Subsequent to this meeting the town council took
measures to raise the tax assessment of the Glen Echo property.

148

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STATEMENT OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Glen Echo Park is significant as.the site of a short-lived Chautauqua
assembly during the early 1890s. It is also a surviving regional example
of an early to mid-20th century amusement park ("trolley park") of
architectural and historical significance. After a 12-year interlude as a
fledgling amusement center from 1899 to 1911, it became a major
recreational facility for Washington, D.C., area residents from 19117 until
its closing in 1968.

For most of this period (1911-1955), Glen Echo Park was owned by the
Washington Railway and Electric and Capital Transit companies, which ran
trolley service to the site. The amusement park enjoyed its greatest
growth and patronage from 1910 to 1950, and then declined in the 1950s
as its facilities aged and popular tastes were increasingly attracted by the
advent of widely publicized regional theme parks.

In 1970 the federal government acquired the defunct amusement park in a
land exchange with Rekab, Inc., the last private owner of the facility
(1955-1970), to protect the Potomac Palisades from encroaching adverse
development. The National Park Service was given administrative
responsibility for the park in 1971 and since that time has sponsored a
range of recreational and educational activities, as well as structural
rehabilitation and adaptive space utilization at the site. These uses
present a modern-day evolution of the original Chautauqua ideal that first

led to extensive development of the site.


APPENDIX H
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS OF GLEN ECHO DERBY RACER:
NEW DERBY RACER GLEN ECHO FEATURE

1916

Thrills Await Patrons of New Ride With the Opening of the Park Today.

Making two separate and distinct thrills grow in breasts
that never dreamed of the possibility of harboring more than
one at a time is the simple foundation on which the management
of Glen Echo bases its claim for an entirely mew amusement
device in the Derby Racer. The racer is the big structure
erected since the park closed last year. It promises to fulfill
its mission of supplying a new sensation, coupled with the
satisfaction that comes from perfect safety.

The thrill that is aroused by tearing through space at a
terrific speed, going up inclines, and shooting down long
declivities is coupled with the thrill of trying to do this before
another man or woman or party of men and women in a
duplicate car riding alongside accomplish the same thing.

Why it Is a Racer.

The new ride is being introduced at the opening of the
park today.

The feature of the Derby Racer is this: The structure,
which at Glen Echo provides a much longer ride than the
gravity railroad has ever provided for its patrons there,
contains parallel tracks. The trains of cars are started from
opposite sides of the loading platform at exactly the same time
at high speed. The trains run together until they reach a loop
at the end of the structure. Then they separate by reason of
the fact that one train has an inside track and the other the
outside track. The train on the inside track shoots ahead.
The train on the outside track catches up at the next loop,
when the positions are reversed, and the two trains rush on
again side by side. There are six loops and six changes of
position.

How Do They Finish?

tt would seem that with trains made up and carried
forward with such mechanical precision they would finish
exactly even! But do they? Sometimes they do and sometimes
they don't. That is one of the things that absorbs the rider.
He watches his train to see if he can't make it beat the other
fellow's train. Each car in the train seats six people and the
eighteen minds in each train commence to figure out some way
to make their particular string of cars come back to the loading
station before the other little string of cars gets there. It can
be done, and it will probably be done hundreds of times this
summer.

198

ee a a ia


Skyliner was given away at the park, courtesy of the Cove Ford
Corporation in Bethesda. The newest attraction was the "Sky Fighter,"

complete with machine guns, in Kiddieland. 14

Shift in Ownership of Glen Echo Park to Continental Park Enterprises,

Inc.

In February 1954 the Capital Transit Company, which had fallen under
the control of Florida financier Louis £. Wolfson in 1949, effected a
reorganization that had a significant impact on Glen Echo Park. The
reorganization was in effect the result of a court order to Capital Transit
to break up its monopoly in the nation's capital. Because the amusement
center and other parts of its holdings were separate enterprises and
non-operating properties not directly related to its transportation system,
Capital Transit wished to transfer ownership of these entities to its
stockholders so that they would no longer be part of the financial
structure of the parent organization. Thus, on February 26, 1954, a new
company, Continental Enterprises, Inc., was created under the laws of
the State of Delaware with offices in Jacksonville, Florida, to handle Glen
Echo and two tracts of land--one a 15-acre site at 9th Street and
Brentwood Road, N.E., in Washington, D.C., and the other a 7-acre
parcel in Lyttonsville, Maryland. In consideration for the transfer of
nontransit properties 960,000 shares of Continental stock were distributed
on April 1, 1954, to the stockholders of Capital Transit on a share for

104. "Glen Echo's TV Tie up Repeats," Billboard, 66 (May 15, 1954): 46,
and Transit News, April 1, 1954, and Bethesda- Chevy Chase Tribune,
April 2, 1954, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1944-1954, Cook
Collection.

131


SITE

PLAN.

- COMPRESSOR. HOUSE

‘GLEN ECHO
MUSEMIELYT (ARK

february, 1282

") Scale. 1": 50"

GLEN ECHO, MARYLAND.



Ekstrom, Erik. “The Chautauqua Tower--Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo,
Maryland, Phase One of An Historic Survey and Architectural
Documentation." Prepared for the National Park Service by AREA,
Inc., Architects, Planners, 1974-75.

U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Denver Service
Center. "Historic Structure Report, Clara Barton House, Clara
Barton National Historical Site, Maryland," by Charies W. Snell.

October, 1977. (draft typescript copy on file at George Washington
Memorial Parkway).

Glen Echo Chautauqua on the Potomac, by Benjamin Levy.
June 15, 1967.

sy

Glen Echo Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway,
Archeological Overview, by Robin D. Ziek. April 1982.

Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, Maryland, Management and
Facilities Plan. February, 1984.

National Capital Region. Ciara Barton House: Glen Echo,
Maryland, by Steven H. Lewis. August, 1964,

National Register of Historic Places Itnventory--Nomination
Form, Carrousel at Glen Echo Park. Prepared by Gary Scott and
Nicholas Veloz, March 25, 1980.

National Register of Historic Places Inventory--Nomination
Form, Chautauqua Tower. Prepared by Barry Mackintosh, March
28, 1980.

National Register of Historic Places Inventory--Nomination
Form, Glen Echo Amusement Park. Prepared by Gary Scott and
William H. Brabham, ca. 1983-1984.

=== se

237


Cr

Throughout the off season of 1960-61 there were mounting opposition and
publicized preparations for picketing, petitions, and lawsuits by local
citizens and anti-segregation groups during the upcoming 1961 season.
Finally, om March 14, 1961, William G. Clark, attorney for the Bakers,
announced that the park would open on March 31 on a non-segregated
basis for the first time. Thus, Glen Echo became one of the last
segregated public facilities in Montgomery County to begin operation

without arbitrary racial bars. '8

When the park opened for the 1961 season, something new was added--a
25 cent minimum entrance fee and a guarded gate. All persons over
three years of age were required to buy a minimum of 25 cents worth of

tickets that could be used on the rides and attractions in the park. 9

The remaining six years of Glen Echo Park's operation as an amusement
center were clouded with rising levels of controversy, continuing racial
tensions, worsening community relations, deteriorating facilities,
increasing juvenile delinquency, and declining attendance. To upgrade
the park's publicity program the Baker brothers hired Anthony Gizzi,
formerly production manager of Kal, Ehrlich & Merrick Advertising, Inc.,
and Raleigh Haberdasher, as promotion and public relations director for
the park in February 1963. Gizzi_ introduced various promotions to
increase attendance at the park, including appearances by local
rock-and-roll groups, package deal birthday party affairs, and half-price
days on Wednesdays and Thursdays. A new thrill ride, known as the
"Paratrooper," was introduced. It consisted of a revolving circle of seats
about 60 feet in diameter with a hydraulic device raising the circle 34 feet
off the ground at a 45-degree tilt. Despite these efforts, however,
publicized incidents at the park, such as a ‘concession stand robbery and

18. Washington Post, March 15, 16, April 1, 1961, and Washington
Afro-American, March 18, 1961, Vertical Files, Glen Echo Washingtoniana
Collection, MLK Library.

19. Washington Post, April 1, 1961, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

145


As a result of the malarial fever scare, the Glen Echo amphitheater was
used for a July 4 celebration in 1892, but apparently nothing else that

year

was to be a "highly artistic and appropriate entertainment."

Donch's National Theater Orchestra of fifteen pieces and other
concert artists of considerable ability furnished music on
Sundays, playing a huge shell which faced the establishment.
Meals were a la carte and we were licensed to sell champagne,
wines, etc.

In the midst of the Baltzley Brothers' success, there occurred
at Glen Echo an epidemic of malarial fever of the old-fashioned
kind with very severe chills. Employees were taken sick, some
died and, finally, Professor Henry Spencer, President of the
Spencerian Business College in Washington and well known to
everyone, caught the fever at Glen Echo and passed on. This
incident stopped the sale of lots, freezing the stream of money
and, although the Baltzley Brothers struggled nobly, the Glen
Echo Chautauqua of 1892 ended in disaster.

would

occupy the time from 2:30 to 7:30; so that during the entire
afternoon and evening there will be attractions in the great
amphitheater as well as the sylvan pleasures which the place
affords in such abundance. The eminent actor and elecutionist,
Charles B. Hanford, will recite "The Star Spangled Banner,"
and. Marie Antionette Nathalie Pollard will recite the Declaration
of Independence in costume. A grand musical program made up
of performances by soloists who are favorites in Washington has
also been prepared. It will include selections by Signor Vitale,
violinist; Mark C. Baker, tenor; Eva Augusta Vescillius,
soprano, and Loise V. Shelden, Contralto. The grounds will be
reached either by the excursion barge which runs hourly from
Potomac Street canal or by electric railway. Coaches will run
for the benefit of those who do not care te walk the short
distance from the railway to the amphitheater.

34.
1891.

35.

Brown, ed., Skyland, pp. 42-43, and Washington Post, August 31,

Washington Evening Star, June 30, 1892. Charles B. Hanford and D.
B. MacLeod played the organ for the occasion.
to overhaul and tune the organ in June 1892. National Chautauqua of Glen

Echo, Journal, 1891-93, and Cash Book [1890-98], Cook Collection.

38

According to the Washington Evening Star of June 30, the event
The program

John Brown was paid $95


The documents prepared by Armstrong, Barton, Brown, and Ross
provide data on the development of National Park Service Planning

and development of the park during the 1970s.

239





Ta Bane and to Bold cre some wre ond to she use of the said party hereto of the
second part, myunmmpim anc its assigns, in fee simple

Amd the said party of the first part

generally

hereby covenants to warranthepasiatly the property hereby conveyed, and

to execute such jurther assurances of said land as may be requisite.

In Testimony Wherenf. on the day and year first hereinbefore writen, the said
party of the first part .
has caused these presents to be signed in its corporate name by Abram Baker
its President, attested by Manvel J. Davis its

Secretary and its corporate seal ta be hereunto affixed

REKAB, INC,

the

januet J. Davis
to:

THIS IS TO ‘TIFY that the foregoing and annexed Deed was duly executed and
delivered pursuant to ana in strict conformity with the provisiuns of the Resclution
of the Board of Directors of.Rekab, Lag., a corporation, passed at a regularly
called meeting of said Board of Dirgoeors and that 2 quorum was. present at said

meeting. . Cc

Deed, Rekab, Inc. to United States of America, April 1,
Montgomery County Deed Book 3952, Folios 575-78.

218

1970,


in the research phase of the study. Finally, my thanks go to Anthony
S. Donald, supervisory historic architect, and Susan L. Shufelt,
architect, Northeast Team (Falls Church, Virginia), Denver Service
Center (DSC), for the direction and orientation they provided me during
the preparation of the study. Ronald W. Johnson, chief, History
Research Section, Northeast Team, DSC, my immediate supervisor,

provided administrative oversight for my participation in the project.

| also wish to thank Richard A. Cook of Gaithersburg, Maryland, for
making available his extensive collection of photographs, drawings,
manuscripts, and business records dealing with the history of Glen Echo.
During the course of my research the entire collection was microfilmed
and is on file at Glen Echo Park. The Cook Collection is the largest
documentary source of materials relating to Glen Echo history.

Harlan D. Unrau
June, 1985

viii


"Glen Echo 'Too Good'." Billboard, 54 (June 13, 1942): 40, 42.

"Glen Echo--Years of Fun." American Forests, 65 (September, 1959):
24-27.

"Glen Echo's Mailer Lets Cat from Bag." Billboard, 67 (April 9, 1955):
96.

"Glen Echo's TV Tieup Repeats." Billboard, 66 (May 15, 1954): 46.

Hartt, Rollin Lynde. “The Amusement Park." Atlantic Monthly, 99
(May, 1907): 667-77.

Hutton, James S. "The Amusement Park: An American Institution, The
Demand, The Supply, and Why it Thrives." Billboard, 22 (March
10, 1910): 25, 84.

Lane, T. T. “San Francisco Lane." Billboard, 19 (May 25, 1907): 14.

Leonard, John W. "Coaster Dips--Glen Echo Park." Coaster World,
(January, 1981): 13-15.

“Leonard Schloss Opens Famous Glen Echo." Billboard, 41 (May 25,
1929): 78.

"Local Circles." Chautauquan, 12 (December, 1890): 410.
"Local Circles." Chautauquan, 12 (January, 1891): 548.
"Local Circles." Chautauquan, 14 (December, 1891): 372.

“Local Circles." Chautauquan, 14 (January, 1892): 478, 501.

“Local Circles." Chautauquan, 15 (April, 1892): 109.

232


enough, in part because of Gillett's illness, while a Methodist-sponsored
ecumenical conference in Washington in mid-October made it seem "as if
people were hardiy ready" for ar-*her convention. Thus, the meeting

was postponed.

