Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 182, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 July 1920 — CHAUTAUQUAS. [ARTICLE]

CHAUTAUQUAS.

. Now that the “Chautauqua Show” has made its exit for 1920, and also because disappointment over the financial end of it, has been expressed in the local papers, it seems opportune to acquaint the busy citizen with the state of these numerous organizations, framed for profit, operating under such FBrantees by reputable communities, that make their financial success a lead pipe cinch. This is the story, which is a matter of record and of remembrance to those of us who are past middle age. About the time of the Garfield period, a eoteire of well known educators, mostly members of eastern college faculties, conceived the idea of a short summer college course,, to be held annually on the banks of Lake Chautauqua in New York. These summer meetings attracted Seat attention, not only betmuse e members were distinguished gentlemen, but because the work was being done under such congenial surroundings, and was so eminently filling a long needed want. Professional men, writers, clergymen and post graduate students of all the Lrbefiil Arts, were enrolled each year as in attendance.

As an auxilliary to this splendid work, correspondence schools were started. Courses were laid out, and many boys and girls, unable to attend a higher school titan their locality offered, availed themselves of this privilege with greet profit to themselves. The parent organisation, striving in increase its usefulness, engaged the services of celebrated men to visit the rural communities and, in fact, all points outside of the large cities. , In order to do this it was necessary to suck the financial aid and guarantee from each community that was honored by this visit. Communities all over the U. & gladly responded with this aid, muen to the educational advantage of each town. For a good many years this work went on by correspondence and the lecture platform. However, there came .a day when the immense possibilities of the scheme came to the notice of amusement promoters attracted by the nature of financial guarantee. In the past few years dozens of these so-called chautauaua companies have taken the road. often they festate some very crc*table and interesting These top liners are always duced with some very crude and ameteurical ’tuff. are guaranteed, but they receive tne sponsorship of the churches, with a Sunday attendance. Wtale these entertainments or tent shows should be warmly welcomed, wey should be made to stand on their own legs. —Contributed.