Focus on the Farm – Chautauqua! (Sha-Taw-Kwa)! By Pamela Sasseen, Hanley Farm Volunteer
Enlighten! Entertain! Inform! Visitors to a modern Chautauqua will experience this and more. But what is Chautauqua? How did it all begin?
Actually, it began in Chautauqua, a small town (population 4,464, per the 2010 census) located in Chautauqua County, New York, named after Chautauqua Lake. Chautauqua’s a Seneca word, interpreted as “bag tied in the middle.” Actually, that’s the traditional meaning. Apparently, Chautauqua has several other meanings, such as “…the place where one is lost, the place of easy death, fish taken out, foggy place, high up, and two moccasins fastened together.” So, I suppose one can choose whichever meaning they want!
The Chautauqua movement (of educational and cultural centers) began in 1874, and was initially religious in nature. It began as a program for the training of Sunday school teachers and church workers, organized by John Vincent, a Methodist minister, and Lewis Miller, a local businessman, “…at a campsite on the shores of Chautauqua Lake.” These campsite gatherings grew in popularity, and over the years Chautauqua has broadened to include education, recreation, music, historians, entertainers, lectures, etc.
In 1904, the Chautauqua morphed, and “Circuit Chautauquas,” or “Tent Chautauquas,” came into being. Tents were pitched and, after several days, the Chautauqua would move on. Each performer, or group, would appear on a particular day of the program. For instance, “first day” talent would perform, then move on to another Chautauqua. Then, “second day” performers would perform and move on, as did the “first day” group. This would be the norm throughout the touring season. In the mid-1920s, Chautauquas were at their peak, and over the years Chautauqua has had its ups and downs. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chautauquas were particularly popular in rural areas, such as farming and ranching communities, where access to culture and entertainment was limited. Then, with the advent of the media – radio, movies, television – people could experience cultural events unavailable to them in the past.
But, Chautauqua has and does survive. Today one will find an eclectic mix of entertainment at a Chautauqua. At a local Chautauqua, you’ll experience the diversity and flavor of the community. Theodore Roosevelt is credited with saying that “…Chautauqua is the most American thing in America!” Experience our own local Chautauqua at the farm September 21st and 22nd. We’ll look forward to sharing this experience with you!
September 1 – Chinatown in Jacksonville: The Archaeology of a Vanished Ethnic Community ORIGINS Dinner
Enjoy a unique dining experience at Hanley Farm. Join us for a four course farm dinner, complete with wine parings, prepared by Jacksonville’s own Kristen Lyon. You’ll enjoy locally grown produce; Artesian bread by Coquette Bakery; wines from Valley View Winery; and a presentation by Chelsea Rose, Staff Archaeologist at Southern Oregon University. We also invite you to join us for our next Origins event, Prehistoric Archaeology of Southern Oregon, September 29. Seating is limited, so call soon for your reservation. $55/person ($40/SOHS Members); farmer and winemaker cocktail hour, No-host beer & wine bar; 541-773-6536, ext. 1002.
September 21 – Chautauqua Dinner
Hanley Farm is hosting it’s first-ever Chautauqua! We’re kicking off our two-day Chautauqua celebration with a phenomenal dinner. You’re invited to enjoy a great meal catered by the Jacksonville Inn, using locally grown produce and products. The meal includes local wines, beer and spirits, complimented by the music of singer-songwriter Christina Duane. Plus, choose from an eclectic selection of items in our silent and live auctions. Reservations required, so call soon! 541-773-6536, ext. 1002; 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; $60/person ($50/SOHS Members).
September 22 – Chautauqua, a day filled with Fun & Music & Food!
Music! Drama! Lectures! Food! Fun! Entertainment! Enlightenment! Join us at the farm as we celebrate the second day of Chautauqua – games, lectures, music. Meet Abraham Lincoln; learn about Captain Jack and the Modoc War; enjoy music performed by the Bar Misfits Klezmer Band; and much more!!! This is a Chautauqua event to please all! 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Hanley Farm; call 541-773-6536, ext. 1002.
For more information about Hanley Farm or upcoming events, call us at 541-773-6536, Ext. 1002, visit us on-line at www.sohs.org; or check out our Hanley Farm Facebook page!