Nodaway

The Chautauqua was an educational movement that was started in 1874 in New York.  The Chautauqua began travelling around the United States in 1904 and Nodaway County hosted a Chautauqua every year from 1905 until 1929.  The speakers and entertainment varied each year depending and reflected American society and interests.

 

To prepare for the Chautauqua, the newspapers ran advertisements and articles about each year’s shows.  The newspapers would advertise ticket sales and tent rentals.  The tickets could be purchased for $1.50 for a season pass to the Chautauqua, or 50¢ per event.  The tents were located on the Chautauqua grounds which was commonly held at Normal Park.  Articles featured the talent that would be at the Chautauqua.  Articles would often describe the speakers as “the most intelligent” or the “most entertaining” in the world.  Senator Thomas P. Gore and Lou Beauchamp were popular figures at the Nodaway County Chautauqua and were featured several years.

 

The last Chautauqua in Nodaway County was held in 1929.  The Chautauqua had lost popularity around the country and circuit Chautauqua ended soon after.  The popularization of the automobile and the radio allowed for information and people to travel and communicate faster around the country. 

 

Watch a clip from the PBS show Chautauqua: An American Narrative to learn more!