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Chautauqua Assemblies

or "Tent Chautauquas"

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Recently revived, Circuit or Tent Chautauqua, invented by Keith Vawter, were traveling groups that operated in the nation wide from 1903-1930. They moved from town to town, giving a program of lectures, concerts and recitals in a large tent. These traveling groups brought shows to the people of rural areas. Their popularity decreased with the invention of the radio, and development of other forms of entertainment.

The Assemblies were based upon an earlier concept of education for Sunday school teachers begun in 1874 at Chautauqua Lake, N.Y., which were inspired by the even earlier Lyceum movement first conceived in 1826.

The program, of course, was what the Chautauqua was all about. "Talent" included musicians, lecturers, humorists, actors, interpretive readers, magicians, and others. Some of the talent worked the year around as entertainers. Former US President Herbert Hoover,William Jennings Bryan & Mark Twain were participants.

Location: Chautauqua


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