BOOM: Chautauqua, Indian for a spiritual journey, was a social movement that has not been matched by any technological marvel before or since. Envisioned during the time shortly after the Civil War as a method of rebuilding our Nation's character by teaching Christian principles in a summer camp program. The first year audience in 1876 was Sunday school teachers who were treated to dynamic speakers, great food and fellowship. Recreation like canoeing, shuffleboard, horseshoes and badminton was soon added to the program which brought more than teachers. Entire church congregations camped for periods of time to participate in good clean family fun. Helped by an energetic and persuasive promoter, each year brought more locations for "resorts" which needed this magnetic entertainment which stretched throughout the summer. A circuit of preachers, story tellers, comedians, jugglers, dancers, choirs, soloists and all types of entertainment was soon organized. By 1900 over 250 Chautauquas had sprung up over the United States and Canada. In addition, a weekly Chautauqua tent celebration gave over 1500 small towns a taste of Chautauqua; names like Will Rogers, William Jennings Bryan, Abbot and Costello and many others. Most traveled to Chautauqua by trains, horse and buggy and few by car. At it’s height, over 35,000,000 Americans saw sonic part of summer Chautauqua show. Teddy Roosevelt said "Chautauqua is the greatest influence on Americans today".
