National Adult Literacy Database

December 27, 1999

This week, our story comes to us from Quesnel, BC. The author, Laura Dunford, is a very healthy and active senior who is living in a Seniors' residence in Prince George. She was in her mid-fifties when she started schooling again. After completing a Grade 12 equivalency, she took a business course. She wrote this story as part of a project of the Seniors' Writing Circles at the College of New Caledonia, Quesnel Campus.

The Chautauqua

by Laura Dunford

My memory of the Chautauqua goes back to the period 1929 to probably 1935. This was during the Great Depression Era and the Chautauqua was mostly seen in the small prairie towns.

Several years ago, I looked for some information as to where it all began. I can only remember that there was a Lake Chautauqua somewhere in the U.S. where a theatre group sprung up.

As time went by, they began to travel with their shows. Over time, they added a small classical music ensemble. They also offered a special event for the children - an old fashioned puppet marionette show with wood characters on strings acting out a play. There were voices in the background. Performances were in the afternoon and evening.

Each town that sponsored them had to guarantee a certain amount of money to be raised first. A large tent was set up, and I think it was a five day event.

I was just starting school when the first Chautaugua came that I remember. There was always a "Chautauqua Lady" allowed to come to visit the schools. She sang a few little songs and told us about the performances. There was also a special parade for the children and prizes were awarded for best costumes, etc.

Because there was no such thing as T.V. then, any type of stage performance was usually welcome. Also, there wasn't much money around for luxuries in most families, but somehow the expenses were always met. I never heard of the Chatauqua getting rained out, as this was during the terrible drought years. However, I read recently of a terrible dust storm in one Alberta town that caused much havoc to the tent.

I wonder if any of the entertainers of that day are still living. It would be so nice to hear or read of their experiences travelling from town to town.

I'm sure some of them continued their careers elsewhere after those years ended. As for me, it has left many pleasant memories of my childhood days in a small prairie community.

[This story was taken with permission, from a collection of stories by members of Seniors' Writing Circles and Fundamental Level Students, College of New Caledonia, Prince George, BC. The book is entitled Writers, young and old, share experiences. See page 13.]