The successful summer assembly at Glen Echo apparently had an effect on
the continuing growth and influence of local Chautauqua circles in
Washington, D.C. By late summer Gillett estimated that there were some
200 Chautauquan members in the city and observed that there was "no
reason" why the membership could not be multiplied five-fold if the
“proper effort" was made. During the fall and winter of 1891-92, at least
four new local circles were established in Washington, three of the largest
and most active being at Fremont Circle, Georgetown, and the New York
Avenue Presbyterian Church. In addition, an older circle at Wesley
Chapel expanded greatly in membership .22

Construction and improvement of the Chautauqua buildings and grounds
continued throughout the summer and fall of 1891 and into the spring of
1892. That spring the Baltzley brothers issued another sales publicity
brochure, entitled The Glen Echoan, Devoted to Glen Echo and the Glen

Echo Chautauqua. The brochure, among other things, described the
Chautauqua grounds and buildings:

The foot-hilis of the Blue Ridge Mountains hurry down to
Potomac at Glen Echo and there pause in high piateau
overlooking the long descent of the majestic river. Bold and
Precipitous they drop 125 feet to the murmuring edge of the
waters under the eloquent shade of giant trees and luxuriant
foliage. On it is located the Glen Echo Chautauqua.

29. Gillett to Kimball, October 12, 1891, and Clark to Kimbali, May 2,
1892, Historical Collection, Smith Memorial Library, Chautauqua
Institution.

30. Gillett to Kimball, September 7, 1891, Historical Collection, Smith
Memorial Library, Chautauqua Institution; "Local Circles," Chautauquan;
14 (December, 1891): 372; "Local Circles," Chautauguan, (January,
1892): 498, 501; "Local Circles," Chautauquan, 14 (April, 1892): 109; and
"Local Circles," Chautauguan, 14 (May, 1892): 247.

32


Dodgem motor boat type and were equipped with 3 1/2-horsepower
gasoline motors. Aside from this new feature, which cost $40,000, it was
reported that there were "new midway fun devices," a "new dandy Deebo
Whip" that had been relocated, and a "new Marble Palace Cafe."
Superintendent Joseph Hart and the park electrician had installed new
lighting effects, described as "gayly decorated lighthouses" with 10,000
lightbulbs during the winter. It was further stated:

All the attractions have been overhauled, inspected and
improved during the winter months and all are ready to give
safe amusement throughout the season. Among the features are
the "ride among the tree tops," otherwise known as a roller
coaster, the Aeroplane Swing, the sensational Pretzel Ride, a
real twister, the popular Dodgem miniature auto ride, a new
1936 model of the popular whip, redecorated Carrousel, and
refurnished shooting gallery, skeeball alley and food and
beverage units. New scenic effects have been added to the Old
Mill.

Dave McWilliams and his popular 12 piece orchestra will again
furnish dancing melodies in the magnificent Spanish ball room
every week night from 9 to 12 o'clock. Mr. McWilliams is
Planning an entertainment program in connection with these
dances that Promise to make them even more popular than in
Previous years.

The Crystal Pool, which opened on May 27, was the site of a two-day
aquatic carnival in mid-July. Ruggerio Flocco, a noted comedy stunt
diver from Philadelphia, was one of the featured performers of the
carnival. In addition, one national and two District championship events
highlighted the 21 swimming events. The foremost somersaulters of the
eastern United States competed for the men's junior national championship
of the high board and men and women from the District competed in

separate events from the 220-yard free-style championship. ’° As in

74. Washington Times, February 27, April 4, 1936; Montgomery County
Sentinel, April 16, 1936; Washington Herald, April 19, 1936; and
Washington Daily News, April 4, 11, 16, 1936; Glen Echo Park Company
Press Book, 1936.

75. Washington Post, July 19, 1936, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1936.

112


Provided iz the Bhops Building only ir thc fcrn of eval stoves, venting through
metal flues to a stone chimey ox tic stuvcs are provided with metal mats
undernesth, Smoking is permitted without restriction exce;t as apzlied to

or loyees,

Fablie rrotesttor is affords? tr: the wolurtoor firc Gopartaent of
Ciez Lee ec @ motoriget trust: ell r = Cr. all, the fire station being
loceted slout onechalf mile dister:. 5: public hydrants ona e@liroulating 10
inch main near the park arc available, The voluntecr fire departamt of the
tow: of Cabl- Joln, ultcl bes & motorised chante? and cP teuc., woult
ell c ivented abe. onc nike dieu. Wit. Gic Inet Motte: af
tio fire departiant oF te
fale crake os relicd upon te rocpond to an alarm &. tho cvamt
~ Pte Corso may be well by tolestom @ the yo Sh clio
Berus of the 20 6Te Syste of Wide! thesc a mins ef vorkcus yoiste fn hs

posbe

Sox moas-rc of private cuteide protection is afforded by a syste:
eft foc. me t. preclaos with. tive: twoemy ax five turecewy, frosty
proof privnts k,trunts supplied ty a 10 inch Bein an located at wertcus pointe
troughous the perk. Cero; hundred fect of 8), ds0l bees aud several nosslos
erc suvslicl, port of tho hose Wein, kept oz @ revl noar the Shops Iudleias.
Two of the threemmy hydrants are kept shut-off iu ecl< wosthur tut the re-
teinin, hycrants are available for fire fiphticg purposes at all tines, Com
sidering tu fict thet so fow employoes arc a. tlc proces @arin the {éle
season, the value of tiis protection is quostionsile but it would prove of
eorsiderable Gscistunos in the event of a fire ceourring during the eperatin,
season,

land fire-fighting pment, eansisting ef « ood sup; of water
pails, sent pails and stantard (Unierwriters' Laboratories Lieted 8. gelicz
eoda and acid end ene quart carbon tetreshleride ehenieal extinguishers, is
properly maintaine: and well distributed throughout the promises, During the
idic Season the extinjuishers ars consentretec in the Shope Building to prevent
their froesing, fhrec verticc) pinc comoctions in the tasaxnt of the
Swirrcine Fool iuiltinc, each 2° S:chou hb. Gizc, BFC OGlippoc With GO fect oF
hece cinl nocslees

iia Pounds ero make Galo the 463. sceso.. altuea!
Le pre.ises at all tines, Mine stations aro will «:.
that the watelman eovors ali parts of tie park,

205

a Se


On December 20, 1890, A.H. Gillett stated that the organization of the
Glen Echo Chautauqua had just been completed, thus indicating that the
organization of the assembly was finished some two months before it was
incorporated. The Gillett to Kimball correspondence of December 20,
1890, is found in the Historical Collection, Smith Memorial Library, of the

Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, New York.

A board of five trustees was established to conduct the business of the
National Chautauqua of Glen Echo. These were William T. Harris, U.S.
Commissioner of Education; Dr. A.H. Gillett, a 16-year veteran of
chautauqua work, field secretary of the Chautauqua Literary and
Scientific Circle, and superintendent of instruction of the Florida,
Piedmont, and several other chautauquas; A.S. Pratt, senior member of
A.S. Pratt & Sons and president of the board of trustees of the
Homeopathic Hospital; James B. Henderson, an attorney with the Rockville
firm of Peter & Henderson; and Edwin Baltzley. Gillett was chosen to
serve as chancellor, and headquarters were established in the Baltzley

offices in the Sun Building in Washington, p.c.3 ~

During the following months the board of trustees, under the direction of
Gillett, developed an ambitious plan for the chautauqua curriculum that
would commence at Glen Echo in June 1891. As devised, the curriculum

plan would include:

1. Amphitheatre Lecture and Entertainments. A series of
three first-class Lyceum lecture concerts or spectacular
entertainments each day for the entire session, supplemented by
the music of a splendid orchestra and reed band; vocal
selections by a large chorus and eminent soloists, readings,
etc.

2. School of the- English Bible. For Bible teachers,
Y.M.C.A. secretaries, and Bible readers.

3. Special Classes in New Testament, Greek and Hebrew.
For ministers and Bible students who may either desire to
review work done in earlier years or who may desire to begin
the study of these languages.

3. Woman's Executive Committee, National Chautauqua, pp. 2-3.

11


panoramic view passes before you of roofs, lookouts, towers,
gables, balconies, ascending and descending stairways,
buildings, and bridges, together with the inspiriting, outlying
scenery of land, foliage and water.

On the northwest, the "Tower of Babel" rises above the
background of tall trees. Two dining rooms, "The Minnehaha"
and "Sleepy Hollow," compose its two first stories, while
perched on the roof of the "Sleepy Hollow," is the
"Minnewawa," a mid-air building approached by a curious
stairway which lands you on a pretty, covered porch, with
seats on either side, before admitting you into its sacred, aerial
precincts. :

Beyond, in the west, dreaming in its solitary distance, "Canon
Eyrie," the highest story of the "Air Castle," ends the
architectural view and lets your eyes escape into the beyond to
drink in the rapture of the matchless river scene, where hill
and foliage, and the blue and misty distance, wrapping its
mantle over the shoulders of the Blue Ridge mountains, draw
round the shining waters a calm and reverent sitting.

The "Po-ka-hun-tas" dining room is on the first floor of the
northeast tower; but it is from the second story, "The
Wigwam," a more charming sylvan scene awaits us. A babbling
brook, "The Walhonding,"' comes down from the north, and seen
through the intervening trees, in the hushed light of the
foliage, tumbles in cataract and waterfall over its irregular,
rocky bed, until in an abrupt turn where the gorge deepens, it
hides itself from view more noisy than ever; and, if you would
see it as it laughs and frolics down the precipitous rocks, you
must, forsooth, go to the "Minnehaha," or "Sleepy Hollow,"
from whose restful porches you may hear many a story told in
its liquid language.

The “Air Castie!" You do not know what day-dreams,
crystallized into the real, lie in these airy words unless you go
with me where eager feet lead, from the rear right of the great
dining hall, over a bridge, the "Sagamore Way," which hears all
the tumultuous laughter of the brook, and sees glimpses of the
river sending up its shining gladness, and a rare luxuriance
and variety of treehood beauty, to that daring building which
has defied the fury of wild waters and reared itself over the
deep gorge, worn by the now quiet brook through the hard
granite; a building whose feet are planted in the rocks deep
down in the ravine, where the waters get angry, and, by
intricacy and bewildering maze of structure, risen to foundation
on a level with the high banks, where the artist has given us
the "Walhonding Bridge," to Monican Rock and the "Ramble,"
and the Observation Balcony, the "Kingfisher's Watch," from
where to watch the antics of the stream, or to be lulled to
musing by its music; a building grown into three stories above
this: the "Council Fire," the "Jung Frau," and "Canon Eyrie,"


THE 1948 SEASON / 124
THE 1949 SEASON / 125
THE 1950 SEASON / 126
THE 1951 SEASON / 127
THE 1952 SEASON / 129
THE 1953 SEASON / 129
THE 1954 SEASON / 130

SHIFT IN OWNERSHIP OF GLEN ECHO AMUSEMENT PARK TO
CONTINENTAL ENTERPRISES, INC. / 131

THE 1955 SEASON / 132

CHAPTER V
OPERATION OF GLEN ECHO AMUSEMENT PARK UNDER REKAB,
INC.: 1955-1970 / 134

1. ACQUISITION OF GLEN ECHO AMUSEMENT PARK BY REKAB, INC.
/ 134

2. AMUSEMENT PARK OPERATION BY SEASON, 1955-1968 / 135
THE 1955 SEASON / 135
THE 1956 SEASON / 135
THE 1957 SEASON / 136
THE 1958 SEASON / 136
THE 1959 SEASON / 139
THE 1960-1968 SEASONS / 141
CHAPTER VI
OPERATION OF GLEN ECHO PARK UNDER’ THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT: 1970-PRESENT / 159

1. TRANSFER OF TITLE AND ADMINISTRATION OF GLEN ECHO PARK
/ 159

2. EFFORTS OF THE SAVE THE CARROUSEL COMMITTEE / 161

3. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ASSUMES OPERATION OF GLEN ECHO
PARK / 162

RECOMMENDATIONS / 178


The 1947 Season

The 1947 season at Glen Echo Park offered "Fifty Five Features,"
including the coaster dip, airplane swing, pretzel, dodgem, and other
popular amusements. The ballroom featured the music of Jack Corry and
his orchestra. Construction of a new “Fun House" was commenced in
April, and a new thrill ride, known as the "Joyride" was introduced.

The "Joyride" was a modern version of the "sensational Pretzel "92

The 1948 Season

A new structure, known as the "fun house" or "hall of mirrors," was
completed in Glen Echo Park during the winter of 1947-48. The one-story
structure, with a block foundation and block and brick main structure,
was 204 feet in width, 50 feet in length, and 16 feet in height. The roof
was composition and concrete. The contractor and architect for the

$30,000 structure was Joseph S. Hart. 23

The features of the park for the 1948 season were described by the
Trades Unionist on April 10:

During the winter months an army of workmen have been
engaged in reconditioning and repainting the various attractions
bringing them all up to a safety code standard; also the
grounds have been resurfaced with macadam, and patrons will

92. "Strolling Thru the Park," Billboard, 59 (April 26, 1947): 84;
“Washingtonian Transit News," April 15, 1847, pp. 2-3; and Washington
Daily News, May 29, August 29, 1947; Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library. Also see Arlington Daily,
April 1, 1947, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1944-1954, Cook
Collection.

93. Application for Building Permit and Certificate of Compliance,
Montgomery County, Maryland, Permit No. 945, September 9, 1947,
Construction Codes Enforcement, Department of Environmental Protection,
Montgomery County. A new 6.6 KV and 4 KV transformer vault, along
with electrical connections, were installed in the park during 1947-48 by
the Potomac Electric Power Company. Maps and Drawings, Cook
Collection.

