Hundreds of people have gathered over the last several weeks to participate in Chautauqua in Kirkwood, Osage Beach and Pike County. They’ve heard storyteller Walt Disney talk about his imaginings of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves before they became the animated characters that we know and love today. They’ve laughed with inventor Thomas Edison as he shared stories of competition and triumph in the burgeoning entertainment industry of his day. They’ve applauded as P. T. Barnum talked about how he created the “Greatest Show on Earth,” and they’ve questioned as Margaret Mitchell engaged in dialogue about her characters in Gone with the Wind.
Audiences of all ages were engaged in the presentations offered by the Chautauquans who portrayed these historical figures. Did you know that was the only novel ever written by Margaret Mitchell and that she wrote it after being laid up for several months after an accident and had run out of things to read! Do you know where the phrase, “Stick a sock in it” comes from? Thomas Edison explains that since there was no volume control on the early phonograph, people used socks to muffle the sound when it was too loud. There’s so much to discover from these fascinating characters of history, and the Chautuaqua format is the perfect way to engage in learning about them.
It’s not too late for you, too, to take part in Chautauqua this year. The 2008 MHC Chautauqua tour will wrap up in Carthage and Webb City from June 26th through 29th. Visit our web page for more details. (Below, Hank Finken portrays Thomas Alva Edison)
Congratulations to our 2009 Missouri communities hosting the THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT! Chautauqua next summer. They are:
El Dorado Springs hosted by the Spring City Revitalization Group
Joplin hosted by the Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau
Harrisonville hosted by the Cass County Historical Society, Inc.
If you are interested in developing your own Chautauqua program throughout the coming year, don’t forget that we have “Build-your-own-Chautauqua” page on our website with support materials and a National Directory of Chautauqua Performers. We are also available for consultation and support as you put your program together.
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