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Article Title: Culture as Entertainment: The Circuit Chautauqua in Nebraska, 1904-1924

Full Citation: James P Eckman, “Culture as Entertainment: The Circuit Chautauqua in Nebraska, 1904-1924,” Nebraska History 75 (1994): 244-253

URL of article: http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/publicat/history/full-text/NH1994Chautauqua.pdf Date: 8/09/2013

Article Summary: At first independent Chautauqua assemblies provided instruction. The later summer circuit Chautauquas sought primarily to entertain their audiences.

Cataloging Information:

Names: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Keith Vawter, Russell H Conwell, William Jennings Bryan, Billy Sunday

Sites of Nebraska Chautauquas: Kimball, Alma, Homer, Kearney, Pierce, Fremont, Grand Island, Lincoln, Fullerton

Keywords: lyceum, Redpath Bureau, Keith Vawter, contract guarantee, “tight booking,” Nebraska Epworth Assembly (Lincoln), Chautauqua Park Association (Fullerton), “Acres of Diamonds” speech (Russell Conwell), “Prince of Peace” speech (William Jennings Bryan), Junior Chautauqua, Seton Indian School

Photographs / Images: Keith Vawter, William Jennings Bryan, and Bohumir Kryl; local committee, 1914 Chautauqua, Lincoln; Chautauqua Park, Fullerton; inset program for the Fullerton Chautauqua Assembly, August 10-20, 1917; inset Ellison-White Chautauqua program, about 1927

The Circuit Chautauqua inNebraska, 1904-1924

By James PEckman

The program for the 1917 Chautauqua continued what earlier Chautauquans rical and circus performers, artists, compa­ held at Kimball, Nebraska, July 4-8, 1917, saw as self-improvement. But there was a nies, attractions and talent of all kinds; to conduct Chautauqua and Lyceum courses, characterized Chautauqua as major difference: Where the older theatres, circuses, dramatic performances, one of the greatest forces for patriotism Chautauquans saw self-improvement as and all other forms of public entertain­ among American institutions today .... It is part of the Chautauquan ideology of cul­ ments; to construct, purchase, lease or oth­ the duty of the Chautauqua to look after the ture with all of its regenerative powers, the erwise acquire, own, hold, and sell or other­ interests of democracy at home as well as new circuit Chautauquas preached wise dispose of, amusement places of all kinds.' democracy for the world. There can be no Chautauquan "uplift" through entertain­ free government without free speech, and Clearly, the restructuring of the Chautau­ the Chautauqua platform is the most impor­ ment. Circuit Chautauqua was far more tant free forum in America. To hold escapist than its earlier cousin, the inde­ qua concept into the twentieth century Chautauqua this summer is patriotic.' pendent Chautauqua assemblies. The centered on the appeal of culture as en­ summer circuit Chautauquas were not de­ tertainment. Aslong as Chautauqua could The program brochure further de­ signed, as were earlier Chautauquas, to re­ remain distinctive in this thrust it thrived; scribed the Kimball Chautauqua as "rich generate through the study of books, the when it became simply another entertain­ in entertainment, authentic information, hearing of lectures, the participation in ra­ ment choice, it could not compete. musical inspiration, and patriotic fire.'? tional recreation, or instruction through The leadership of the mother This positive, optimistic quality of the music and culture, all in a mutually sup­ Chautauqua expressed grave concern Chautauqua spirit in the midst of a world­ portive subcommunity. To the circuit with the developing emphasis on enter­ wide crisis reflected the distinctive tone of owners and managers, culture as enter­ tainment and its association with the "uplift" so characteristic of the circuit tainment did not change lives;it encour­ name "Chautauqua." Indeed, Daniel W. Chautauquas. Although a pejorative and aged, it amused, it promoted respectable Howell, a mother Chautauqua leader, glib characterization that originated with diversion. With this increasing emphasis cautioned in 1908,that Chautauqua's critics, the phrase "Mother, on entertainment, the circuits moved The genuine Chautauqua should stand Home, and Heaven" summarized the ba­ away from the didactic nature of the inde­ squarely and always for three things: a true sic message of inspirational "uplift" in the pendent assemblies, where every aspect patriotism, a consistent Christianity, and an improved intellect. It is not a mere enter­ circuit Chautauquas. Asone of the most of the Chautauqua program needed to be successful of the circuit managers, Charles tainment bureau for giving a "rollicking instructive and edifying. good time" for so much hard cash but is an F. Horner, asserted, "[Uplift] was the qual­ In short, the restructuring and intellectual center for disseminating the rip­ ity in the speaker's life and demeanor and reinstitutionalization of respectable lei­ est opinions of the best students on all sub­ words that made men and women want to sure time, which had defined the emer­ jects of human weal.' freshen their ambitions, to aspire a little gence of the earlier independent assem­ That he wrote this statement in 1908re­ higher, to become better neighbors and blies, continued with the maturing of the flected an anxiety about the obvious friends, to clean up the town a bit, to kiss circuits with their culture-as-entertainment movement of Chautauqua from its origi­ the children when they returned to their dynamic. A powerful example of nal purposes. homes, and perhaps to pray a little more." Chautauqua's reinstitutionalization was The antecedent for the circuit Chaut­ The emphasis on what circuit Chautau­ the purpose statement of the Ellison-White auqua was really the post-Civil War qua managers called inspirational "uplift" Chautauqua system founded in 1913in lyceum, not the earlier independent as­ Boise, Idaho: semblies. Beginning in 1826when Josiah Dr. JamesP. Eckman, who has written extensively To manage and conduct Lyceum, Holbrook organized the first lyceum bu­ on Chautauqua, is academic vicepresidentand Chautauqua, theatrical and circus business dean of Grace College in Omaha, where he is also of all kinds; to contract with and employ reau in Millbury,Massachusetts, the ly­ professor of history. and manage, and contract with others for ceum movement was a system of booking the services of Lyceum, Chautauqua, theat­ lectures for clubs, schools, churches, and