124


A carefully selected staff of 200 employees has undergone
extensive training in the respective duties at the various rides
and attractions to insure proper operation.

New landscape gardening and a different arrangement of the
flower beds will add to the natural beauty of the resort this
year.

The entire park, in fact, has been renovated, all of the
amusements improved and made more enjoyable and illumination
has been called upon everywhere to make the resort a great
white way of fun and frolic.

The 1930 Season

Several innovations and new attractions were introduced at Glen Echo
Park when it opened on May 10, 1930. A new Brainerd electric fountain
had been installed during the winter and among the new rides was a
larger Ferris wheel. David McWilliams' nine-piece orchestra was engaged
to furnish music in the bailroom for the 1930 and 1931 seasons. In an
effort to encourage visitation via automobile, parking charges which had
Previously been 25 cents per vehicle were reduced to 15 cents. Efforts

were also made to increase organizational use of the park for picnics ,©°

The 1931 Season

A number of new attractions were introduced at Glen Echo Park when it
opened for the season on May 9, 1931. Among the most popular
innovations was the “Dodgem," featuring front-wheel drive cars. Other
new installations included the “Aeroplane Swing, an impressive coaster,

new penny arcades and whip."

59. "Leonard Schloss Opens Famous Glen Echo," Billboard, 41 (May 25,
1929): 78.

60. "Glen Echo Opens May 10; Parking Charge Reduced," Billboard, 42
(May 3, 1930): 62.

61. "Washington Season Opens," Billboard 43 (May 23, 1931): 40.

102


Schloss then undertook the management of an amusement resort in San
Francisco known as the Chutes and Athletic Park in New Orleans before
booking the first world tour of Howard Thurston, a well-known magician.
The two partners purchased a circuit of moderate-priced vaudeville
theaters in New England. After the disastrous Iroquois Theater fire in
Chicago, however, city authorities throughout the nation demanded
extensive building remodeling in the interests of safety. Unable to
remodel their new string of theaters, the Schloss-Thurston partnership
dissolved.?

After briefly serving as generai manager of White City Amusement Park in
Syracuse, Schloss became manager of newly-established Luna Park in
Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1906, staying there until 1911 when he
undertook the job of general manager of Glen Echo Amusement Park. For
a brief period in the summer of 1906 Schloss, as has already been
mentioned, took over management of Luna Park in Alexandria, Virginia,
and Luna Park in Pittsburgh. The success of Schloss at Scranton was a°
harbinger of his activities at Glen Echo. [In May 1908 Billboard printed
an article describing the Luna Park attractions:

Luna Park, Scranton, Pennsylvania, opens its third season on
Monday, May 25. During the winter the park has been
Practically rebuilt and opens up with a brand new array of
shows, nothing remains, but the rides. Among the new
attractions will be Thurston's Hindu Theatre, Thurston's new
illusion show, the maid of mystery, Camp's new show, storage
hands of Barbadu, Hale's tours, Molly Coddle, Social Whirl,
Home Sweet Home, etc. The park this season will be under the
management of Len B. Schloss, who was the first manager of
the park and who was called to rescue the direction of its
affairs the latter part of last season [1906]. Arthur J. Keller,
press agent at the Orpheum in Boston during the "vaudeville"
war and later identified with the Poli Circuit in New England,

3. Washington Herald, August 9, 1936, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1936, and Washington Times, August 24, 1936, and unidentified
newspaper clipping, February 9, 1954, in Simon and Evelyn Ejichberg
Collection, Washington, D.C. The Eichberg Collection includes several
interesting photographs of Schloss at Glen Echo Park.

61


a a Te

Gives Absolute Safety.

So far as safety goes, the Derby Racer is as safe as
human ingenuity and the best and heaviest material can make.
The system of construcion is such that cars cannot leave the
track. It is so safe for passengers that it does not even
require an attendant on the cars. The man at the loading
platform can stop every car on the structure by turning a
simple lever at his hand. The cars are equipped with automatic
safety brakes that are put on to keep them from colliding.

Distinguished scientists like Prof. Hugo Munsterburg, of
Harvard University, have placed themselves on record as
heartily indorsing a device of this kind. Or. Munsterburg calls
it a mental bathing pool where constant swimming through new
and absorbing sensations cleans the sweat of worry from the
mind and leaves the subject with that wholesome attitude that
comes of complete enjoyment.

Washington Times, May 20, 1916, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,
1914-1916, Cook Collection.

199


“1681 ‘enbowsnria usa uta so wed “21

16

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:

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Map


2. AMUSEMENT PARK OPERATION BY SEASON, 1955-1968
The 1955 Season

The deed conveying Glen Echo Park to Rekab, Inc., specifically reserved
the right of the Capital Transit Company to operate its streetcars and
maintain its tracks at Glen Echo. At the time of the sale a Capital
Transit spokesman indicated that nothing was "contemplated about

abandoning the streetcar line to Glen Echo. "3

A Capital Transit strike in July had a major impact on Glen Echo
attendance. The number of visitors was reported as being at least 20
percent below normal. On the July 4 weekend, for instance, some 50,000
persons had been expected, but only 40,000 had turned out by car. The
park's ten acres of free parking were jammed every day during the
strike, and the street car tracks were used to accommodate the overflow

of cars.4

The 1956 Season

On September 16, one week after the 1956 season at Glen Echo Park
ended, the former Chautauqua amphitheater, which had been condemned
as the amusement park's midway in 1949, was burned to make way for a
300-car extension to the parking lot. The blaze was set by the Glen
Echo Volunteer Fire Department and Emmanuel Baker, co-owner of the
park, with a crowd of 500 persons watching the spectacular flames that
shot some 100 feet into the air. The heat damaged a nearby stand of
sycamores and poplars but was kept under control by the Glen Echo,

3. Washington Evening Star, June 19, 1955, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

4. Ibid., June 19, 1955, and Washington Post, July 12, 1955, Vertical
Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

135


=—e——r—err So. eo

Cohen, Roger S., Jr. "The Glen Echo - Cabin John Area." The
Montgomery County Story, 7 (August, 1964): 4.

4
"Evolution of Our Industry." Billboard, 43 (January 24, 1931): 54, and

(January 31,_1931): 64-65.

Fowler, Charles B. "Glen Echo: Chautauqua 1974 Style." National
Parks & Conservation Magazine, 48 (September, 1974): 20-24.

Fradin, Morris. "Washington's 'Rhine'?" American Forests, 73 (May,
1967): 22-25, 40-41.

Fried, Frederick. “Last Ride for Carrousel Figures?" Historic
Preservation, 29 (July-September, 1977): 22-27.

"G. Price Named Glen Echo Mgr." Billboard, 57 (April 8, 1950): 126.

"Glen Echo Beats Weather to Top All Past Marks." Billboard 55 (May 1,
1943): 40.

"Glen Echo Displays New Administration Building." Billboard, 52 (April
20, 1940): 38.

"Glen Echo Features New Satellite Jet." Billboard, 71 (April 20, 1959):
87.

"Glen Echo Opens May 10; Parking Charge Reduced." Billboard, 42 (May
3, 1930): 62.

"Glen Echo Skeds Big Name Talent." Billboard, 64 (June 28, 1952): 74.

"Glen Echo, The National Chautauqua--One of the Most Beautiful Spots On
the Upper Potomac--A Noble Enterprise in Which Scholars, Students
and Investors will All be Interested." Frank Leslie's Illustrated
Newspaper, June 27, 1891.

231


on Magruder and Beall Honesty,’ part of 'Fletchall's Garden,‘ and a part
of 'Magruder and Beaill's Honesty,' designated as Lots No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, and 7 in the division of the farm of the said William Reading and
containing in the aggregate 516 acres, 1 rood and 26 Perches of Land
more or less." This property, which the Baltzleys named Glen Echo on
the Potomac, generally extended from Cabin John Creek eastward to the
present Walhonding Road area overlooking Sycamore Island.?

Early: in 1890 Edwin Baltzley wrote an extensive illustrative brochure
entitled Glen-Echo-on-the-Potomac: The Washington Rhine to both
Promote business for the cafe resort he and his brother Edward had built

on their property and land sales for the realty company they operated out
of the Sun Building in Washington, D.C. In the brochure which was
printed in 1891, Baltzley acclaimed the scenic beauty and "romantic"
character of the property as well as the advantages of its accessibility to
the nation's capital. He noted that the Glen Echo subdivision combined
"the beauties of mountain and river scenery, the charm of a mild climate,
and the blessing of perfect health." He described the setting of
Glen-Echo-on-the-Potomac in overly romanticized terms as being

situated four and one-half miles from Washington, on the
Conduit Road, “high up on the foothills of the Blue Ridge
Mountains, which here come down to form majestic bluffs
overlooking the river.

3. Deed, William and Sarah H. Reading to Edward Baltzley, July 7,
1888, and Mortgage, Edward and Laura A. Baltzley to William Reading,
July 7, 1888, Montgomery County Deed Books, JA 11, Folios 70-82, and
JA 10, Folios 210-13. Montgomery County land records are on file at the
Montgomery County Judicial Center in Rockville, Maryland. An abstract
of title appended to the deed of conveyance indicates that there were 47
separate transactions involving this property between 1794 and 1888.
Among the prominent persons and institutions who owned all or portions
of the property during that period were Alexander Hamilton, first
Secretary of the Treasury, and the Bank of the United States which
acquired interest in the property in 1823 because the previous owner
owed $8,120 to the bank. William Reading first purchased property in the
area in 1852. The Reading house and nearby "slave quarters" are still
located on Wellesley Circle in Glen Echo.


A record 25,000 persons visited Glen Echo on opening day, drawn in part
by the appearance of local television personality Bill N. Johnson. Later
in the month the Howdy Doody television show gang appeared for seven

weekend performances. 08

108. "Record Opener Is Marked Up by Glen Echo," Billboard, 67
(April 16, 1955): 56.

133


was one of a series of Sunday evening dances held in the ballroom that

2
summer.

In February 1984 the National Park Service prepared a Management and
Facilities Plan for Glen Echo Park. Among other topics the plan
described the cultural resources and identified immediate/long range
objectives and action plans for development and management of the park.
Relative to the description of the park's cultural resources, the plan

stated:

Virtually all of the useable land in Glen Echo has been modified
by construction between 1890 and 1983. Public buildings,
private homes, park areas, amusement rides, walkways, fences
and a trolley line were all built within the park boundaries at
various times. Construction has had a drastic effect on the
prehistoric landscape, and this has been’ taken _ into
consideration in the assessment of the archeological potential for
the park. Historic archeological sites, on the other hand, had
been created with the construction of the Chautauqua in 1891.

Few structures of the Chautauqua era are now present. One
stone tower (three story) exists and is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places nominated for its architecture and
the Chautauqua era. The back stone wall of the store arcade
which faces MacArthur Boulevard was incorporated into a frame
house, presently occupied by two cooperators. The first story
of the caretaker's house, which was built at the end of
Minnehaha Creek, still stands. The second story was removed
and a brick chimney was added to the north side of the
building when it was adapted to serve as a furnace building.
Finally, a portion of the Hall of Philosophy can be seen on the
hill which slopes down from Glen Echo to the roadway.

Several buildings from the amusement park era remain. The
Dentzel Carousel (1921) is substantially intact and is fisted on
the National Register of Historic Places for its fine example of
carousel art, and remaining intact on its original installation
site.

Several other buildings from the amusement park era remain
although they have been altered. These buildings have been

20. Montgomery Sentinel, July 28, 1983, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Montgomery County Historical Society, Rockville, Maryland.

176

®@ , en 2


rapidly forward. Work has been commenced on Dr. Gillett's
Pretty cottage, and other building is being done. :

The demand for Chautauqua lots continues to increase, and
many applications are coming in from a distance, and when
Washington appreciates what is going on, there will be a
suburban village up there qgong the Potomac hills, and the
post-office will be Glen Echo.

One week tater, on May 19, the Washington Post published an editorial on
the progress of the construction and the plans for the summer assembly
at Glen Echo. The editorial stated:

The great buildings of the National Chautauqua Association at
Glen Echo are rapidly approaching completion, while all the
minor appointments and details necessary to the perfection of
its plans are in an advanced stage of progress. Nine hundred
men or more--masons, carpenters, machinists, artisans, and
laborers--are at work upon the grounds. it is one of the
busiest places in America, developing as if by magic into
architectural symmetry and beauty.

The Hall of Philosophy already presents an inspiring and
impressive appearance. The Amphitheatre fairly overpowers the
beholder with its immense proportions, and an event of
memorable interest in the history of its construction will be the
Jaying of the cornerstone tomorrow afternoon of the arch which
is to surmount its grand portal. In every direction are
evidences that the founders and builders of this noble
institution have not only conceived a grand thought, but are
sparing neither endeavor nor outlay to achieve its successful
evolution.

It is now assured that everything will be in readiness for the
opening on the 16th of June; and that with the opening will be
inaugurated a programme of lectures, literary exercises,
philosophical and scientific instruction, musical and other
entertainments, even more elaborate than already announced.

Much of the best talent of the country is already enlisted in the
various departments, and the most sanguine estimates of
attendance, from present indications, are likely to be more than
realized.

By that time also ample facilities of communication with the
grounds will be completed, and every accommodation for the

12.

Washington Post, May 12, 1891.

21


eT

BLICS/ SQ vommen*

DE cad

ONVIAYYW ODI NITD

NAVA LNIWISNWY |
OHIF NITD
S317 Des wIHLO


RECOMMENDATIONS

It is the opinion of the author that this study provides the bulk of the
readily available basic historical research data on Glen Echo Park and its
structures. {t is recommended, however, that an oral history project be
initiated by the park to tape record interviews with Washington-area

residents who have had past associations with the park.

178

, en Fa


stationary and moving targets, and what the management claims
to be the finest soda fountain aed refreshment parlor in any
amusement park of that country.

