Summer Vacation for the Masses: 1890-1920

FAIN: FT-13775-78

Elizabeth W. Etheridge
Longwood University (Farmville, VA 23909-1800)

To study the adoption of the idea of a summer vacation by the American public from 1890-1920. The vacation, once the exclusive privilege of the wealthy, became accessible to the masses. The introduction of the automobile allowed even the working classes to take to the roads. The impact of this new concept of recreation has been felt in almost every aspect of life: transportation, conservation of natural resources, industry, eating habits. These changes will be analyzed in depth.