244 Circuit Chautauqua societies. The first and most famous of the time met with great success," The other key feature of Vawter's inno­ professional lecturers was Ralph Waldo Two major characteristics defined the vation centered on "tight booking," or Emerson, who under lyceum manage­ essence of Vawter's plan: the contract booking towns within a comfortably man­ ment, received as much as $500 per ap­ guarantee and "tight booking." The key to ageable circuit. With the various perform­ pearance. Other professional lecturers in­ the Vawter contract was the guarantee. In ers divided into teams according to the cluded Oliver Wendell Holmes, James communities that accepted a circuit day on which each team was to perform, Russell Lowell, Louis Agassiz, Horace Chautauqua, the organizing committee he scheduled the Chautauqua programs Greeley, Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Henry had to guarantee an agreed upon amount for five,six, or seven days. First-daytalent Ward Beecher, Edward Everett Hale, and (often two or three thousand dollars) to opened the Chautauqua in the first con­ Julia Ward Howe. The lyceum movement Vawter's agency, the Standard Chautau­ tracted town, then went on to open the actually died out during the CivilWar, but talent bureaus revived the lyceum lecture circuit after the war," James Redpath, former newspaperman from Scotland, organized the most fa­ mous of the lyceum bureaus in 1869-the Redpath Bureau. While hearing a lecture by Charles Dickens at the Tremont Temple in Boston in 1868, Redpath learned of the irritations and difficulties of traveling lecturers. He established his bu­ reau to alleviate distinguished speakers of the burden of personally negotiating dates, fees, train schedules, and dealings with local committees. Earning the reputa­ tion for integrity, quality, and respectabil­ ity, Redpath's bureau became the chief booking office for Mark Twain, Josh Bill­ ings, Henry Ward Beecher, and other well­ known personalities. Other lyceum bu­ reaus developed in the 1870s that booked musical ensembles, humorists, and sing­ ers, as well as professional lecturers. This proliferation into other areas of entertain­ Keith Vawter (left), WilliamJennings Bryan, and Bohumir Kryl. Courtesy of Universityof Iowa ment was a seed that germinated in the Special Collections. Chautauqua circuits.' The marriage of lyceum and Chautau­ qua Bureau. Each committee member program at the next town on the circuit, qua began in 1904with the genius of had to assume personal and legal liability and so on until they had completed the Keith Vawter of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, an for the amount of the guarantee. Although circuit. Arranging the talent in this manner executive of the Redpath Bureau of a potential difficulty, the guarantee provi­ meant that Vawter had to have tents ready Chicago. He was certain that thoughtful sion actually fostered a community spirit at each town on the circuit. For example, planning could make the independent and a competitive desire to bolster the a circuit of five towns required at least six Chautauquas financially successful and, town's good name as a center of culture tents, usually with an additional tent for because the lyceums met during the win­ and moral endeavor.PCharles F. Homer emergencies. He used the sixth tent to be­ ter months, give the Lyceum Bureau addi­ highlighted this community building gin a whole new circuit, after which the tional business during the summer spirit: remaining tents of the past circuit were months. Vawter established a nine-day The people would work in zeal for the com­ leapfrogged ahead to keep the circuit program to be sold to the independent as­ ing Chautauqua. Often they would unite to functioning. Through this system of cir­ semblies of Iowa, Nebraska, and Minne­ cut the weeds, mow the grass, trim the cuits, Chautauqua became financially fea­ sota. Because the independents preferred trees, decorate the windows and even paint sible for almost any town in America." In some buildings so that the town would be to organize their own programs, however, neat and handsome for the inspection of addition, as Chautauqua performers Irene his plan failed. Between 1907 and 1910, visitors.10 Briggsand Raymond Daboll, testified, "In­ he reorganized his approach, which this stead of having to travel long distances be-