The 1920 Season

The 1920 season at Glen Echo, which opened on May 15, featured two new
attractions. These were "The Old Mill" ride, and “Hilarity Hall," a name
given to the old midway that had been modernized with eight new fun
devices. The midway, which had been operated by Thomas J. Mulligan as
a concession since 1911, was modernized by the C.C.C. Company. "The
Old Mill," constructed by Lauterback and Russell and operated as a
concession by O.M. Mullineoux, was a scenic water ride in which water,
Propelled by a wheel, wound through dark passageways and a dozen
scene sheds, artistically presenting views of various countries.
Six-passenger boats carried people through the winding waterways. The
ride was designed by John Miller and constructed under the direction of
General Manager Schloss at a cost of $40,000. In addition to these two
new attractions, the park continued operation of five big rides: derby

racer, gravity railway, whip, carousel, and firefly 47

The 1921 Season

The 1921 season at. Glen Echo, which opened on May 14 with a crowd of
some seventeen thousand persons in attendance, featured three new major
attractions as well as a thoroughly rehabilitated park. The Montgomery
Press of May 6, 1921, stated:

46. Washington Times, May 11, 1919, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1917-1923, Cook Collection. Also see Washington Post, May 11,
1919, and Washington Heraid, May 11, 1919, Ibid.

47. Montgomery Advocate, May 14, 1920; Washington Evening Star,
May 17, 1920; Washington Times, May 16, 1920; and Washington Herald,
May 16, 1920; Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1917-1923, Cook
Collection. Also see Glen Echo Park Company Cash Book, 1920-1926,
Cook Collection.

90


share basis. That same day Glen Echo Park was formally conveyed to

Continental by deed. 105

The 1955 Season

The 1955 season at Glen Echo led off with a well-advertised "preview
party" on April 1, the night before the official opening of the park.
Mailings were sent out that consisted of a large printed card in "a
regular stamped No. 8 groceries bag." Printed on the bag was the
phrase, "Let the Cat Out of the Bag... ." The card carried a cat
silhouette plus party information and references to the park attractions.
Among the new features of the park to be previewed were a "giant ferris
wheel," "Mighty Casey, Our Baseball Playing Chicken," and a "Laff in
the Dark" ride, 18

The ferris wheel was billed as was "one of the world's largest Ferris
Wheels." The park management offered a season pass to anyone
producing reasonable evidence that he rode the first Ferris wheel

displayed at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 193, 107

105. Washington Evening Star, May 30, 1954, and Washington Post,
June 18, 1955, Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK
Library, and John W. Boettjer, "Street Railways in the District of
Columbia" (unpublished M.A. thesis, George Washington University,
1960), pp. 162-63. The two tracts of land were sold for some $500,000 in
1954. A copy of the deed conveying the park to Continential Enterprises
may be seen in Appendix L. In 1954 a revised Montgomery County
zoning code was adopted, and the amusement park was reclassified C-2,
General Commercial, a cateogry permitting "carnival, fair or circus" use.

106. “Glen Echo's Mailer Lets Cat From Bag," Billboard, 67 (April 9,
1955): 96, and brochure for preview party, Abram Baker Collection,
Clementon, New Jersey.

107. Washington Evening Star, March 27, 1955, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

132


Schloss. Among the new attractions was the showing of Hearst-Selig
Weeklies in the open-air motion picture theater on Monday and Thursday
evenings. A skee-ball game operation was introduced, and various new
attractions were installed in the midway. The Charles Q. Mills orchestra
was employed to perform in the dance pavilion, and Sunday concerts were

Provided by the Soldiers' Home Military Band.?/

The 1916 Season

The 1916 season, which began on May 20, witnessed the installation of the
“Derby Racer," a ride that ran "from near the dance pavilion across the
great ravine to the corner of the old Clara Barton homestead. ... a
distance of more than 3,000 feet." The ride, advertised as "the very last
word in amusement devices," carried two trains of three cars each over
some 29,081 feet of track, the power provided by a 100-horsepower
motor. With the highest point of the structure seventy feet high, the
eight dips, one of them sixty feet in depth, supplied a "multitude of
thrills as the speed of the cars' increased." The racer was built by local
union labor under the direction of its designer, John Miller, assisted by
Frank Finlon, the park superintendent. The ride, which cost $50,000,
replaced the gyroplane ride. £.J. Lauterback, representing the Glen
Echo Derby Racer Company, personally supervised the ride's construction

and would operate the ride under a concession contract with the park.3°

While the "Derby Racer" was the main new feature at Glen Echo, local

newspapers advised Washingtonians that, with the exception of the

37. Washington Herald, May 2, 16, 29, 1915; Washington Post, May 16,
20, 1915; Washington Times, May 16, 1915; and Washington Star, May 11,
1915; Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1914-1916, Cook Collection.

38. Washington Herald, May 14, 1916; Washington Post, May 14, 1916;
and Washington Times, May 14, 1916; Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1914-1916, Cook Collection; and "Park News," Billboard 28
(May 27, 1916): 32. Further data on the operation of the "Derby Racer"
may be found in an article in the Washington Times, May 20, 1916, a copy
of which may be seen in Appendix H.

83


of way Washington verorial Perk
survey of the ational Capital Planning Commission
105.312-5S0; thence following said National Capital Planning Commission sur—
vey South Forty-three degrees, thirty-one mimtes, seven seconds (13° 31* 7m)
East One hundred forty-six and forty hundredths (146.10) feet to a pipe; thence
North Eighty-two degrees, thirteen minutes, two seconds (82° 13! 2") East

Eighty-one and ninety-four hundredths (81.94) feet to a pipe; thence South

Forty-three degrees, thirty-one minutes, seven seconds (43° 31" 7") East one
hundred forty-one and thirty-two hundredths (141.32) feet to a pipe; thence
South Twelve ecs ty minutes, thirty-three seconds (12° Sot 33")
One hundred trenty-threa and e five hundredths (122,€5) feet to a pipe;
thence South Seventeen decrees, twenty-nine minutes, sixteen seco

East Seventy and fourteen hundredths (71.14) feet to a nipe; thence South

ty-three decrees, thirty-one minutes, seven seconds (43° 31' 7") fast
‘y and sixteen humdrecths (30.16) feet to a vine;

seven deer ten minutes, twenty-three seconds (77°

one and e:

xty-eight and sixty
2-11, the point of berinning, containing

(16,071) acres. or less.

PARCEL No, 2. Lots numbered One (1}, Two (2), Three (3), Four (4) an
Five (5) in PF

Chatagua of

1 excerting to the crantor, and

time the maintenance

rthor equipment se

211



a a

APPENDIX C
DECLARATION OF TRUST

May 20, 1891

We, the undersigned trustees of the National Chautauqua
of Glen Echo, recognizing our duty to the public and ourselves
and the enterprise we represent, do hereby make the following
declaration of purpose and method.

First--To hold the realty, estate, and equipment now in
our hands, together with whatever funds, donations, and
contributions we may receive from any source whatever, as a
sacred trust, to be administered in the interest of education for
all the people.

Second--That the method shall be that generally known as
the Chautauqua method, now in practical and successful
operation in so many places, and especially at Chautauqua,
Chautauqua County, N.Y.

Third--To make Glen Echo a center for the Chautauqua
Literary and Scientific Circle and to do everything possible to
extend the influence and usefulness of this admirable system of
home study.

Fourth--To adopt and make an essential feature of our
work the principle and method of university extension--by
arranging for courses of lectures by specialists in history,
science, philosophy, art, literature, and other branches of
knowledge, and by organizing a system of study clubs as
centers and furnishing these with lectures for the continuation
at home of the work begun at the summer session of the
assembly.

Fifth--To establish a system of summer schools in which
actual class work shall be done by the best men and women to
be had from the universities along such lines of college and
university work as there may be demand for. The purpose of
this work shall be considered two-fold--to supplement regular
schools and college work by extending the limit of it when
possible, and by fixing more accurately in the mind, by clear
vision and careful review, facts acquired elsewhere, and to
afford to students the best possible method for the study of the
laws of teaching in the study of the living teacher.

Sixth--To project the opportunities of this summer school
through the year by means of a system of correspondence, so
that men and women who have tong since abandoned the hope of
completing a college course may yet be able to do so at their
own homes by taking a longer time and mastering the difficulty
of succeeding in such work without the aid of a living teacher.

Seventh--Recognizing fully our obligation and that of all
similar institutions to Chancellor John H. Vincent, LL. D.,
Hon. Lewis Miller, and Chautauqua, for the ideas on which our
plan is founded and many of the methods used, we shal! modify
or change them or adopt from other sources whatever may seem
best adapted to our purpose.

185


The Conduit Road is the protecting, macadam roof over the
Washington Aqueduct, through which the city receives its water
supply from the Great Falls, a distance of sixteen miles. It
follows the banks of the river and is a grand boulevard
throughout its entire length. Owned by the Government, for
the protection of the Conduit, it is always kept in scrupulous
repair. Two and one-half miles of it passes through Glen-Echo,
cut out of the mountain sides, and at a point where the tall
hills, the river and the road come together in happy
conjunction to make one of the most picturesque and inspiring
drives in the country.

The Glen-Echo Railroad reaches the city by the way of
Tenallytown .

And high on the highlands, where munificent Nature has made
one of her supreme efforts to be grand and lovely, Glen-Echo,
the future Bingen and Bride of the Potomac, reclines on glen
and promontory, overlooking the sun-kissed river, which, for
the first time since washing the feet of the cities on the way,
sweeps into view and comes smiling close up to the foot of the
highlands of Glen-Echo, and sings along their entire length,
peeping upward through the trees and saying such glad things
as only those can hear who know the language of the water and
the wood. Here the Conduit Road, which crests the heights,
becomes a winding boulevard unger a colonnade of native trees
and untrained shrubbery ... .

Baltzley devoted a considerable portion of the brochure to a description
of Pa-taw-o-meck, the elaborate and rustic five-story Glen Echo Cafe that
the brothers built using lumber from some 30,000 cedar trees cut in the
adjacent forest. Construction of the cafe commenced on February 1,
1895, and it opened for business on July 25, as the centerpiece attraction
of the Baltzley resort and subdivision. The cafe, covering nearly a
half-acre of ground, was estimated to have cost between $85,000 and
$130,000. It was reached by means of Tally-ho coaches, horse-drawn
conveyances that seated twelve people on top and six people inside, that
ran from downtown Washington directly to the cafe. Baltzley described
the scene that greeted visitors as they arrived at the cafe and the
impressive pavilions, pathways, balconies, lofts, and dining areas of the
cafe where the brothers could entertain their prospective clients:

4. Glen-Echo-on-the-Potomac: The Washington Rhine, {1891],
introduction and pp. 3-5.



thrown when rounding a curve. He suffered a shattered collar bone and
compound fractures of the skull, one arm and wrist, and two ribs. He

was taken unconscious to Georgetown University Hospital where he died

the next morning. “>

The 1919 Season

The 1919 season, billed as a "Glorious Galaxy of Gorgeous Gleeful
Gayety," began at Glen Echo on May 19. The park, according to the
Washington Times of May 17, 1919, featured:

Buildings and amusement devices all wearing new dresses of
Paint, graveled walks, blooming flower beds and a wealth of
great shade trees and green grass all help to make the park
one of the beauty spots of the Capital, and at night its myriad
of electric lights make it almost a fairyland.

During the winter a number of improvements have been wrought
in the old favorites that last summer amused so many thousands
and gave the war workers so many hours of enjoyment. This
year patrons will find fresh thrills in the derby racer and
gravity railway, a new "snap" to the whip, and additional fun
in the many devices that will make the midway again the
gathering place for kiddies and grown-ups as well.

For the dancers the huge open pavilion with its perfect floor,
multi-colored lights and attractive decorations will offer every
inducement and the ever-popular Charles Mills will preside over
the big orchestra that will play nightly.

For the kiddies, in addition to the playgrounds and the midway
with its host of joy providers the carrousel, freshly decorated
and with a number of mechanical improvements and brand new
music, is ready to start, and the boating and canoeing, the doll
racks, Japanese ball game and_ other regulation smaller
amusements are all in readiness for opening on Saturday.

Among the features that will be new to the old patrons of Glen
Echo will be an up-to-date rifle range equipped with the latest

45. Washington Evening Star, June 24, 1918; Washington Times, June 24,
25, 1918; and Washington Post, June 25, 1918; Glen Echo Park Company
Press Book, 1917-1923, Cook Collection.

89


APPENDIXES
179


The 1922 Season

A variety of innovations and new attractions were on display when Glen
Echo Park, described in Billboard as the "biggest outdoor attraction
around Washington," opened its 1922 season on May 13. The big coaster
dip was enlarged and made 1,000 feet longer and "much speedier." By
adding "two big ‘dips' with an 85-foot drop, and smaller ones in
proportion to the grade," the three cars travelled over a course nearly
4,000 feet in length. The modified structure had passed a safety
inspection by the United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company.

A new $4,000 organ constructed by the Berni Organ Company was
installed in connection with the carousel. The "Rocking Pigs" had been
installed in the midway, and “The Whip," "Derby," "Old Mill," and lesser
attractions had been renovated and improved. Refreshment stands were
under the operation of new managers, and more than 500 tons of limestone

screening had been used to restore the park walkways.°°

In June 1922 two separate accidents on the coaster dip resulted in the
death of a Baltimore resident and a broken leg for a Rosslyn, Virginia,
man. John Chase, a 27-year-old Baltimore resident, stood up in the
speeding coaster as it took a 30-degree decline. Thrown from the car,
he was dragged some 260 feet before the weight of his body stopped the
coaster just as it approached a sharp curve. He was rushed unconscious
to Georgetown University Hospital in a sheriff's automobile, but died
several days later. The string of accidents on the coaster dips prompted
park officials to point out that regulations were printed on the cars as

well as the structure warning passengers to stay seated.>!

