July 1943 Crystal Pool (Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA/OWI Collection, LC-DIG-fsa-8d32367)
Glen Echo Park Historical Buildings
The Crystal Pool opened in 1931 despite the country being in the midst of the Great Depression (business at the park actually increased during the Depression). This Olympic-sized pool could accommodate 3,000 swimmers, and a quarter-acre sand beach lined one of the sides. The pool became the pick-up spot for the younger generation of Washington, D. C.
Pool and Beach, date unknown (Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Theodor Horydczak Collection, LC-H814-T-1690-002)
Crystal Pool, August 1935 (Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Theodor Horydczak Collection, LC-H813-2268-007)
Bathers at the Crystal Pool, August 4, 1935 (Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Theodor Horydczak Collection, LC-H813-2268-008)
Nothing remains of the Crystal Pool today other than the entrance façade and the First Aid building (building to the left if facing the pool entrance). In the 1980s the pool was filled in and the grounds were converted into a children’s playground. The façade was restored in 2009.
Restored entrance to the Crystal Pool at Glen Echo Park in Maryland
Crystal Pool entrance in 2008 (photo by Tina Saey)
Backside of the Crystal Pool entrance at Glen Echo Park in Maryland
The First Aid building, now called the Crystal Pool Studio, is used for children’s art classes.
First Aid building at Glen Echo Park in Maryland
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Last updated on January 10, 2025