245 Nebraska History - Fall 1994 cause of widely scattered dates, often The development of culture as enter­ Methodist Nebraska Epworth League in spending sleepless nights, backtracking to tainment in the circuits unmistakably de­ 1896. Asa part of the Chautauqua assem­ keep an engagement in a town next to fined the circuit Chautauqua movement bly program in Lincoln, the Epworth As­ one where they had performed only a in Nebraska. Asmentioned earlier, Ne­ sembly also sponsored an Epworth few days before, lecturers and entertain­ braska was an important state to the vari­ League Institute and School of Methods ers on the Vawter circuit could count on ous circuit bureaus; in 1920,274 for "the young people of our Nebraska an orderly sequence of dates and 10­ Chautauquas highlighted summer enter­ Methodism." 17Fullerton's independent as­ cales." 12 After 1910Vawter's method be­ tainment choices for Nebraska citizens. sembly, ''The Chautauqua Park Associa­ came the standard model for the circuit The circuit managers appealed to the ru­ tion," had been formed in 1898as an Chautauquas. ral character of the state. In the 1910 Epworth League Assembly. In 1901 a Managing the circuits required a sig­ Alma, Nebraska, Chautauqua program, group of Fullerton businessmen assumed nificant amount of organization. To maxi­ the goal of the Chautauqua reflected this control of the assembly. With the incorpo­ mize efficiency and order, the Vawter sys­ appeal: "The Chautauqua undertakes to ration of the Chautauqua Park Association tem involved four key individuals or bring to a community the refinement, the in 1917,the Chautauqua assembly pur­ groups. First, the booking agent obtained culture and the entertainment of the city chased nearly one hundred acres of land the contract from prospective towns on a with none of attendant temptations and around the famous Buffalo Leap outside given circuit. With an eye for continued vices." Furthermore, the program argued of Fullerton.18 To secure the talent for their expansion, his job was to procure as that Chautauqua contributed toward mak­ summer Chautauquas, both independent many contracts as possible. Next came ing "young men and women less anxious assemblies contracted with the various the advance man, whose role was one of to go to the big city to live and more satis­ Chautauqua bureaus. The Epworth As­ inspecting the town regarding its ticket fied to remain at home, where opportuni­ sembly of Lincoln often used Methodist sales and the progress of the preparation. ties are boundless." 16 pastors and speakers without any involve­ The third individual in the organization Although not the norm, a few Ne­ ment with the various bureaus. 19 was the platform manager, who operated braska towns that hosted a summer cir­ To organize the summer Chautauqua the Chautauqua program. In addition, it cuit Chautauqua still had an existing inde­ and secure the necessary talent, most Ne­ was his responsibility to secure a renewal pendent Chautauqua assembly. Lincoln braska towns formed a committee, which for the subsequent season. Finally, the and Fullerton represented the two largest often incorporated as a Chautauqua asso­ crew, usually consisting of college stu­ and most significant examples. Lincoln ciation, In Homer, Nebraska, for example, dents, erected the tent, often with local was the home of the famous Nebraska the Chautauqua came under the auspices help, and served as ticket-takers.13 Epworth Assembly, established by the of the Homer Chautauqua Boosters. For The incredible proliferation of the cir­ cuits after 1910indicates that Vawter's method of organizing circuit Chautauqua was financially profitable. By 1921 nearly one hundred separate circuit Chautau­ quas reached 9,597 communities in the United States and Canada, with some forty million people purchasing single or sea­ son-ticket admissions. Although strongest in the Midwest, they covered every region of the country. The ranking of the top ten states according to number of Chautauquas in 1920demonstrates the Midwestern predominance: Iowa (436 towns), Illinois (352), Pennsylvania (290), Nebraska (274), Kansas (260), Missouri (250), Ohio (217), Wisconsin (208), New York (201), and Minnesota (198),14 As Hugh A. Orchard, a circuit Chautauqua manager, maintained, "Through circuit Chautauqua there was a migration of thought and music from the old centers of population and culture to towns, villages, The local committee, 1914Chautauqua, lincoln. (NSHS-B814-22) farms, and fields."15

246 Circuit Chautauqua the Kearney summer programs, the Community leaders then signed the agree­ curred in Grand Island in 1911.Due to Kearney Chautauqua Association ar­ ment. This formal contract explains how crop failure, the town leaders cancelled ranged the accommodations and talent. so many small Nebraska communities, their contract with the Redpath Bureau The same was true for the Chautauquas of which did not have the resources to estab­ for a Chautauqua. On June 26, 1911,the Pierce, Fremont, and Kimball. Often the lish their own Chautauqua, could host a Redpath Bureau wrote: "Your committee associations rented or even purchased circuit Chautauqua during the summer or board of directors does not seem to ap­ land, preferably wooded, for the week of months. preciate the fact that it takes two to make the circuit Chautauqua. In dealing with Whatever the method of local organ­ or break a contract. ... We will hold the various booking agencies of the as­ ization, any talent booked with the Grand Island to the contract." On June 30, sorted Chautauqua bureaus, this commu­ Chautauqua bureaus had to be formal­ 1911,R. 1. Barr, superintendent of the nity organization had to guarantee the ized through a written contract, which es­ Grand Island schools and a director of the contract cost of hosting the Chautauqua." tablished a set number of programs for a Grand Island Chautauqua Association, re­ For communities that did not establish specified amount of money. The commu­ sponded, "The directors ... decide[d] to a formal association or which did not nity had to agree to furnish a "suitable take no other action than the resolution .. have an independent assembly already in place on Chautauqua grounds" for the en­ .. to abandon the Chautauqua." Someone existence, an initial agreement, to allow a tertainment, usually including a piano of the Redpath Bureau penciled over the Chautauqua bureau to organize and es­ that needed to be "tuned to international contract "Cancel Contracts. "23 Due to the tablish a summer Chautauqua, was im­ pitch." The contract listed the various per­ obvious costs of a lawsuit, Chautauqua perative. This type of agreement usually formers, the date(s) of appearance, and Bureaus often did not enforce contract took the form of a contract: the fee for each one. A representative of obligations upon towns incapable of We the undersigned, citizens and business the community and the agent of the meeting the financial pledge of hosting a men of __, believing in the great ad­ Chautauqua bureau signed the contract, Chautauqua. vantage morally, educationally and com­ with an inclusion about the bank through For those Nebraskans who attended a mercially of a Chautauqua Assembly do which the bureau could collect its fee. Al­ summer Chautauqua, the cost generally hereby invite and give the privilege to the was not prohibitive. Throughout the pe­ Redpath Lyceum Bureau to organize and though there existed many different forms establish a Chautauqua in __ for 19_ to of the contract, all included at least these riod from 1910to the 1920s,most summer continue under their direction for five elements." Chautauquas offered season tickets for years. And we pledge them our most hearty The Chautauqua bureaus frequently two dollars. Generally season tickets for support and co-operation in advertising and encountered towns that attempted to re­ those eight to fourteen years of age sold boosting the same." . nege on the contract. Such a case oc­ for one dollar, while children under eight

Chautauqua Park, Fullerton. (NSHS-N176-2-8)