50. "Parks, Piers and Beaches," Billboard, 34 (May 27, 1922): 68, and
Washington Post, April 30, May 7, 14, 16, 1922, Glen Echo Park Company
Press Book, 1917-1923, Cook Collection. A copy of the Glen Echo Park
advertisement appearing in the Washington Post of May 7, 1922, may be
seen on the following page.

51. Washington Times, June 27, 30, 1922, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1917-1923, Cook Collection.

94


to r@ cerroration,

land recorded in Liber 1922 at fclio 2 of ths Land Reon
Maryland. a

TOGETHER “ITH the rights granted to Continental Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware

Corporation, to fo upon and use the land situated on the Southwesterly boundary of

Parcel ‘io. 1

for the purposes of maintaining, reconstructing or renoving bull

by Agreement dated July 29th, 1954, and recorded in Liter 1953, at folio 74, one

the Land Recoras of Yontgomery County,

CT Te rved by tl tal Transit Connary ( a D.C
Corporation) to continua the ~aintenance of its railway
set forth in its Deed dated Avril 1, 1 and recorded 4
the Land Records of sa
The croner

easo-onts of Potorac

=D the said pa

Continental Enterprises, Inc. to Rekab, Inc., June 17, 1955;

Montgomery County Deed Book 2072, Folios 448-51.

215


a i a ie

STONE QUARRIES.

The stone quarries of Glen Echo are remarkable for variety
and beauty of stone. Nine of them have already been opened,
and every one different. Its granite quarry lies in the famous
Piedmont belt, and furnishes a stone superior in quality and
beauty to that used in the State Department. This one lies
immediately on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, midway between
the eastern and western ends of Glen Echo. The white and
pink granite of another quarry is regarded by T. P. Chandler,
the architect, as one of the most beautiful of all building
stones. The Church of the Covenant of Washington, and the
Presbyterian Church, corner of 37th and Chestnut Streets,
Philadelphia, are built of it. [tn addition to these there are
various shades of blue, green, and gray.

BUILDING MATERIALS.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal affords cheap
transportation for all building material, coal, etc. Lime, coal,
the red sand stone of Seneca, cement, etc., can be delivered
here cheaper than’ in Washington. The yards of the
Consolidated Quarry Co., on the Canal, are centrally located in
Glen Echo, where all these things can be purchased.

THE GLEN ECHO PARK.

This beautiful park has been reserved for the benefit of
the Glen Echo public. Improvements are being constantly made
in it. It is proposed to re-erect the Glen Echo Cafe. Some
charming pavilions have already been made. "The Ramble," on
the high bluffs, overlooking the Potomac, leading to the
Chautauqua is completed. A fleet of row boats has been
provided, together with some steam launches to ply between the
various points of interest on the beautiful water front.

THE POWER HOUSE.

The power house is an immense granite building, erected
at great cost, to provide for a large population. It is fire
proof. This building, together with all the residences and
every other improvement made in Glen Echo, rivals the famous
buildings of foreign lands, and defines the purpose to build
Glen Echo, not for a day, but for all time.

THE GLEN ECHO RAILROAD.

The Glen Echo Railroad is a double track, electric road,
with a heavy T rail, and traverses a beautiful country. A ride
on it is a veritable pleasure trip. Its cars are sumptuous and
elegant inside, and yellow, silver and gold outside. Gilding in
and out among the green trees, they present a pleasing
picture.

193


John A. Roebling's Sons

Acker & Co., 28 canal boundary stones along Chautauqua
Bridges & Presgraves

H & Wood

TENT BUILDINGS $10,852.49
J. Edward Libbey, lumber
Mo. Tent & Awning Co., 49 wall tents (14 x 20) a and loan 7
tents

GLEN ECHO CAFE
W. T. and F. B. Weaver

RESERVOIR
H. W. Blunt, cement
J. Mc L. Dodson
Beekham & Middleton, tock and gate

FIRE INSURANCE
Northwestern National Insurance Company, Washington,
D.C.

ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT $26,402.95
S. & Hurley
Reilly
William E. Dewitt
N. A. Cen Co.
w. F. DoeW&M

RAILROAD POWERHOUSE $3,848.59
Clark Bros.
J. Edward Libbey
George Killeen
McGill, cement
S. Brown, bridge timber
Ww. F. Hewitt
Edward L. Dent
Pettit & Dripps
Bridges & Presgraves
Retter & Conly
Reilly
Offutt, oil
Jackson
Pollock
J.C. Taylor
Weaver
Mayfield & Haston

Cash Book, National Chautauqua of Glen Echo, [1890-98]; Journal,
National Chautauqua of Glen Echo, 1891-1893; Ledger, National
Chautauqua of Glen Echo, 1891-1892; and Ledger, 1890-1891; Cook
Collection.

184


‘years. Purity is the first consideration in preparing the
thousands of frankfurters, sandwiches and doughnuts consumed
every week by park patrons.

Major Andy's (Reuben N. Anderson) popcorn, confections,
roasted peanuts, salt water taffy and candied apples are also
prepared with the care and skill that have made them justly
famous. A mill is part of Andy's equipment at the popcorn
stand, where the more than two-year-old corn is carefully
shucked and cleaned before entering the modern electric
popper.

Another important department is that of Adjutant Harmon
Brown, park horticulturist. It is due to his skill and attention
that Glen Echo is alway beautified with appropriate shrubs and
flowers.

Upon the uniformed guards devolves one of the most
important assignments at Glen Echo, for they must and do
Preserve good order. When one remembers that the average
attendance at Glen Echo is approximately 700,000 persons each
summer, the task of the guards is no light one.

In addition to the regular police force headed by Chief
Dan Collins and Privates Murphy, Soper, Day, Howard, Sullivan
and Perry, a special contingent of "plain clothes men" patrol
the park, thus insuring protection and order at all times.

Two departments that demand the utmost in efficiency at
Glen Echo are the Midway of Fun, with 28 devices, in charge of
Captain Tom Muiligan, veteran showman, and the penny-arcade,
supervised by Major Steve Maroney, who controls 98 different
amusements.

The lost and found department at Glen Echo, in charge of
Major Bob English, offers some strange situations. Lost
children, of course, are always promptly returned to their
mamas. Certain patrons lose hats, purses, key-rings, watches,
wallets, handbags and other valuables. More than 90 per cent
of the articles lost at Glen Echo are found and eventually
reclaimed by their owners. The remaining 10 per cent of
unclaimed articies are sent at the end of the season to various
charitable organizations.

Captain Clyde McDaniel is in command of his aides at the
new three-acre parking lot at Glen Echo, and they are
personally responsible for the parking of 800 cars every
afternoon and night.

Many of the smaller amusement features operated
throughout the park likewise require particular specialized
supervision, such as the buying of merchandise for the skill
stands. This is done by jovial Lieutenant Billy Farrell. Even
the skee-ball alleys must be inspected every morning by Second
Lieutenant Joseph Nastiff for any defects that may have
occurred to the score recording automatic register from play the
Previous night.

The ticket sellers' brigade and the cashiers' battalion,
composed of 27 girls selected for their courtesy and efficiency,
is another important detail at Glen Echo. All ticket sellers and

110


le conveying the Glen Echo property to the Washington Railway and Electric
Company read:

THIS DEED, made this fourteenth day of March, in the year
nineteen hundred and eleven, by Jennie Miles Hepburn and
Frederick Hepburn, her husband, of Jersey City in the State of
New Jersey; the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo, a
corporation of the State of West Virginia, and Edith M. Baitzley
and Edwin Baltzley, her husband, now temporarily residing in
the City of Newark, in the State of New Jersey; the said
National Chautauqua of Glen Echo join in herein for the purpose
of curing certain defects in two certain deeds to Mary E.
Kammerer dated, respectively, the twenty seventh day of April
in the year eighteen hundred and ninety three, and the
nineteenth day of April in the year eighteen hundred and
ninety five, and recorded respectively, in Libers J.A.-No. 38,
folio 140, and J. A. No. 49, folio 111, two of the Land Records
of Montgomery County, in the State of Maryland, and of
conveying all of its interest in the hereinafter described land
and premises unto the grantee herein; and the said Edith M.
Baitzley and Edwin Baltziey joining herein for the purpose of
curing certain defects in a deed to the said Jennie Miles
Hepburn dated the eighteenth day of October, in the year
nineteen hundred and nine and of record in Liber No. 210, folio
65, one of the Land Records of said Montgomery County, in the
e State of Maryland, and of conveying all of their interest in the
hereinafter described land and premises unto the grantee
herein; and the said Edith M. Baltzley and Edwin Baltzley
joining herein for the purpose of curing certain defects in a
deed to the said Jennie Miles Hepburn dated the eighteenth day
of October, in the year nineteen hundred and nine and of
record in Liber No. 210, folio 65, one of the Land Records of
said Montgomery county, in the State of Maryland, and of
conveying all of their interest in the hereinafter described land
and premises unto the grantee herein;
WITNESSETH, that for and in consideration of the premises and
of the further consideration of the sum of ten dollars, cash in
hand paid, we, the said Jennie Miles Hepburn, Frederick
Hepburn, her husband, the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo,
and Edith M. Baitzley and Edwin Baltzley, her husband, do
grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the Washington Railway
and Electric Company, a corporation duly incorporated, its
successors and assigns, all of those several lots, pieces or
Parceis of land situate, lying and being in said Montgomery
County, in the State of Maryland, known and distinguished as
and being all of lots numbered one (1), two (2), three (3),
four (4), five (5), six (6), seven (7), eight (8), nine (9), ten
(10), eleven (11), and twelve (12), in Block Numbered two (2);
all of lots numbered thirteen (13), fourteen (14), fifteen (15),
sixteen (16), seventeen (17), eighteen (18), nineteen (19),
t ) twenty (20), twenty-one (21), twenty-two (22), twenty-three
(23), twenty-four (24), twenty-five (25), and twenty-six (26)

57


"Parks, Piers and Beaches." Billboard, 36 (May 17, 1924): 81.

"Parks, Pleasure Resorts, Summer Gardens." Billboard, 11 (May 1,
1899): 21.

Raymer, Patricia. "Glen Echo." Washingtonian, 10 (July, 1975):
162-65.

“Record Opener is Marked Up by Glen Echo." Billboard, 67 (April 16,
1955): 56. .

Ross, Wendy M. "The Children's Experimental Workshop." Parks &
Recreation, 10 (September, 1975): 26-31, 60-61.

"Schloss Adds More Rides At Glen Echo." Billboard, 61 (April 9, 1949):
117.

Simpson, Jeffrey. "Utopia by the Lake." American Heritage, 23
(August, 1972): 76-88.

Slosson, Edwin —. “The Amusement Business." Independent, 57 (July
21, 1904): 134-39.

"Sprucing and Growth Enhance Glen Echo." Billboard, 70 (April 7,
1958): 96.

"Strolling Thru the Park." Billboard, 59 (April 26, 1947): 84.
"Talent on the Road." Billboard, 72 (May 30, 1960): 57.

"The Assembly Calendar: Season of 1893." Chautauquan, 17 (June,
1893); 337.

“The Summer Assemblies for 1891." Chautauquan, 13 (September, 1891):
796-97.

234

ee ee a Se


8. AMUSEMENT PARK OPERATION BY SEASON, 1911-1954

The 1911 Season

Under the ieadership of General Manager Schloss, the moribund Glen Echo
Amusement Park was refurbished and revitalized during March and April
1911. On May 17, ten days before the park opened for the season, the
Washington Evening Star reported:

When the finishing touches to the extensive improvements now
under way have been made Glen Echo Park will present an
attractive appearance to iocal amusement seekers at its normal
opening for the season the afternoon of Saturday, May 27. By
the addition of several new amusement devices, none of which
has ever been exhibited in this vicinity before, the number of
features at Glen Echo Park this season will total fifty. An
ornate new dancing pavilion with over 10,000 square feet of
polished maple floor area has been supplied, as well as a new
marine toboggan, restaurant and cafe, and a new midway, in
which ten funmaking devices have been installed.

For the first time in its history admission to Glen Echo Park
will be free this season.

In the Washington area Sunday newspapers on May 21 more details were
Provided about the new attractions at Glen Echo Amusement Park. The
park was advertised as the "ideal family resort of Washington" which had
been rebuilt at a cost of $30,000. The Washington Herald, for instance,
printed the following articie:

With the opening next Saturday afternoon of Glen Echo Park,
which, under its new management of local business men, has
been practically rebuilt in the past few months, Washington's
summer outdoor amusement season will be in full swing. So
thorough are the improvements completed at Glen Echo Park
that this resort, brilliant in a new attire of many hues, will be
hardly recognizable to its former patrons who will find there

6. Washington Evening Star, May 17, 1911. The former Chautauqua
amphitheater was converted to house the new midway and the pipes from
the organ were removed to Keith's theater on 15th Street in Washington,
D.C. The dancing pavilion was located on the bluffs overlooking the
Potomac, thus making it a scenic as well as a recreational attraction.

63°


pavilions and balconies, will constitute a pleasing feature of it.
From these the most inspiring views are had of the surrounding
country, the river, and the distant landscape.

COTTAGES AND OTHER BUILDINGS.

Forty-three cottages are now building, and plans are
maturing for many more, together with additional public
buildings, including an Art School, a Conservatory of Music, a
School of Invention, and a School of Literature.

THE RED CROSS BUILDING.

Designed for the permanent home of the Red Cross Society
of the United States, stands an emblem of the noble labors of
Clara Barton in the cause of Humanity.

RIVER PLEASURES.

