Our Past Is Present August 11, 2017

August 11, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            A term used by historians is the word Chautauqua.  What is a Chautauqua anyway?

            A Chautauqua is an adult education movement that was popular in the United States in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.  Chautauqua assemblies expanded and spread throughout rural America until the mid-1920’s.  Entertainment and culture, speakers, teachers, musicians, entertainers, preachers and specialists of the day were included in these events.

            Traveling Chautauqua tent shows were once a highlight of small town entertainment and Junction City had enjoyed a successful one during the summer of 1911.  The last program that year had been a sacred concert by an Italian band.  The time had come to decide if the town would subscribe again the next summer.  A notice in the newspaper stated that in order to have the same excellent variety of programs the next year, at least 500 people must subscribe at once.  They also reported that the Chautauqua that year had shown the people of the city the high-class attractions that were sent out by the Redpath Chautauqua Company.  Many of the programs would cost a dollar elsewhere, instead of the low price asked by the Chautauqua management.  The newspaper concluded that Chautauqua was letting the people of this city and county hear some of the best speakers and musical talent.  It gave our citizens a week’s pleasure and education during the most disagreeable time of the year.