247 Nebraska History - Fall 1994 were admitted free. Tents of numerous incorporation to the auto." emphasis on self-betterment through tem­ sizes could be rented for sums ranging Marketing the circuit Chautauquas in a perance classes or the CLSe. Instead, the from seven to twelve dollars, as could tent rural community proved a real challenge redefined Chautauqua was a "Summer floors for about two dollars. Other types of to community boosters. Advertising took Resort" with its "permanent buildings, furniture for tent living, like beds, chairs, many forms: calendars, streetcar cards, bathing pool and other conveniences for tables, and stoves, could be rented. For program folders, herald programs, win­ your comfort and entertainment."28 those Chautauquans not wishing to live in dow cards, large and small muslin ban­ By 1922 the restructuring and redefin­ tents, hotel accommodations existed on ners, thirty-six-inchpennants, street ing of Chautauquan culture was com­ the grounds (such as the Epworth Hotel streamers, automobile banners, wind­ plete. The 1922 Fullerton Chautauqua bro­ on the Lincoln grounds); or a visitor could shield stickers, arrow tack cards, "for sale" chure advertised "sixteen big days" of rent a room in the community. Restau­ cards, lecture window cards, one-sheet "two great programs daily." The list of fea­ rants and cafeterias provided meals, or posters, circular letters to underwriters, tured performances included "concert patrons could shop at stores on the newspaper Chautauqua stories, display companies, jubilee singers, two big grounds that provided groceries, bread, advertisements, direct mail advertise­ bands, opera singers, orchestras, novelty meats, and milk. The directors of the ments, and special displays for specific musicians, trained animals [sic] pets, Chautauqua tried to make it a self­ attractions. For most communities, the Wassman the magician, humorists, lectur­ contained community."The continuity program brochure was the norm for ad­ ers, preachers, entertainers, games, and with the older independent assemblies of vertising the coming Chautauqua, be­ sports for old and young."29 By no means the late nineteenth century is evident. cause the whole scope of the Chautauqua unique, the 1922 Fullerton Chautauqua Transportation to the Chautauquas was schedule was available in one packet. As represented the triumph of culture as en­ by railroad. Each of the advertising pro­ the circuits matured, the circuit bureaus tertainment. Although the Chautauqua grams mentioned the easy access that rail­ standardized print materials and other circuits contained preachers and lecturers roads brought. However, the Fullerton promotional techniques. Circuit manag­ on their programs, the accomplishment of Chautauqua gave recognition to the ad­ ers utilized blanket programs in which the redefined Chautauquan culture vent of the automobile. This was espe­ each town's name and dates could be brought a new meaning to Chautauquan cially critical because by purchasing the later inserted.F'Fhis move toward mass leisure. Respectable leisure meant time grounds around Buffalo Leap in 1917, the production of Chautauqua materials away from work as time to be entertained, Fullerton grounds were some distance lends further evidence to the restructuring. not time for what John Heyl Vincent had from the railroad. Indeed, in the 1917 pro­ of Chautauqua as an institution in Ameri­ originally called "self-culture." gram, the directors argued that the ap­ can life. The format of the Chautauqua circuit pearance of the auto "has much to do That circuit Chautauqua constituted program generally had two broad divi­ with inspiring the purchase of the the restructuring and reinstitutionalization sions: the inspirational lecture and the grounds." of Chautauqua in Nebraska is evident music, dramatic, or humorous segment. The coming of the auto has put a new spirit from an examination of the programs of The lecture component of the Chautau­ into country life. The fact that we are off the various communities in the state that qua program involved the use of famous the main line of travel is rather to our ad­ sponsored a circuit Chautauqua. Quite in­ orators who could draw crowds of consid­ vantage than otherwise. The automobile is structive is a comparison of the 1907 and erable size. A list of the lecturers during a great cross-country carrier and people programs of the Fullerton Chautau­ the first three decades of the twentieth seek out and find places and localities off 1912 from lines of travel. The tourist finds a qua Assembly. In 1907, the program re­ century in circuit Chautauqua included beauty at home that he never dreamed that sembled the older programs of the inde­ the most celebrated people in American Nebraska possessed. Within a radius of sixty pendents: A CLSC Round Table each politics, religion, letters, humor, entertain­ miles of Fullerton (easy auto travel) there morning at eleven o'clock, a WCTU con­ ment, and public affairs: William Jennings are more than twenty thousand owned au­ tomobiles and it is to the owners of these ference each morning at ten o'clock, and Bryan, Russell H. Conwell, Robert M. La autos and their neighbors that we make this a "Physical Culture" class, which focused Follette, Thomas Marshall, James A. appeal." on physical exercise and organized Bums, Mark Sullivan, William Howard The Chautauqua directors even adver­ games for the children, at 10:30each Taft, Warren G. Harding, Glenn Frank, tised that "your autos will be carefully morning. The aftemoon and evening ses­ James Whitcomb Riley, John Philip parked and guarded... The auto is the sions highlighted special lectures, con­ Sousa, BillySunday, Will Rogers, Opie making of country life and adds fiftyper­ certs, and entertainment via stereopticon Read, Paul Pearson, S. Parkes Cadman, cent to its enjoyment." For a time, the au­ lectures and moving pictures. The 1912 Ida Tarbell, Edgar Bergen, and Edna tomobile fostered growth at Fullerton, for Fullerton program exemplified a funda­ Ferber." in the 1921 program the directors attrib­ mental change of emphasis and context. The most famous representative of the uted the financial success since the 1917 There were no morning sessions, and no inspirational lecture was Rev. Russell H.

248 Circuit Chautauqua

'rngraul ~ffirial 'rngram Monday, August 14th 2 :45 p. Ill.-Concert, by the Brewers, Musical Entertainers. TO OUR CHAUTAUQUA FRIENDS-OLD AND NEW: 3 :15 p. Ill.-Hon. Gilbert 1'<1. Hitchcock, U. S. Senator. 7 :45 p. Ill.-'l'he Brewers. We welcome you to our Seventeenth Annual Chautauqua, and talaegreat pleasure in presenting this eleven day program, 8:00 p. Ill.-Weldon Frank Crossland, "The World Wi1'. \Y. n. Hay. 8 ::30 p. 1ll.-l'artoonist-Lectm'(,1'-Entl'l'tHillt'1', ::\lal'iolJ B. Fisk.

