Human Chain and Columbia Hotel

Photograph

Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society

Name/Title

Human Chain and Columbia Hotel

Entry/Object ID

1989.01.47

Description

Long line of people with their hands on the shoulders of the person in front to them, crossing the Interurban railroad tracks as they head to the Columbia Hotel (today's Coral Gables). The Columbia was open from circa 1911 to 1916. The Taylor/D.L. Barber General Store is visible at far right. A sign for the Wm. Cary excursion boat, that docked by the hotel, is visible.

Photograph Details

Type of Photograph

Real photo postcard

Subject Person or Organization

220 Water/Coral Gables/Hotel Saugatuck/Columbia Hotel/Leiendecker's Inn/Ebmeyer Shingle Mill, Wm Cary (boat), Interurban Railroad 1899-1927, 104 Hoffman/Coral Gables Annex/Dog House/D.L. Barber mercantile #1

Context

This may be a version of a snake dance, a celebration parade or procession to a pep rally. The conga was not popular in the United States until the late 1930s.

Collection

1880 Tourism steamship era -1930, 1930+ Tourism, lodging, hotels and B&Bs

Cataloged By

Winthers, Sally

Acquisition

Accession

1989.01

Acquisition Method

Found in Collection

Dimensions

Height

3-1/2 in

Width

5-1/2 in

Location

Box

031 A+B+C+D Photo Files

Create Date

October 6, 2023

Update Date

February 10, 2026