The shores of the Potomac River are beautiful, romantic,
and varied to a degree rarely equalled. Many islands adorn it
from the Little to the Great Falls. Then the Chesapeake and
Ohio Canal, itself almost a river, lends its picturesque charms.
Of it Prof. Tadd said, "The most picturesque water-way | was
ever on," and of Glen Echo, "tts natural beauty is greater than
that of the Rhine." Boating, fishing, rambling--these to the
heart's content.

THE FUTURE.

Chautauqua combines the attractions of a summer resort
with the intellectual delights of an old-time Academia and the
scope and general view of a University. The Glen Echo
Chautauqua will be more. With its permanent schools of
jiterature, art, science, music, coupled with its grand
opportunities and inducements, it is destined to be a great, if
not the greatest, forum of the age. its proximity to the
National Capital of the Great Republic renders it inestimably
valuable for education and suburban residence, and unique in
history. .

CHAUTAUQUA AND GLEN ECHO LOTS.

Those desiring to avail themselves of the advantages of a
home or investment in the lots of this institution can do so by
addressing The Glen Echo Chautauqua, Room 7, Sun Building,
Washington, D.C. Many may prefer lots in the neighborhood
of, rather than in the grounds. These can be accommodated,
as Messrs. E. & E. Baltzley have taken care to protect the
Association against improper or injurious possession of the lands
near to or adjoining the Chautauqua proper.

192

2 eee a Sa


the "great suburban movement then underway, a fact signalized by the
purchases of former President Grover Cleveland and former Secretary of
the Navy William C. whitney ."7

After some five months of operation, the cafe,. which had attracted
widespread attention among Washingtonians, was destroyed by an early
morning fire on November 29. The structure was demolished within one
hour, with only the porte-cochere and stove chimney remaining. In its
place the Baltzieys proposed to construct the Monican, a granite,
fireproof, castle-like structure on a hill overlooking the Potomac that
would serve as a hotel and resort for Washington's "polite society" and
“national personages." Financial difficulties resulting from epidemic
scares, falling land sales, and the nationwide financial panic of 1893,
however, ultimately prohibited the Baltzleys from constructing the

fortress-like hotel. 8

7. Glen-Echo-on-the-Potomac, pp. 1-44.

8. Ibid., pp. 6, 36.


National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. 22 The

committee held hearings and submitted a report of its findings on May 4.
The report noted, contrary to much of the press coverage, that the
incident was not planned or racially motivated and did not constitute a
riot. The document, however, called for changes in park operations,
police communications, crowd-contro! procedures, and District transit
conduct and for more recreational opportunities for Washington youth.
The gist of the report as printed in the New York Times was that
responsibility for the disturbance

must be shared by the park management, the District of
Columbia Transit Company, and by the community at large.
There were no serious injuries resulting from the riot and
damage in the park, Glen Echo, was estimated at $50. But
there were some 70 incidents in the vicinity when the crowd
fearned that bus service had been cut off.

The management of the park . . . closed it down unexpectedly
about 6 P.M. when ticket buyers, unable to get on the rides
for which they had purchased tickets, became impatient and
frustrated.

“Whatever confusion, rowdyism, or vandalism had taken place
inside the park," the report said, "the decision to close the
park precipitated the crucial crisis of Easter Monday, the bus
crisis."

The crowd, after the shutdown, left the park to discover that
the transit company had stopped service until police protection
could be assured . . . . This was a betrayal of public
trust .

Finding the prospect of a several mile walk home and with still
unused but paid for tickets in their pockets, sqpe of the angry
crowd began throwing bottles and stones. .. .

32. Washington Daily News, April 13, 1966; Washington Afro-American,
April 23, 1966; and Washington Evening Star, April 20, 1966; Vertical
Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

33. New York Times, May 5, 1966, and Washington Post, May 5, 1966,
Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

152


ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

PRIMARY SOURCES

Manuscripts/Collections

Chautauqua, New York. Chautauqua Institution, Smith Memorial Library.
The Historical Coliection.

The collection contains letters pertaining to the program and
operation of the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo.

Clementon, New Jersey. Abram Baker Collection (private).

This collection by one of the last private owners of the park
includes park brochures, newspaper clippings, and some fifty
photographs, copies of the latter being on file at Glem Echo Park.

Denver, Colorado. National Park Service, Denver Service Center,
Technical Information Center. Glen Echo Architectural Drawings and
Plans.

The Technical Information Center has microfilm copies of construction
drawings for the Spanish Ballroom (1933), Crystal Pool (1931),
Scooter (1923), and Administrative Building/Arcade complex (1940) at
Glen Echo Park as well as various plans and layouts of the park's
structures and facilities primarily during the 1960s and 1970s.

Gaithersburg, Maryland. Richard A. Cook Collection (private).

This collection of manuscripts, photographs, and documentary
materials relating to the history of the Chautauqua and amusement
park periods at Glen Echo is the largest and most comprehensive of
its kind. The collection has been microfilmed by the National Park
Service and is on file at Glen Echo Park.

224

ee, ee es


a a

Never before between seasons have such sweeping changes been
made. As usual, of course, the "clean-up, paint-up" campaign
has been carried on with thoroughness and freshly laid walks
and blooming flowers will be found on every hand. Myriads of
incandescents, twinkling on all sides, again make the park in
its setting of green trees a veritable fairyland. But the real
change will be found in the new features, three brand new big
ones.

The three new attractions included a new "Coaster Dips" ride (built by
Carl Vicory), the tatest model Dentze!l Carousel (Philadelphia firm of
Gustav and William Dentzel, one of America's most prominent carousel
makers) housed in a specially-constructed modern building with a separate
Wurlitzer organ, and a new dancing facility, the former pavilion having
been converted into a screened ballroom with indirect lighting through
silk coverings and a balcony for onlookers. The three attractions were
described:

Coming into the park through the main entrance, the first
change noticable is the entrance to the new ride that has taken
the place of the beloved old Gravity. This is the coaster dip,
a speed ride par excellence, fast enough to satisfy the most
exacting but with nothing to make the most timid visitor shy
away. The new ride is about 3000 feet long and trains three
cars each will speed over its seven steep "dips" and around its
sharp curves at exhilirating speed, winding up with a long
straight-away that enables the trains to reach the unloading
platform almost before the speed seems diminished.

Swinging off to the left, the visitor is confronted by the new
carrousel, the finest ever manufactured and enclosed in a
specially constructed building, which like the new coaster ride,
was designed and built by Frank M. Finlon, the park
superintendent. The building is circular, 90 feet in diameter,
with a dome that has no inside posts supporting it, a novelty in
carrousel buildings. The carrousel is the latest model of the
Dentzel type, 50 feet in diameter, and its galloping chargers
will include not only the proud horses of former years but all
sorts of animals, three abreast for the youngsters to choose
from. A new Wurlitzer band organ, separated from the
carrousel, will supply the music without which no
merry-go-round is complete. Seventeen hundred electric lights
on the carrousel gleaming on the gold, silver and bronze leaf
decorations will flood the whole building with light.

Just beyond the visitor will see the park ballroom looming up

with rows and clusters of incandescents making it the beauty
center of the resort.

91


as Bishop J.H. Vincent, chancellor of the Chautauqua University, Dr. T.
DeWitt Talmage, Rev. P.S. Henson, and Dr. Lyman Abbott; lecturers
such as John DeWitt Miller; and scientists such as John B. DeMotte of
DePauw University and Dr. Lysander Dickerman, a noted Egyptologist.
Authors and poets such as Thomas Nelson Page and Maurice Thompson, a

noted feature article writer for Century and Scribners, were also

engaged.°

Property for the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo was formally conveyed
to the new corporation by the Baltzleys in March and April 1891. The
first deed, dated March 24, conveyed 10 acres to the National Chautauqua
of Glen Echo for $1. This parcel was described:

All that certain piece or parcel of land and premises known and
distinguished as being the lands conveyed to the said Edward
Baltzley and Edwin Baltzley, by Rosa Bobinger, lying east or a
little south of east of Cabin John Creek, and further described ,
as being a portion of fot ten (10) of the John D. Grady
survey, bounded on the east by lot nine (9) of the John D.
Grady survey, on the west by Cabin John Stream, on the south
by the Canal, and on the north by the Conduit Road,
containing ten (10) acres more or less. Subject, however, to
the right and privilege of the said Rosa Bobinger, her heirs
and assigns, of building a dam across the said stream called
Cabin John Branch, so as to raise the water in said stream at
least twelve feet in height above its ordinary flow, for the
Purpose of using a water power on the west side of stream, for
such purpose as she or they may wish. This right to extend
the entire length of the east side of said branch as granted by
this deed. Together, with all and singular the improvements

5. Ibid., p. 6-7.

6. Planning and purchasing of materials for the Chautauqua buildings at
Glen Echo began several months before the formal conveyance of the
property to the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo. The earliest reference
to expenditures for the Chautauqua development was November 22, 1890,
when Henry B. Looker was paid $60 for a topographical survey of a
57-acre tract. Large quantities of jumber, hardware, cement, and tools
were purchased and active stone quarrying operations were begun in
January and February 1891 for use in the erection of the amphitheater,
hall of philosophy, and other Chautauqua structures. National
Chautauqua of Glen Echo, Journal, 1891-93, and National Chautauqua of
Glen Echo Ledger, 1890-98, Cook Collection.

13


The last event in the evening's entertainment was a
broadsword contest between Private Nelson H. High and Corp.
Stadt, the two expert broadswordsmen of Fort Myer. Prof.
Howard A. Rhine gave an exhibition of fancy bicycle riding.

The "Chautauqua Association" was preparing “arrangements to hold a
number of concerts and entertainments" in the Glen Echo amphitheater

during the summer of 1896 according to an article in the Montgomery

County Sentinel of April 17, 1896. In the same article it was noted:

Residents of Glen Echo and the vicinity are much pleased over
the granting of a right-of-way for the Glen Echo Railway from
the present junction with the Tenleytown [sic] Railway over the
Chevy Chase Company's land to the Rock Creek branch of the
Capital Traction Company. It is expected that the Glen Echo
road is to be rebuilt and equipped this Spring by Philadelphia
capitalists, and new cars will be pu. on. tt is expected that
work will be begun immediately on this extension . .

Superintendent Stier of the Great Falls Road states that he will
probably have cars running to Chautauqua in about a week.

By the summer of 1897 vaudeville shows had become the primary form of
entertainment offered in the Glen Echo amphitheater. On July 24, 1897,
the Washington Evening Star stated: .

The list of new attractions for the amphitheater at Glen Echo
includes the following high class vaudeville artists direct from
Keith's New York and Philadelphia theaters: Van Leer and
Barton, the kings of black face comedy; the Brownings in a
refined sketch . . 5 Caswell and Arnold, the electric
acrobatic duo . .

The vaudeville shows, however, were still interspersed with light opera

performances. On August 31, 1897, for instance, the Washington Evening

3. Montgomery County Sentinel, ’August 2, 1895.

4. tbid., April 17, 1896. William Jennings Bryan is said to have given
a speech at Glen Echo during his presidential campaign in 1896.
Washington Post, June 22, 1947, Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana
Collection, MLK Library.

Ss. Washington Evening Star, July 24, 1897.

42


family-oriented amusement center, social dislocation and tensions as a
result of the war had its effect on the park. In late August, for
instance, nine persons were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct

and taken to Rockville where they were each fined $5 and legal costs. 43

The 1918 Season

The 1918 season at Glen Echo, which began on May 18, featured a new
attraction (operated as a concession by Joe Rossi), "The Whip," one of
the most popular new rides in American amusement parks. The ride had
been brought to Glen Echo from Coney Island on three trucks at a cost of
more than $600, when wartime transportation restrictions prevented
shipment of the 30,000-pound device by rail. The dancing pavilion was
enlarged with a widened promenade to relieve the congestion of the
Previous year, and new decorations and lighting effects improved its
decor. In the midway "The Firefly" was converted from a circle to a
"figure eight" with dips and new cars, and a "Barrel of Fun" was also
installed. Despite a labor shortage, which forced Schloss to employ a
night shift for one week, the park opened on schedule "spick and span in
its new dress of paint." Some ten thousand persons, including the "tired
business man and the weary war workers” attended the opening day

festivities. “4

Tragedy struck at Glen Echo Park on June 23 when Joseph J. Hamel, a
43-year-old stonecutter from Washington, was injured after being thrown
from a car on the scenic gravity railway and falling some 22 feet. Hamel,

who had been sitting on the back rest of the car with his daughter, was

43. Washington Herald, August 14, 1917, and Washington Post,
August 22, 1917, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1917-1923, Cook
Collection.

44, Washington Times, May 5, 12, 1918; Washington Herald, May 5, 12,
17, 19, 1818; Washington Star, May 5, 1918; Washington Post, May 5, 19,
1918; Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1917-1923, Cook Collection.
An advertisement for Glen Echo Park that appeared in the Washington
Post of May 19, 1918, may be seen on the following page.



Periodicals

Albert, Frank L. "The Future of Amusement Parks in America and the
Publicity of Them." Billboard, 22 (March 20, 1910): 20-21, 86.

"Alexander Asks all Ops to Join." Billboard, 52 (March 30, 1940): 36.

"All Problems Affecting Biz Up for Airing." Billboard, 55 (April 3,
1943): 38-39, 41.

"Amusement Park News." Billboard, 24 (May 25, 1912): 20.

"Amusement Park Owners Speak Out." Billboard, 71 (April 31, 1959):
96-98.

"Amusement Parks." Billboard, 37 (April 25, 1925): 83.
"Amusement Parks." Billboard, 57 (March 31, 1945): 68.

"Art Parks: Glen Echo Is A Model Community Effort." Craft Horizons
38 (October, 1978): 40.

Baxter, Sylvester. "The Trolley in Rural Parts." Harper's Monthly, 97
(June, 1898): 60-68.