Program for the Fullerton Chautauqua Assembly at Chautauqua Park, August 10-20, 1917.(NSHS-F95-374.9) Conwell's "Acres of Diamonds" speech, are some things more valuable than money; on philanthropic projects, including the which he delivered over 6,000 times. nevertheless, there is not one of these establishment of Temple University in Victoria and Robert Case maintained that things that is not greatly enhanced by the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania." use of money." "this single offering of Conwell's had more The success and appeal of "Acres of effect on setting and maintaining Money was not the root of evil, Conwell Diamonds" were somewhat of an enigma. Chautauqua's 'tone' of inspiration than contended, it was the loueof money. Why did it have so much appeal? Its any other single factor.'?' Inspirational Thus, Conwell advised his listeners to get popularity on the lecture circuit repre­ uplift dominated the speech's theme as rich by honorable and Christian methods sented a new view of wealth that perme­ Conwell argued that no man had the right and to use that wealth for good. '. Philan­ ated early twentieth-century America: It to be poor: thropy was a key theme of the famous lec­ was not intrinsically sinful to want to ture. And Conwell modeled his counsel, Get rich, young man, for money is power, make money. Reverend Conwell epito­ and power ought to be in the hands of for of the considerable fortune he made mized the awareness that wealth was no good people... You and I know that there on the lecture circuit, he spent most of it longer thought of as treasures in heaven;

249 Nebraska History - Fall 1994 wealth was actual cash in hand today. For kept them there. One form of Chautau­ lads, the thrilling canoe songs, war chants rural people who worked hard, the pur­ quan entertainment focused on music. In ... of these strange Maori people." The suit of wealth became a worthy goal that the 1919 Epworth Assembly program at Alma Chautauqua of 1910 boasted of Ma­ Conwell sanctioned as a godly calling. Lincoln, three major musical entertain­ dame Reno, "the empress of Magic," The address thus inspired and it enter­ ment groups appeared: The Metropolitan whose "abundant experience, matchless tained. Most listeners to Conwell's speech Symphony Club, "playing the world's mas­ skill, charming personality and magnifi­ never achieved personal wealth; but most terpieces"; The Baldy Strang Entertainers, cent paraphemalia, will enable her to found courage and strength to carry on in a harp and brass ensemble; and the White present marvelous illusions and surprises their daily lives. Hussars-A Singing Band, a brass band of that will hold the audience spellbound." William Jennings Bryan embodied the nine men. At the Alma Chautauqua of Similarly,in 1917 the Fullerton inspirational ideal too. From 1904 to 1924, 1910, the Cleveland Ladies' Orchestra per­ Chautauqua advertised "Totten, The Magi­ his speech "Prince of Peace" mesmerized formed, as did the Weatherwax Brothers, cian, who will carefully explain each fea­ thousands of people at over three thou­ a male brass quartet, and the Schildkret ture and invite your closest inspection sand Chautauqua gatherings. The thesis of Hungarian Orchestra, which had played and after it is over you wonder how it all the oration centered on morality: Man is at Alice Roosevelt's wedding. At the 1922 happened."37 a religious being, and religion is the foun­ Fremont Chautauqua, the Isaac Van That religion remained a fundamental dation of morality for the individual and Grove Concert Company appeared, fea­ consideration of the Chautauquas in Ne­ the group. He claimed: turing several selections from well-known braska is apparent from the use of well­ Morality is the power of endurance in man, operas. Opera likewise characterized the known Protestant ministers on Sundays, and a religion which teaches responsibility 1912 Fullerton Chautauqua when The En­ as well as during the week. The Epworth to God gives strength to morality. There is a glish Opera Singers appeared performing Assembly of Lincoln centered much of its powerful restraining influence in the belief scenes "from the popular operas, in cos­ 1919 program on Methodist preachers. that an All-Seeing Eye scrutinizes every Bishop Adna W. Leonard of San Francisco thought and word and act of the indi­ tume; Gypsyscenes; selections from the vidual." ()ratorios; Sacred selections, etc." Popu­ and Bishop Homer C. Stuntz of Omaha lar, too, were the VirginiaJubilee Singers, lectured during the week of July 29to Au­ Ashe talked reverently about God and the Afro-Americans, who appeared at the gust 7.And a Methodist pastor of Wash­ mysteries of life, he reached the apex of 1907 Fullerton Chautauqua, singing "Plan­ ington D.C., Dr.James S. Montgomery, his speech. He discussed self-sacrifice and tation and Camp Meeting Songs, Negro also shared the lecture platform with a the pure representative of that quality­ Lullabies, comic and classic selections." Methodist pastor of New York City,known Jesus Christ. Christ had sacrificed and Finally, from 1917 to 1921, community as "The Preacher Hobo," Dr. John A. Gray. only he could bring peace to a troubled singing, in which assembly participants Gray's lecture took the form of imperson­ world. would join in a large community choir, ating many characters he had met when Bryan's address did not abound with emerged as a dynamic aspect of the he became a tramp for several months in profound thoughts; those in attendance Chautauquas. The Chautauqua manager the heart of New York. had undoubtedly heard the same reflec­ usually employed a director who led the The religious dimension of the circuit tions the preceding Sunday moming in community choir in singing patriotic and Chautauqua in Nebraska involved not church. Instead, his brand of inspirational religious songs during one of the evening only the standard denominational uplift reminded rural Americans of the sessions. In the 1919 Epworth Assembly, preacher but fiery evangelists like Billy simplicity of their faith. In a world of Charles Guthrie, who had traveled with Sunday. Sunday preached at the 1920 Ful­ change and increasing complexity, he several evangelists as their song director, lerton Chautauqua and led "the whole prompted them to recall that religious served as the community music director." procession of Chautauqua lecturers" at conviction was important; faith produced Entertainment at the circuit Chautau­ the Kearney Chautauqua in 1909. Indeed, a needed certainty in a world in flux. quas also meant diversity.The 1907 Fuller­ in the 1909 Kearney program, Sunday was His words instilled a confidence that life ton Chautauqua boasted of having the fa­ described as the "Napoleon of Evange­ had a purpose and meaning. That is why mous Rosani, "The Prince of Jugglers," lism," "a man's man," "kind hearted, sym­ on "Bryan Day" at Chautauqua as many who juggles and balances "whips, plates, pathetic, with a ready wit and keen sense as five thousand people could pour balls, pipes, bowls, glasses, hats, swords, of humor, he uses ... every art of the orator, into small, rural communities to be lighted lamps, etc." And in 1912 Fullerton actor, and preacher to accomplish his entertained and inspired by the Great hosted the Raweis Company, who per­ one supreme purpose--to save men and Commoner." formed a series of recitals "in full native change the current of their Iives."36 Although men like Conwell and Bryan costume" from the islands of the South Through the "Junior Chautauqua" brought the crowds to the Chautauqua, Seas that included "peculiar ceremonies, movement, the Nebraska circuit the continued program of entertainment the weird music, the crooning love bal­ Chautauquas attracted children. Staffed

