Skip to main content

Glen Echo Chautauqua and Glen Echo Park Company records

 Collection
Identifier: MS2133

Collection Scope and Content

This collection contains financial records and press books. The material dates from 1889-1953. The collection includes records created by E & E Baltzley Realty Company, the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo, and Glen Echo Park Company.

Dates

  • 1889-1953

Creator

Restrictions on Access

Some records may be restricted.

Restrictions on Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Historical or Biographical Note

Glen Echo Park began in the late nineteenth century as a real estate enterprise and national Chautauqua, and subsequently grew into a major amusement park complex.

In 1888, Edward Baltzley purchased 516 acres in Montgomery County, Maryland. In 1889, he and his brother Edwin founded the E & E Baltzley Realty Company and began selling the property as residential lots. In 1891, they established the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo. Glen Echo was also home to Clara Barton and the headquarters of the American Red Cross in this period. In 1903, the Baltzleys lost their holdings in a foreclosure and the property was purchased by Washington Railway and Electric Company. In 1911, Washington Railway and Electric (under the name Glen Echo Park Company) decided to run their own amusement park on the site as a way to both boost weekend railway ticket sales and use surplus electricity. The park closed in 1968, and was obtained by the National Park Service in 1971.

Extent

9 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection contains financial records and press books. The material dates from 1889-1953. The collection includes records created by E & E Baltzley Realty Company, the National Chautauqua of Glen Echo, and Glen Echo Park Company.

Collection Organization

Organized into 2 series: Financial records and Press Books.

Acquisition Information

The collection was donated by Richard Cook in 2005.

Title
Guide to the Glen Echo Chautauqua and Glen Echo Park Company records, 1889-1953
Status
Completed
Author
Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
Date
2006
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository

Contact:
2130 H Street NW
Washington 20052 United States of America