1910 Springfield Chautauqua
April 22-25 the Library is having a Chautauqua. To get an idea of what Chautauqua's were, read this article about one day of events from the Springfield Leader, July 9, 1910, page 1.
Bigelow heard at Chautauqua
Noted Platform lecturers entertain audiences at today's sessions.
"Herbert S. Bigelow, the well-known Cincinnati preacher-reformer was the attraction at the Chautauqua this forenoon with his lecture on 'Stealing as a Fine Art.' Mr. Bigelow spoke to a large audience and his lecture was interesting, as he ably discussed economical and industrial conditions. Those who heard him speak on 'Direct Legislation' were greatly impressed and many were glad of the opportunity to hear him in the discussion of another subject today.
"At the afternoon session 'Sunshine' Hawkes gave a lecture on 'Sunshine and Shadow.' He is one of the best known of southern humorists. He was to have been heard in Springfield last year, but was forced to cancel his engagements. His lecture was entertaining, abounding with good stories and real poetry, humor and pathos. Preceding the lecture, there was a concert by the International Concert company. At 4:30 O'clock this afternoon, Miss Helen Perkins will devote an hour to stories for children.
"Sid Landon, 'the happy Swede,' will be the attraction at the evening session in his character entertainment, 'Uncle Sam's Family.' Landon makes lightning changes of costume in full view of his audience and gives remarkable presentations of such characters as Robert E. Lee, Abraham Lincoln, Edgar Allen Poe, James Whitcomb Riley and others. The evening session will open with a concert by the International Company, composed of Russian, Holland and American musicians."
Find this article at http://thelibrary.org/blogs/article.cfm?aid=865&lid=30