250 Circuit Chautauqua

WBarkJeq­ StatesSenatorftomKen1ucky

A DOUBLE HEADLINE PROGRAM Senan.r "Lron Man.' nne of the n)(>~1 gif1t:d HI rc.-ord <.of brilliant st arcsuicn. n.his nnorher illll"trinu':\ name In li~t who have helped make rhe- great l<.'r\.llll of Arucrir-a. fcarb-ss COil fEIge, seintij sati«­ un.l ',('arching loRie, Ill' discusses Unde pri,hleflls 01 Sruaior Bnrkh-v and 11K Haskell Indians. with their !'l"f,',ralll "f lmlinn customs ru Indian costumes and whik mun'» In runvcntic-nul make we-ek Il ctouhh­ lu-adline event lvv no ,,1her r-Irt-ujt in and no 01he-r lm-nl event ol

From Ellison-White Chautauqua program, about 1927. (NSHS-10956) by young women who planned and di­ aged two to seven, organizers usually pro­ able for one dollar each on the Chautau­ rected the activities, this department of vided an enclosed area with swings, qua grounds. At the climax of the the circuit allowed the parents to receive slides, and sand piles." Chautauqua, maximum benefit from the regular after­ One of the most unusual attractions for The tribes will meet on the big platform and noon and evening sessions. In addition, as children occurred at the Alma Chautau­ make peace with each other. During this children enjoyed the activities of the Jun­ qua of 1910.Staffed by eight women, the half hour you will do some drills and sing ior Chautauqua, other young people and "Seton Indian" program organized chil­ some Indian songs you have learned. It will be great sport.... Willyou join the savage their parents bought tickets. The child­ dren between six and fourteen into two band?" ren's program, a modified continuation of "bands of savage [s]." Children were told the children's work of the independent as­ before they arrived, to have their mothers From 1908to 1911,the Seton Indian semblies, consisted of singing, stories, su­ sew bright red or yellow fringes around School approach to attracting children pervised team games, field meets, and their trousers and skirts, and to bring was unique to the Charles F. Horner's special features like hikes, picnics, cos­ feathers for war bonnets. Or if that was Western Redpath Chautauqua. tume parades, and plays. For children not possible, Indian play suits were avail­ Patriotism was an important dynamic