Bennett, Craig. "Glen Echo Park." Design Action: The Mid-Atlantic
Architecture & Design Review, 2 (July/August, 1983): 8.

Burkett, Ray, and Berstein, Randee. "Deco 'Echoes' in Former
Washington Amusement Park." Trans-Lux, 1 (February, 1983): 6-8.

Charles, Barbara Fahs. "Mix Antique Charm and Artistry, Add Children
and Spin." Smithsonian, 3 (July, 1972): 41-47.

230

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DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUCTION
Room 9 sum aurLons
WASHINGTON, D. ¢

25



Although the formal title to Glen Echo Park had not been officially
transferred, ceremonies were held on October 1, 1969, at which Abram
and Samuel Baker conveyed the tract to the National Park Service. The
ceremonies were presided over by U.S. Congressman Gilbert Gude, with
Theodore R. Swem, NPS Assistant Director, representing the National Park

Service.?

GSA acquired title to Glen Echo Park, consisting of 16.8136 acres, on
April 1, 1970.4 Two months after the land was acquired by GSA, on
May 25, 1970, the Department of the Interior formally requested that title
to the property be transferred from GSA to Interior. While this request
was being processed prior to being forwarded to the Office of Management
and Budget, the National Park Service took over administration of Glen
Echo Park in 1970. The Glen Echo tract was officially transferred to the
National Park Service pursuant to the Federal Property and Administrative
Service Act of 1949, as amended, from the General Services
Administration on March 5, 1976. Of the 16.8 acres transferred by GSA,
a portion (7.5 acres) became a part of the Clara Barton National Historic
Site (established under Public Law 93-486, October 26, 1974) and the
remainder (9.3 acres) became part of the lands of George Washington
Memorial Parkway.>

3. "Minutes of the Glen Echo Town Council, October 28, 1969," Minutes
of Glen Echo Town Council in possession of Corder.

4. Deed, Rekab, Inc. to United States of America, April 1, 1970,
Montgomery County Deed Book 3952, folios 575-78. A copy of this deed
may be seen in Appendix N.

Ss. Gude, U.S. Congressman to Crabill, Association Director, Natural
Resources, Energy and Science, Office of Management and Budget,
June 17, 1975, and National Park Service, National Capital Parks, Land
Record No. 732, March 22, 1976, "Statement for Management, Glen Echo
Park/Clara Barton NHS," September 26, 1977.

160



notice ‘a modernization of that portion of the park facing the
Flying Scooter ride. Here one will note a magnificent structure
erected to house additional attractions.

Glen Echo will be modern in every way with its new
Skeebal [sic] alley, shooting gallery and "Sportland" offering
the latest equipment in arcade pleasure giving mechanical
attractions along with the old favorite rides including the
Coaster Dips, Carrousel, World Cruise, with new scenes, the
Whip, Flying Scooter, Dodgem, Cuddle Up, the Joyride and
Firefly.

For dancing enjoyment this year the air-cooled, maple
surfaced ballroom with a capacity of 1,000 couples will present
Paul Kain and his 12-piece orchestra of musicians and
entertainers whose return after a two-year absence will provide
the latest in dance music every night from 9 p.m. until
midnight, except Sundays. A special feature with the orchestra
will be Helen Martin, charming starlet vocalist.

After the 1948 season the midway attractions were removed from the
former Chautauqua amphitheater, and the structure was _ formally
condemned in early 1949. Termites had eaten away the wooden fioor
supports of the venerable old building. It was determined that it would
cost well over $100,000 to make the deteriorating structure useable again.
The decision as to what to do with the structure was postponed thereafter

by a county restriction limiting recreation construction expenditures to
$5,000. 9°

The 1949 Season

The 1949 season at Glen Echo Park opened on April 16 with a number of
new features. The new attractions included five "kiddyland" rides for
children under twelve. These rides included "Tom Thumb" fire engines
and toy horses and chariots and a "Jet Aero" from Bisch-Rocco, a "Whip"
from the W.F. Mangels Company, a boat ride from B.F. Schiff, Inc., and
a buggy ride from Pinto Bros. In addition, three streamlined coaster

94. Trades Unionist, April 10, 1948, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1944-1954, Cook Collection.

95. Washington Evening Star, November 27, 1950, Vertical Files, Glen
Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

125


CHAPTER II
ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL
CHAUTAUQUA OF GLEN ECHO: 1891-1893

The background of how the establishment of a Chautauqua headquarters
came to be merged with the Baltzley enterprise at Glen Echo is not
known. Whether the Baltzleys had from the beginning a dream of an
assembly at Glen Echo to serve as an added attraction to their subdivison
and resort, or members of the recently formed Chautauqua Union in
Washington, D.C., expressed their desires to the Baltzleys, is a moot
question. The union was established by several local societies in late
1890.

Regardless of the source of the idea, the Baltzleys became committed to
building a citadel of culture at Glen Echo to complement their real estate
and resort enterprise. In 1891 Edwin Baltzley would write:

To describe Chautauqua would require a volume, so extensive
and complex has its work become. During the summer the work
of the Assembly combines the attractions of a summer-resort
with the intellectual delights of an old-time Academia and the
scope and general view of a university. It is to lay more
firmly the foundation on which college and university rest, and
to make jhe people friendly to every wholesome educational
movement.

1. Glen- Echo-on-the-Potomac, pp. 41-42; “Local Circles," Chautauquan,
12 (December 1890): 410; and "Local Circles," Chautauquan, 12,
(January 1891): 548. For a short historical summary of the establishment
and development of the chautauqua movement in the United States, see
Appendix A. For more information on the background of the national
chautauqua movement, see Jeffrey Simpson, “Utopia by the Lake,"
American Heritage, 23 (August 1972): 76-88; Theodore Morrison,
Chautauqua: A Center For Education, Religion, and the Arts in America
(Chicago, 1974); Joseph E. Gould, The Chautauqua Movement: An
Episode in the Continuing American Revolution (Albany, 1961); and
Pauline Fancher, Chautauqua: Its Architecture and its People (Miami,
1978).



The first substantive documentation concerning Glen Echo Park appeared
in Billboard in May 1907. It noted that the park would open on May 27
under the management of William Shaw. Extensive alterations were going
on at the resort, and it was "being improved wonderfully." A new
attraction would be the Hippodrome, and the park featured a scenic

railway. Buffalo Bill shows were scheduled for the park on May 31-June
18
1.

Moving pictures were apparently shown at Glen Echo for the first time
during the summer of 1907. The films were shown in the amphitheater on

a screen stretched across the stage. The entrance fee was five cents for

viewing. One of the first films shown was "Mary, Queen of Scots." 19

Glen Echo Park opened its 1908 season "on Decoration Day." Preparations
and plans for the summer were noted in an article in the Washington
Evening Star on May 27, 1908:

Proprietor L.D. Shaw is preparing to entertain one of the
largest gatherings in the history of the resort. He has had his
old and some new hands working for the past two weeks
familiarizing themselves with the mechanism of the various
devices in order to overcome all danger of a hitch on the
opening day. The railway company has arranged to inaugurate
a quick service from the center of the city, and prospective
Patrons of the park may board cars marked "Glen Echo" on the
F street line and ride directly to the gates of the park.

17. (cont.) operations in the United States during these years. In
1906 Dr. Julian Hubbell had purchased "ail the water works and river
system" of the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo. Young to Weiseman,
March 5, 1976, memorandum on file at Glen Echo Park.

18. T.T. Lane, "San Francisco Lane," Billboard, 19 (May 25, 1907): 14.

19. R. Woodland, "Vanishing Memories of Cabin John's and Glen Echo,"
American Motorist (March, 1930): 102, 112, Vertical Files, Columbia
Historical Society. Several reminiscences by long-time area residents date
the commencement of motion picture viewing in the amphitheater to
1905-06. See, for instance, a two-page statement by H.H. Swain dated
October 1, 1946, in Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection,
MLK Library.

53


APPENDIX L
DEED TRANSFERRING GLEN ECHO PARK FROM THE CAPITAL

TRANSIT COMPANY TO CONTINENTAL ENTERPRISES, INC.: 1954
Recorded May 24th, 1954-at-2:22 P.M.

Wade this 1st day of __sPnqy in the year One thousand nine hundred

and fifty-four by and between CAPITAL TRAISIT COYPANY, a corporation duly
organized and existing under the Laws of the United States of America, relating
to the District of Columbia, acting herein pursuant to a resolution of its
Board of Directors, party of the first part, and

INC., . a Delaware C

simple, the following describ d and x es, with the ix
and appurtenances t)

te of Me

» Coun

ryland

22) feet to

—throe tarre->,

209


the same time with the sole object of making customers dizzy." The ride
consisted of 8 three-passenger cars attached to opposite ends of iron
rods, the cars rotating about a central shaft and rising and falling on
alternate sides. [It was located in the spot formerly used for motorboat
rides, abandoned the previous year because of gasoline restrictions.
During the winter of 1943-44 some $10,000 in repairs had been made on
the roller coaster, and a new bottom was placed in the Crystal Pool which
opened on May 27. Plenty of paint was added to the park attractions,
and “all of the concessions put up a good flash." New midway features
were also added during the winter. Park personnel numbered 128, with
workers who had been lost to the armed forces being replaced with women

and draft-exempt men 87

The 1945 Season

The 1945 season at Glen Echo opened on Apri! 16, a day later than
scheduled because of he funeral of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Some eight thousand persons visited the park that day, many of them
servicemen. While the stands and amusement features had been cleaned

and painted during the winter, no new attractions were introduced . 22

The Crystal Pool remained closed throughout the summer of 1945, the
Capital Transit Company insisting that manpower shortages prevented the
routing of special cars to take care of Glen Echo swimming patrons. The
company considered its primary duty that of providing transportation for
war workers. If pool patrons were added to the regular passengers on

87. "15,000 Take in Glen Echo Bow; Schloss Hopeful," Billboard, 56
(April 22, 1944): 44, and Washington Times- Herald, April 3, 1944;
Washington Evening Star, April 7, 9, May 28, 1944; and Washington Post,
April 9, 1944; Vertical Files, Glen Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK
Library.

88. Washington Evening Star, April 16, 1945, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library, and "Amusement Parks,"
Billboard, 57 (March 31, 1945): 68.

122


a salaried contract to appear at Universal City, California, in motion
pictures. Vote coupons enabling the public to- vote for the girls favored
as "Miss Personality" were given with each paid admission to the ballroom

during the contest .°7

The 1933 season also witnessed the beginning of a tradition that would be
observed for many years. The Washington Evening Star sponsored a day

at Glen Echo for its carrier boys who were transported to the park by
streetcar with their fares paid by the newspaper. Each boy was given a
free strip of tichets to enjoy the attractions. An average of 2,500 boys

participated in the event each year during the next fifteen years. ©8

The _ 1934 Season

During the 1934 season General Manager Schloss determined to develop an
open-air live performance theater at Glen Echo. Efforts were begun to
line up local talent for the scheduled performance of "As You Like It" in
August. Joseph N. Starkey, a surveyor and civil engineer from
Rockville, was hired to prepare plans "for transforming the Sylvan Glen
into an orchard and Forest of Arden." The plan submitted by Starkey
called for a general layout providing for removal of numerous sycamore
and oak trees on the property at a cost of more than $5,000. Hence
Schloss was forced to call off the production as well as the effort to

create an outdoor theater. ©9

The only fire insurance company inspection and map of Glen Echo Park
that could be located during research for this report was one made by

67. Washington Herald, July 31, 1922, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

68. Washington News, August 7, 1947, Eichberg Collection.

69. Washington Evening Star, July 20, 1934, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

106


Carousel where young and old enjoy exhilarating thrills; the
Whip, which lives up to its reputation of previous seasons, and
the Dodgem, those gliding, sliding cars that offer fun galore.
All are brought handily together at Glen Echo and operate with
the maximum amount of efficiency.

Running a close second in popularity are the Midway of Fun,
with 48 laugh-provoking features; the skee-bali alleys, shooting
gallery and penny arcade with 98 different amusements.

The shady picnic groves are also attracting numerous parties,
with heavy bookings reported from Sunday schools and fraternal
organizations.

One of the best descriptions of personnel and administration of Glen Echo
Park appeared in the Washington Herald on June 25, 1935. The article
provided a detailed analysis of how the park operated:

The personnel at Glen Echo, numbering 218, may be
compared to a weil-trained army. Leonard 8. Schloss, director
of the park for 25 years, is the Colonel--he recently received
his commission from Governor Ruby Lafoon of Kentucky.

Eighty per cent of the "soldiers" at Glen Echo have been
under Colonel Schlioss' command from five to twenty years.
First of all, it is the duty of the white-wings brigade to see
that the park and buildings are kept clear of waste paper and
inflammable material. They are also required to keep the park
scrupulously clean, which is one reason why it is so popular.

Colonel Schloss' right-hand man is Major Joseph Hart,
superintendent of Glen Echo Park for 23 years. Major Hart's
duties are numerous, for he is personally responsible for the
efficient operation of more than fifty devices, attractions and
features, and the lighting and motor equipment.

By actual record of count there are 6,346 mazda lamps
ranging from 10 to 2,000 watts and consuming during the night
for Glen Echo's illumination 382,290 watts of current.

The motor equipment under Major Hart's direction numbers
83, ranging from 1/8-horse power motors on "dodgem" cars to a
75 H.P. motor to handle the "coaster dip" three-car trains.

Kitchen and food stands, together with electric ranges,
coffee urns, steamtables and hot water heaters require constant
attention as the combined units pull a load of 62,000
watts.

71. Washington Times, July 6, 1935, Vertical Files, Glen Echo,
Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library. Also see Washington Daily News,
July 6, 1935; Washington Herald, July 28, 1935; and Washington Post,
July 28, 1935, Ibid.

