Something is pulling my attention to Raleigh/Wake County around the turn of the century (1900's). It was a time of accelerated growth and prosperity. Perhaps it is that parallel that with today's frantic growth pace that has me looking backwards.   I started looking at the historic neighborhoods that built up in the early 1900's: Glenwood   - c.1905. It's development a direct result of the streetcar line providing access north and west. Boylan Heights  -  c.1907. Built on 180 acres of the William Montfort Boylan Mansion on the western outskirts of Raleigh. Cameron Park  - c.1910. Built on land that half a century earlier was Cameron Plantation. Bloomsbury - c. 1914. It's construction signaled the transition from streetcar access to automobile access as Raleigh expanded ever outward. Trolley time in Raleigh ( source ) As I did more research, I  became amazed and a little unsettled at the historical, cultural and sociological details that are u...

Bloomsbury Park once hosted a roller coaster and a carousel. Both are shown in the photo below. source Bloomsbury Park was built in 1912 as the last stop on the Glenwood Trolley line. The park was the finest amusement destination in Raleigh for almost a decade. By 1920, its popularity had waned. Perhaps the stress of the war and the Spanish Flu epidemic had stolen residents attention for more practical pursuits. Bloomsbury Park is just a distant memory now, but portions of it remain for those nostalgic for old Raleigh lore. The carousel is easy to find, now restored and residing at Pullen Park. The other fixtures - the roller coaster, the trolley stop, and the dance pavilion - require a keener eye. Thankfully, Heather Leah, has that keen eye and has done the exploring for us. Please take a minute to read her article for ABC11 news. You will be glad you did. Return to the WCGS Website