251 Nebraska History - Fall 1994 of the Chautauqua movement during Chautauquas in Nebraska from 1917to 3 Charles F. Horner, Strikethe Tents: TheStoryof I. 1921 had the phrase, "The Chautauqua Chautauqua (Philadelphia: Dorrance, 1954),39-40. World War Recognition of the services On the importance of Chautauqua as "uplift," see that Chautauqua rendered in furthering management will collect for the Govern­ David Mead, "1914:The Chautauqua and American patriotic fervor came from top United ment 10% War Tax at the gate."? Although Innocence," Journal of PopularCulture I (Spring States government officials. For example, Chautauqua leaders often refused to ad­ 1968): 339-56. in the 1917 Kimball program, a letter from mit it, the United States government 4 From articles of incorporation of the Ellison­ President Woodrow Wilson to Montaville viewed circuit Chautauqua for what it White Chautauqua System as quoted in Kristine M. Flowers, President of the International Ly­ really was-mostly commercial Davis, "The Chautauqua Idea: Building Educational Fellowship Through Symbol and Community," West­ ceum and Chautauqua Association, ex­ entertainment. ernJournal Speech Communication 47 (1983): 409. tolled the virtues of Chautauqua in the The circuit Chautauqua phenomenon 5 Daniel W. Howell, "Assembly Ideals and Prac­ time of national crisis: declined rapidly after 1924in Nebraska tice," The Chautauquan, July 1908,250-51. Theodore Your speakers, going from community to and other states served by the circuit Morrison documents that by the twentieth century community, meeting people in the friendly Chautauqua bureaus. Economic hardship many individuals and organizations were abusing spirit engendered by years of intimate un­ made it hard for rural communities to the term "chautauqua." Morrison, Chautauqua: A derstanding contact, have been effective guarantee an annual summer Chautau­ Center for Education, Religion, and the Artsin America(Chicago: University of Chicago Press, messengers for the delivery and interpreta­ qua. When the circuits became another tion of democracy's meaning and impera­ 1974),161. entertainment option to Nebraskans, they tive needs. The work that Chautauqua is do­ 6 Morrison, Chautauqua, 173, 175-76; Carl Bode, ing has not lost importance because of war, could not compete. Finally, the circuit TheAmerican Lyceum: Town Meeting of the Mind but rather has gained new opportunities for Chautauqua in the 1920sreached a satu­ (Carbondale: Southern Illinois Press, 1968),3-27; Jo­ service." ration point. seph E. Gould, The Chautauqua Movement (Albany: The underlying premise of the early State University of New York Press, 1961),72-75; The circuits promoted patriotism "C.M.," "Chautauqua," Noticias 14 (Fall 1973): 1-2. through their programs. In the 1918 Chautauqua movement had been that moral and spiritual instruction was more 7 Morrison, Chautauqua, 176-77; Gould, Homer program, Dr. James T. Nichols lec­ Chautauqua, 73-5; Bode, AmericanLyceum,200, 249. important than entertainment. an ide­ tured on "Glimpses of a World at War," As ology of culture, Chautauquans believed 8 Irene Briggs and Raymond F. DaBoll, Recollec­ and Lt. H. Gordon Manning spoke on tionsof the Lyceumand Chautauqua Circuits that instruction in the dimensions of cul­ "War-An Officer's Viewpoint." Further, (Freeport, Maine: The Bond Wheelwright Company, the last evening of the circuit at Homer ture would be regenerative. Over time, 1969),66-67; Morrison, Chautauqua, 177-78. See however, this balance between education also Roland Mueller, "Tents and Tabernacles: The featured "U.S. Government Moving War Chautauqua Movement in Kansas" (Ph.D. disserta­ Pictures," accenting "battle front and war and entertainment shifted in favor of en­ tertainment, the emphasis of the circuit . tion, University of Kansas, 1978),319,320-28; activities." In addition, as part of their per­ Donald Graham, "Circuit Chautauqua, A Middle formance, many of the singing groups Chautauquas after 1904.Most of the par­ Western Institution" (Ph.D. dissertation, University of sang patriotic and war songs. And at the ticipants in the circuits were professional Iowa, 1953), 17-20. entertainers or lecturers who worked only Kimball Chautauqua of 1917, "Liberty 9 Morrison, Chautauqua, 178; Mead, "1914," 346. within a contract format that involved Maids"sang "patriotic numbers in cos­ 10 Horner, Strikethe Tents, 77. tume."42 agents and professional managers. Uni­ formity of programming usually pre­ 11Morrison, Chautauqua, 178-79; Harrison John The Congress of the United States Thornton, "Chautauqua in Iowa," fowa Journal of cluded any local planning local talent. seemed to ignore the contribution of or History 50 (1952): 105-08. If a community wanted a Chautauqua, it Chautauqua to fostering patriotic enthusi­ I' Briggsand DaBoll, Recollections, 67. asm when, in search of new revenues, it had little choice but to accept what the circuit bureaus offered. By the mid-1920s, 13 Morrison, Chautauqua, 179-80; Horner, Strikethe imposed a ten percent tax upon amuse­ Tents, 68-90.For an extensive discussion of how the ments, which included Chautauqua. This Nebraska communities, like communities circuits were managed, see Mueller, "Tents and Tab­ throughout the United States, stopped was especially offensive to the devotees of ernacles," 393-488and M.Sandra Manderson, ''The booking Chautauquas. Culture as enter­ Redpath Lyceum Bureau, An American Critic: Deci­ Chautauqua, who argued that it consti­ tainment had lost its appeal. sion-Making and Programming Methods for Circuit tuted education, not amusement. Al­ Chautauquas, Circa 1912 to 1930" (ph.D. disserta­ though no concerted effort to exempt tion, University of Iowa, 1981),30-62. Notes Chautauqua from the tax occurred during 14Figures from a study by Charles F. Homer, The the war, when the Congress continued the 1 Program of "Chautauqua" for Kimball, Nebr., Chautauqua and Lyceumin Numbers (n.p., 1921). tax after the war, Chautauqua leaders like July 4-8, 1917. Redpath Chautauqua Collection, See also Morrison, Chautauqua, 181; Homer, Strike J. S. White, of the White and Meyers Redpath Chautauqua and Redpath Lyceum Bureau the Tents, 91-104; and Mueller, "Tents and Taber­ of Chicago, Special Collections Department of the nacles," 331-2. Chautauqua and Louis J. Abler of the Coit­ University of Iowa Library. Files on Nebr. circuit Abler Chautauquas, protested to theattor­ 15 Asquoted in Briggs and DaBolt, Recollections, Chautauqua, boxes 1022 and 1023 (hereafter cited 66. The amount of historical writing on the circuits ney general. Their efforts were fruitless. as Redpath Chautauqua Collection). is far greater in quantity than any other aspect of the Thus, every program of the circuit 'Ibid. Chautauqua phenomenon. Most helpful are the first­

