The first vacationers in the early part of the 19th century were elite people, some of whom were going away for their health. SIEGEL: The title implies that our notions of summertime fun have their roots in some very earnest impulses, true? CINDY ARON (Author, "Working at Play"): Hi. It's called "Working at Play," and she joins us now. SIEGEL: I've been reading historian Cindy Aron's history of vacations in the United States. Unidentified People: (Singing) Let's take a boat to Bermuda. (Soundbite of song, "Let's Get Away From It All") Over time, the vacation became a middle class institution, as well as a time for physical, mental and spiritual self-improvement, not to mention sheer entertainment. In those days, a vacation was also a mark of privilege. Until the middle of the 19th century, Americans used the word vacation the way the English do, the time when teachers and students vacate the school premises and go off on their own. SIEGEL: This week, we're thinking about summer vacations. From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |