By: Steven M.
The Progressive Era was a period of rapid expansion for the United States; it was a time like no other. While the United States was busy industrializing and urbanizing, other changes were also taking place. The institution of shorter work weeks meant that American workers were gaining more free time and needed ways to spend it; vacations were also becoming more common. The United States’ entertainment and leisure market was exploding.
Leisure time within the inner cities was often filled with theater. Vaudeville shows were especially popular because they crossed ethnic and cultural boundaries and theaters oftentimes ran shows continuously to accommodate their customers.
Other popular shows included Wild West shows, circuses, and motion pictures. The increasing popularity of motion pictures gave birth to the Nickelodeon theatres and then to larger theaters.Outdoor activities were popular for those that wanted to leave the inner city for a while. Those on more limited budgets might choose to celebrity parades or county fairs, while those with more disposable income might choose to visit beach resorts, such as Asbury Park, New Jersey, founded in 1870.
The opening of Coney Island Amusement Park in 1897 marked the beginning of a new era in amusement and entertainment. These parks also provided an ideal venue to showcase the latest technological innovations. National parks and Worlds Fairs were also popular destinations for vacationers. Various spectator sporting events, including boxing, horse racing, baseball, basketball, and football, also gained popularity during this period.Source:
America at Leisure
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/awlhtml/awlleis.html