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Circuit Chautauqua

hand accounts by participants in the circuits them­ several letters from L. O. Jones, president of the Ne­ 33 Harrison, Culture Under Canvas,21-23. selves. In addition to the already cited Briggs and braska Epworth Assembly, concerning the booking 34 Case, We CalledIt Culture, 106. The Cases repro­ of various individuals for entertainment at the sum­ DaBoil and Horner, important accounts are Re­ duce, with their own commentary interspersed mer assembly. Viewing the programs in the NSHSin becca Richmond, An AmericanPlace(New York: throughout, Bryan's entire speech, 103-10. Duell, Sloane, and Pearce, 1943); Harry Harrison, Lincoln indicates, however, that many Methodist Culture Under Canvas(New York: Hastings, 1958); speakers spoke at the Epworth Assembly without 35 Harrison, Culture Under Canvas, 164. On a per­ Victoria and Robert Ormond Case, We Called It Cul­ any involvement of the Redpath Bureau. sonal evaluation of Bryan and Chautauqua, see ture(New York: Doubleday, 1948); Gay Maclaren, Mary Baird Bryan, TheMemoirs of William Jennings 20 Program brochures for Pierce (1916), Kimball (Philadelphia: United Publishers, 1925),284­ Morally We RollAlong (Boston: Little, Brown, 1958); (1917), Homer (1918), and Fremont (1922), Bryan 95. Also see the "Official Program of the Fremont In­ and Marian Scott, Chautauqua Caravan (New York: Redpath Collection. The Kearney program (1909) dependent Chautauqua" for 1922, where Bryan was D. Appleton-Century, 1939). Besides Mead's article, is in the NSHSLibrary under "Kearney Chautauqua to appear on July 23. He clearly was to be the high­ see Melvin Miller, "Grass Roots Chautauqua in Assembly." Michigan," Michigan History 52 (1968): 299-309and light of that Chautauqua. 21 Redpath Chautauqua Collection. "The Chautauqua in Lansing," Michigan History 40 36 On music entertainment, see these Chautauqua (1956): 257-74; LeRoy Stahl, "The Final Curtain Call: 22 Many examples of these contracts are a part of programs in the Redpath Chautauqua Collection: Chautauqua in Montana," Montana: TheMagazine the Redpath Chautauqua Collection. Alma (1910), Chautauqua Park Association, Fuller­ of Westem History 26 (1976): 52-61;Elaine Carol ton (1921), Fremont (1922). The Fullerton programs Main, "'Miss Paul' Hits the Glittering Chautauqua 23 Redpath Chautauqua Collection in box 1022 un­ der "Grand Island." of 1907 are from the Nance County Historical Soci­ Trail," ThePalimpsest, 66 (1985): 12942; T. Win ety. The Epworth Assembly program of 1919 is at Welford, "The Circuit Chautauqua in Ponchatoula, 24 Survey of programs for Fullerton, Lincoln, Alma, the NSHS. Louisiana," Louisiana History 26 (1985): 291-9;Ralph Homer, Pierce, Fremont, and Kearney that are lo­ Spencer, "The Red Oak Chautauqua Pavilion," An­ cated in the Redpath Chautauqua Collection or the 37 See programs for Alma (1910), Redpath nals ofJowa 41 (1973): 1273-78.All of these make NSHS.Although the ticket prices were standard, the Chautauqua Collection, and Fullerton (1907), use of the extensive collection of documents of the rental rates for tents and other equipment did vary. (1912), and (1917) from the Nance County Histori­ Redpath Bureau archives housed at the University of cal Society. 25 See 1917 "Fullerton Chautauqua Association" Iowa Library-the largest such collection of program. 38 "Nebraska Epworth Assembly" program for 1919 Chautauqua materials in the world. and 1909 Kearney program in the NSHS.The Fuller­ "See 1921 "Chautauqua Park Association," ton reference is frorn the 1921 Fullerton program, 16 "Western Redpath Chautauqua System, Alma, Redpath Chautauqua Collection. Nebraska," 1910, Redpath Chautauqua Collection. Redpath Chautauqua Collection.

Although it consists of the complete records of the 27 On advertising see the various firsthand ac­ 39 See the programs from Alma (1910), "Nebraska Redpath Chautauqua Bureau of Chicago, it does counts by Chautauqua participants mentioned in Epworth Assembly" (1919), and Kimball (1917). contain program and materials from other compet­ note fifteen, especially Orchard, Fifty Years of Both the Cases, We Called It Culture, 148-50,and ing Chautauqua bureaus. See John Edward Tapia, Chautauqua, 235, 245, 134, and Case, We Called It Harrison, Culture UnderCanvas, 225-28, discuss at­ "Circuit Chautauqua Program Brochures: A Study in Culture, 13940. Also see the important discussion in tracting children as a means of attracting the adults. Social and Intellectual History." The Quarterly Jour­ Tapia, "Circuit Chautauqua Programs," 168. Both argue that Junior Chautauqua increased ticket nal of Speech (1981): 167-77for a brilliant analysis of 28 The 1907, 1912, 1921 Fullerton Chautauqua pro­ sales. the brochures in this collection. Tapia sees the bro­ gram brochures are all found in the Nance County chures as a marketing tool reflecting the various ap­ 40 See Alma "Western Redpath Chautauqua" Pro­ Historical Society and were provided to me by Mrs. gram for 1910, Redpath Chautauqua Collection. prehensions in America from 1904 to 1932 (e.g., fear Jerry Imus. The brochures for the Homer, Pierce, of the city, war, economic hardship). Kearney, Lincoln, and Alma Chautauquas all reveal 41 Kimball (1917) program in the Redpath Chautauqua Collection. For a general account of 17 On the Epworth League Institute, see the "Ne­ the program format of only afternoon and evening braska Epworth Assembly" program of 1919, in sessions, with a reduced or absent commitment to the circuit Chautauquas and World War I, see Gra­ Beatrice Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle the CLSCor the WCTU.The increasing dominance ham, "Circuit Chautauqua," 224-42. Collection, MS23, Nebraska State Historical Society, of entertainment is clear in each. 42 See the Homer (1917) and Kimball (1917) pro­ Lincoln (hereafter cited as NSHS). grams in the Redpath Chautauqua Collection. 29 The 1922 program is found in the Nance County 18 "Fullerton Chautauqua Association" programs of Historical Society. 43 Graham, "Circuit Chautauqua," 240-41;see the 1917 and 1921. Both programs, as well as several various Nebraska programs mentioned in this chap­ 30 Thornton, "Chautauqua in Iowa," 112-13. others, come from the archives of the Nance County ter for the statement on the war tax. Historical Society. Mrs. Jerry Imus of Fullerton pro­ 31 Case, We Called It Culture, 63. The entire speech vided me with copies. by Conwell is reproduced in Case's book, 243-72.

19 In the Redpath Chautauqua Collection there are 32 Ibid.

253