108


ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS

The National Park Service has construction drawings for the "Crystal
Pool" (1931), "Spanish Ballroom" (1933), and "Administration/Arcade
Complex" (1940). The original drawings are on file in the National
Capital Region Office, and copies have been sent to Glen Echo Park and
the Denver Service Center, Northeast Team, at Falls Church, Virginia.
Microfilm copies of the drawings are on file in the Denver Service
Center's Technical information Center.

The Cook Collection, which is on microfilm at Glen Echo Park,
contains several construction drawings. These include: undated floor
plans for the refeshment stands in the "pool area" and for the "B & B
Catering Service;" foundation plans for the "Cuddle-Up" (1946); and
installation plans for a transformer vault and other electrical equipment.
(1948).

240

a Se


APPENDIXES / 179

A. SHORT HISTORY OF CHAUTAUQUA MOVEMENT / 180

B. SOURCES FOR MATERIALS, LABOR, AND SERVICES FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF CHAUTAUQUA BUILDINGS AT GLEN ECHO / 181

C. DECLARATION OF TRUST, MAY 20, 1891 / 185

D. - WASHINGTON POST, JUNE 12, 1891, CONCERNING NATIONAL
CHAUTAUQUA AT GLEN ECHO / 187

€. NATIONAL CHAUTAUQUA STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES AT
GLEN ECHO / 190

F. TRUSTEES' SALE OF GLEN ECHO RAILROAD, 1895 / 195

G. CONSTRUCTION DETAILS OF GLEN ECHO GRAVITY COASTER:
1912 / 197

H. CONSTRUCTION DETAILS OF GLEN ECHO DERBY RACER: 1916
/ 198

I. DESCRIPTION OF "COASTER DIPS" RIDE (1921) IN COASTER
WORLD, JANUARY 1981 / 200

J. RECEIPTS, GLEN ECHO AMUSEMENT PARK, 1920-1925 / 203

K. FIRE INSPECTION REPORT AND MAP OF GLEN ECHO PARK BY
MARSH & McLENNAN, INCORPORATED, JULY 1934 / 204

L. DEED TRANSFERRING GLEN ECHO PARK FROM THE CAPITAL
TRANSIT COMPANY TO CONTINENTAL ENTERPRISES, INC.: 1954 /
209

M. DEED TRANSFERRING GLEN ECHO PARK FROM CONTINENTAL
ENTERPRISES, INC., TO REKAB, INC.: 1955 / 213

N. DEED CONVEYING GLEN ECHO PARK TO UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT: 1970 / 216

O. EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT SUMMARY: 1984 / 219
REPOSITORIES VISITED DURING RESEARCH / 220
REPOSITORIES CONSULTED DURING RESEARCH / 221
PERSONS CONSULTED DURING RESEARCH / 221
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY / 224

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS / 240

vi


‘blaze of glory.'" Other improvements included a larger children's
playground and new music for the carousel, a ride "glittering in fresh
Paint." New refreshment booths and lunchrooms had been built, along
with retiring and rest rooms for women. Sol Minster’s big band was

employed to perform Sunday afternoon and evening concerts. 7°

Opening Day was attended by some nine thousand persons, among whom
were a large contingent of military personnel from Fort Myer. One of the
most crowded attractions of ‘the first night was the renovated dancing
Pavilion. The new decor of the pavilion had been arranged by Harold A.
Brooks, company engineer of the Potomac Electric Power Company. The
hall was illuminated with reflected light. The interior was decorated with

Japanese lattice and lanterns, mingled with patriotic effects. 4!

During the summer special musical events were staged at Glen Echo Park.

Chief among these were Sunday band concerts by Antonio Celfo's band

and the Soldiers' Home Military Band in July, and a one-week engagement -
in mid-July by the Marimba Band, a group of Guatemalan musicians that

had been playing their native music at the Century Plaza and Ritz-Carlton

in New York during the previous year, 42

Despite the fact that the United States entered World War ! in April,
attendance at Glen Echo Park remained high throughout the summer. In
August it was reported that some fifty thousand persons were visiting the
park per week. Although Glen Echo had developed a reputation as a

40. Washington Herald, May 13, 20, 1917; Washington Times, May 13,
1917; and Washington Evening Star, May 13, 1917; Glen Echo Park
Company Press Book, 1917-1923, Cook Collection. A Glen €cho Park
advertisement appearing in the Washington Herald on May 20, 1917, may
be seen on the following page.

41. Washington Herald, May 20, 1917; Washington Post, May 20, 1917;
Washington Times, May 20, 1917; Glen Echo Park Company Press Book,
1917-1923, Cook Collection.

42. Washington Times, July 1, 15, 1917, and Washington Post, July 17,
1917, Glen Echo Park Company Press Book, 1917-1923, Cook Collection.

85


large degree of the rapid and perfect organization of the
Assembly is due. No expense has been spared to, further the
cause, the welfare of the enterprise seems assured.

On August 11, after the assembly had ended, Chancellor Gillett released
information on the financial status of the Glen Echo Chautauqua and steps
being taken to make the grounds more accessible. An estimated total of
some $324,000 had been expended in improving the grounds and
constructing the buildings. The total indebtedness on the property,
which had an assessed valuation of some $500,000, was "less than
$40,000, which is being rapidly reduced by payment of maturing
obligations." Stock at $10 per share “to the amount of $200,000" was
being “offered for sale, redeemable for its face value in the lots of the
Chautauqua Association at any time within two years from the date of
issue, subscriptions being payable in five monthly installments at the
office of the treasurer Room 9 Sun Building." All money derived from
the sale of stock was to "be used in completing the buildings, erecting a
hotel and art buildings, planting trees in the portion of the grounds and
[making the] buildings of National Chautauqua of Glen Echo the best
equipped in the land."

Gillett went on to note the area transportation difficulties during the
assembly and the steps being taken to correct them. He noted:

One of the most serious difficulties the management has
had to contend with through the first session was the lack of
adequate transportation facilities. During the first three days
thousands of people made the effort to reach the grounds, but
were compelled to turn back, disappointed; other thousands,
more successful, suffered such delay and inconvenience as to
discourage them from making a second attempt. That this
difficulty will be overcome before another session is certain; the
Glen Echo electric line, will be completed to the grounds and
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, now building from Linden, on

26. "The Summer Assemblies for 1891," Chautauquan, 13 (September,
1891): 796-97. After the assembly ended, daily afternoon and evening
concerts and organ recitals were held in the amphitheater during the
remainder of the summer. Washington Post, August 11, 1891.

30


waives "harassing requirements" with which other property
owners have to comply. The Mayor pointedly declared that
Rekab, INC 5g will be expected to comply with all Glen Echo
regulations.

Subsequent to this meeting the town council again took measures to raise
the tax assessment of the Glen Echo Park property.

The aforementioned sale of the park to Euster fell through during the
spring of 1965, but early in 1966 the Bakers proposed to construct five
16-story apartment hotels with 1,590 living units and parking space for
2,300 automobiles on the park property. This Proposal led to loud
Protests from the community and environmental groups. In January 1966
the Corps of Engineers informed the Bakers that access to the park site
would be denied if construction plans went ahead. MacArthur Boulevard
was under control of the corps because it ran over the Washington
Aqueduct, and the crossing led to a 2.9-acre tract owned by the corps
and leased to the park (the lease would expire on March 31, 1967) for
free parking space and transportation facilities. The National Park
Service, in line with President Lyndon B. Johnson's plans for making the
Potomac a conservation model area, pledged to bar construction equipment
from the George Washington Memorial Parkway. At the same time the
Montgomery County Council, for its part, prohibited “developing of
apartment-hotels in that portion of the county within one-half mile of the
east bank of the Potomac River "29

Within several months the Bakers approached Senator Daniel 8. Brewster
of Maryland to help in negotiating the sale of the park to the Department
of the Interior. The offer was rejected since it was estimated that such a
purchase would cost the federal government some $2,000,000. Instead the

28. Corder and Briggs to Town Council, June 20, 1966, Minutes of Glen
Echo Town Council, in possession of Corder. :

29. Washington Evening Star, January 8, February 7, 9, 1966, and
Washington Post, January 27, February 8, 1966, Vertical Files, Glen
Echo, Washingtoniana Collection, MLK Library.

150

ee a Se


THRE POLICE

AND PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS ARE
RUNNING DOWN EVERY POSSIBLE
CLUE TO APPREHEND THE PERSON
OR PERSONS WHO HAVE MALICI-
QUSLY SPREAD THE REPORT. THAT A
GIRL WAS BITTEN BY A SNAKE AT
GLEN ECHO PARK AND DIED. THAT
SERIOUS ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED.
THAT SNAKES WERE -IN.:'THE SWIP@-

MING POOL AND THAT. THE PARK IS
CLOSED. UL 221840,

“ THESE RUMORS —
. ARE UNTRUE

WHEN THE PERSON. OR RSONS
WHO HAVE SPREAD THESE DAS-
TARDLY REPORTS ARE CAUGHT THEY
WILL BE PROSECUTED TO: THE FULL-
EST EXTENT - OF ‘THE LAW.

' . GLEN .ECHO FARK: o.,

By LEONARD B. SCHLOSS,
Vico President & Genera! Mana:

t
July 19, 1940

17


The old dance pavilion has been transformed so completely as to
have lost its identity. The modern method of operation will be
in effect this season. No more will the ticket takers collect the
five cent fare for each dance but a fixed charge of 25 cents for
ladies and 50 cents for men, seventy-five cents a couple, will
be charged. There will be but one entrance, but return
admission cards will be issued to those who do not desire to
dance every number, and a balcony overlooking both the ball
room and the park has been constructed for the spectators as
well as those "sitting out" certain numbers. Indirect lighting
with the light softened through silk covered panels of different
shades will be used. An entirely modern orchestra under the
leadership of A.L. Oehmann, probably the best sknown dance
music leader in Washington, will supply the music.

Tragedy again struck Glen Echo Park on July 4, 1921, when James A.
Stanholtz, a 32-year-old park employee, was thrown from a car on the
coaster dip and killed. Stanholtz had worked at the park until 1920 when
he took a job with the Public Health Service at the Naval Experiment
Station. He had contracted bubonic plague, and after treatment in the
Naval Hospital he returned to work at the park the week before his
death. Reportedly, Stanholtz stood up as the car was dashing down the
sharp incline and was suddenly catapulted from the car, his body being
thrown some 100 feet from the frame structure. After receiving first aid
from park nurses, he was rushed to Georgetown Hospital where he died

the next morning. “9

48. Montgomery Press, May 6, 1921, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1917-1923, Cook Collection. Also see Washington Evening Star,
May 1, 15, 1921; Washington Post, May 1, 1921; Washington Times,
May 1, 8, 1921; and Washington Herald, May 8, 15, 1921; Ibid. Aiso see
U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Register
of Historic Places inventory--Nomination Form, "Carrousel at Glen Echo
Park," prepared by Gary Scott and Nicholas Veloz, March 25, 1980, for
more historical and architectural data on the carrousel. A copy of the
Glen Echo Park advertisement appearing in the Washington Herald of
May 15, 1921, may be seen on the following page. A description of the
"Coaster Dips" ride, as found in the Coaster World, January 1981, may
be seen in Appendix |.

49. Washington Times, July 5, 1921, Glen Echo Park Company Press
Book, 1917-1923, Cook Collection.

92


A ravine comes down from those northern hills, deep, wild,
craggy, circuitous, and from subterranean chambers,
deep-delved and cooling, steal voiceful rivulets to the windings
of the gorge; thence a mountain brook, in music and wild
laughter, tumbles over its rocky bed to the serious waters of
the Potomac.

As the glen nears the river it widens, amphitheatre like,
deepens and becomes more wild, picturesque, and formidable of

crag, jutting rock, and lofty” trees. Here the great
Amphitheatre rises up out of the gorge, a mountain of stone
roofed over by an acre of iron. It spans the resounding glen,

and presents to amazed, admiring eyes its stupendous granite
walls, circular in form, ribbed with tall pillars and pierced with
two stories of arched vomitories in oft-repeating rhyme around
the immense circle. Our story admits to the vast auditorium,
and the other to a labyrinth of subterranean chambers--thirty
grotto rooms, through which the mountain stream rushes,
failing over a succession of cascades and sending its
multitudinous voices through innumerable arches and weird
enclosures, high walls and vaulting roofs, making deep glooms,
and somber mysteries palpitate with its liquid merriment.

The building completely fills the glen from side to side, its
granite walls and great pillars rising on the north and south to
a height of sixty feet, and as you enter a vomitory on the east
or west on a level near the crest of the cliff, you land on a
circular promenade which leads to the opposite. side; but from
this promenade, what a sight! What a grand perspective of
walled enclosure, adorned by oft-repeating arches where the
sunlight comes in to soften and swoon away to the hushed
reverence! What a visual melody of circular lines of seats and
majestic aisles rising from the far depths of a grand parquet
tier on tier till last they meet the opposite side of the
Promenade on which you stand; and in the deep distance to the
south, a mighty organ looms grandly up to the great roof
vaulting over this stupendous auditorium; and there the
immense stage, large enough for a thousand singers, spreads
out before you. High walls, gracefully curving to the front,
separate it from the tiers of circling seats rising and looking
over it on either side. Circling! All is circle and curve and
bending bows. Not an angle in the vast structure. The
building itself a perfect circle: the thirty massive columns, the
innumerable arches, the parquet, the tiers of seats, the
promenade, the dome and bending roof, the deep descent to the
stage--all curving, soften to your eye and render to your
feelings such grace and symmetry and voluptuous vastness as
sends you away in a sensuous intoxication.

On the south you step out from the great stage on to a stone
bridge with a parapet wall, which leads you from the cliff on
the east to the cliff on the west. Looking over the parapet you
see the brook again, this time plunging from under the building

33