Friday, January 6, 2012

The Chautauqua

A big event in Marion was the coming of the Redpath Chautauqua each summer.  They would set up their tents for seven days.  The entertainment must have been on a grand scale. It consisted of plays, band concerts, magicians,speakers and all kinds of entertainment. 

Here is an announcement about it coming to Marion from the June 22, 1923 Crittenden Press.  It is the great Redpath Chautauqua, seven big days of the most instructive and delightful entertainment.  

A splendid program has been arranged. It was the desire of the Woman's Club to provide the people of Marion and Crittenden County with the very best entertainment procurable and they have made possible to have in our midst a week, seven big days, of delightful entertainment.  

The group contains the best preachers, orators, entertainers, and musicians that can be had.  It will give a week of wholesome treats that leaves no bad taste in the mouth.  Such lectureres as Gov. Folk and Adam Bede, such music as Knight's famous band and such entertainers as Lamant are on the program.


Crowds of over 2,000 were estimated to have visited the Chautauqua during this week.

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