amusement parks | Teachinghistory.org

Glen Echo Park [MD]

Description

Begun in 1891 as an idealistic attempt to create a National Chautauqua Assembly "to promote liberal and practical education," the park became instead the area's premier amusement park from 18981968. Today, the park has come full circle, offering year-round educational activities, while two amusement-era destinations (the Spanish Ballroom and Dentzel Carousel) remain major attractions.

A second website for the park can be found here.

The park offers short films, tours, exhibits, classes, performances, educational programs, and recreational and educational events.

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Amusement Parks and Grand Hotels: Boston Harbors Past

Description

Donald Cann of the Boston Harbor Islands and John Galluzzo of the Massachusetts Audubon Society show the multiple uses of Boston Harbor by displaying a series of historical postcard images, from the Boston docks and shipyards to the amusement parks and summer playgrounds of the early 20th century.

The lecture audio is available independently as an mp3 file.

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House of David Museum [MI] Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 01/08/2008 - 13:36

Description

The House of David Museum presents the story of the Christian religious community known as the House of David, founded in 1903. Members created most, if not all, of the items which they needed or desired for the rest of the community. At its height during the 1930s, the House of David served the early U.S. tourist population through its own amusement park, hotels, and restaurants, among other amenities. The House of David was also known for its baseball prowess, and would play games against teams in the Negro Leagues—unthinkable at a time when sports were so stringently divided by race.

The museum offers exhibits and self-guided tours. Appointments are required for groups of 25 or more. Groups receive an introduction and, when possible, a guided tour.

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Freedomland U.S.A.

Description

What is Freedomland U.S.A.? An unusual theme park in the Bronx, in existence for less than five years, Freedomland has become the object of fascination for New York nostalgia lovers everywhere. Created by an outcast of Walt Disney's inner circle, Freedomland practically defined 1960s kitsch, with dozens of rides and amusements related to saccharine views of American history.

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America at Work, America at Leisure: Motion Pictures from 1894-1915

Image

Photo, Boys diving, Honolulu, American Mutoscope & Biograph Company, 1902, LoC

Annotation

This collection of 150 motion pictures produced between 1894 and 1915 deals with work, school, and leisure activities in the U.S. The films include footage of the U.S. Postal Service in 1903, cattle breeding, firefighters, ice manufacturing, logging, physical education classes, amusement parks, sporting events, and local festivals and parades. Each film is accompanied by a brief summary.

A special presentation furnishes additional information on three categories: America at school, work, and leisure. Essays of roughly 1,000-words provide context and general descriptions of films in each category, display 15 illustrative photographs, and link to related films. A 31-work bibliography provides suggestions for further reading and websites on American labor, education, and leisure.