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"Glen Echo Amusement Park" by Paul McGehee shows the beloved Maryland amusement park as it appeared in the Summer of 1954. Glen Echo Park is in a beautiful woodland setting just outside of Washington, D.C., not far from the banks of the Potomac River. This vintage view from the picnic grounds in front of the "Spanish Ballroom" shows the historic Dentzel carousel, the legendary roller coaster "Coaster Dips," the Popcorn Building, the airplane ride "Flying Skooter," the original stone Chautauqua tower and much, much more. Place yourself in this scene amongst the cheerful crowds of over half a century ago...a warm, sunny Summer's day, an ice cream cone in your hand, and a ticket to ride "Coaster Dips" in your pocket! This McGehee masterpiece will transport you to a different time period, and put a smile on your face every time you look at it. Glen Echo Park began in 1891 as a part of the National Chautauqua Assembly by the Baltzley brothers, but over the years turned into an amusement park loaded with rides and arcade attractions. A few years after ceasing operations in 1968, Glen Echo Park became part of the National Park Service, where to this day the remnants of its amusement park past live alongside arts and crafts studios, music and dance stages, and more. Glen Echo's "Puppet Company" theatre and "Adventure Theatre" are famous for their wonderful shows put on daily for children and the young at heart. The famous Spanish Ballroom, which played host to many of the top acts in the country from the swing era to early rock 'n' roll, has been restored to its former glory and is a still a popular dance spot. The beautifully-restored 1921 Dentzel Carousel still runs during the Summer months...and has for over 100 years! The tunes played by the Wurlitzer Band Organ still make one dream while astride a painted pony. Magical. Glen Echo has truly come full-circle from its early days as part of the Chautauqua circuit, to being the arts and entertainment venue it was originally intended to be. "Glen Echo Amusement Park" is available as a limited edition art print, faithfully reproduced from the original oil painting. Edition size 1800 S/N prints...hand-signed by the artist! Image size 17" x 29 1/2".
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