The Real Chautauqua

Can you please elaborate on Real It seems that there are two competing bodies. Are there two rival factions of the same group, or something? History and facts please. They both seem to offer very interesting programs.

This is the historical one; I can't really give more details on the newer one; Steeleing1 said she would post more after this weekend; I am eager to hear what has happened.

The newer program just seemed to have turned more political and partisan, I was concerned that the historical significance was being lost.....maybe not, though. I think there must be two competing groups....

Real appears to be a misnomer since it appears the a Chautauqua was founded in Feb. 1885, and eventually expired. The "new" one seems to have been reborn in July 1993, and the "real" one has it's bylaws adopted on 5/27/2007. You can see where I'm a little confused.

I'm looking forward to this, especially the red carpet presentation of Frank Capra's "It Happened One Night" at the Chautauqua Theater.

Dear Goodwitch 58,

Not sure how you define "real" and will provide some factual information on Chautauqua.

Diane Picket renewed the event starting in 1976 in DeFuniak Springs. The originial event was started Feb. 10, 1885 lasting for 36 years until closing in 1920. This is the Chautauqua that was held Jan. 31-Feb 2, 2008 in DeFuniak marking it 13 year in a row.

One can go to their web site: www.florida-chautauqua-center.org and learn the following information:

"The Florida Chautauqua Assembly was officially brought back to life by Ms. Pickett on February 10, 1996, after a hiatus of more than 75 years. Much like the original Assembly, the lecture topics for the current Assembly include history, health, art, and current events, to name a few, along with entertainment from performers across the country. Special evening vespers are also held on the Lake in much the same way they were more than 100 years ago. It is Ms. Pickett’s goal to return the Florida Chautauqua to its original 9-week program, drawing attendees from throughout the entire US. Given her success thus far, it appears that her goals are both realistic and achievable."

"The Florida Chautauqua Assembly and its related events are presented under the auspices of the Florida Chautauqua Center, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Florida-based corporation established in July 1993 for the sole purpose of reviving, promoting, and sustaining the original Florida Chautauqua."

Last year after the close of the above Assembly, Ann Robinson and others formed the new group and you can read about it at floridachautauqua.org The bylaws for this group are dated May 27, 2007 so one can tell by the dates which one was started first.

Ms. Ann Robinson will be my guest tomorrow on 30A Radio's Matt Christ Live, 11-noon. Tune in Sunday on 107.1 FM or online live, at 30aradio.org

I think what goodwitch means by "real" is that in her opinion (and mine, for that matter) the most recently founded Chautauqua Assembly is more in line with the vision the original Chautauqua founders had for the Assembly so many years ago.
Ms. Robinson and those who founded this Chautauqua had been a part of the Assembly founded by Ms. Pickett and apparently felt there was a need for change. I look forward to being a part of it.

I think what goodwitch means by "real" is that in her opinion (and mine, for that matter) the most recently founded Chautauqua Assembly is more in line with the vision the original Chautauqua founders had for the Assembly so many years ago.
Ms. Robinson and those who founded this Chautauqua had been a part of the Assembly founded by Ms. Pickett and apparently felt there was a need for change. I look forward to being a part of it.

Thanks Steeleing1..that is exactly what I meant. I am quite familiar with the New York Chautauqua and the Winter Assembly in DFS, and the revival Diane Pickett did originally...what I am confused by is that now there are apparently two groups...and the one that met Feb 1 does not appear to represent the historical "real" vision.

I am pleased to see Ms. Robinson has continued the historical approach...not sure what the other group is about...the program certainly did not seem to reflect the original intent.

Diane revived the Chautauqua, retired, handed it over to Ann, wasn't happy with how it was being ran so began a new one.

That's according to numerous DeFuniak newspaper articles last year.

My personal preferance is for Ann's Chautauqa. I'm sure Diane's is good as well, but havent attended.

Diane revived the Chautauqua, retired, handed it over to Ann, wasn't happy with how it was being ran so began a new one.

That's according to numerous DeFuniak newspaper articles last year.

My personal preferance is for Ann's Chautauqa. I'm sure Diane's is good as well, but havent attended.

Off topic, but Mrs. Rocket, where is your avatar from? It is very intriguing!

Let's all listen to Ann on Matthew Christ's show tomorrow, and she can can let everyone know how all has progressed!!!

still, after just this little bit of back and forth, I have no idea which is the Real Chautauqua.

Will the "REAL Chautauqua" Please stand Up!

still, after just this little bit of back and forth, I have no idea which is the Real Chautauqua.

From what I am reading and the quality of the programs, I would say the one coming up is the "real" one in the spirit of the original Chautauqua, not the Karl Rove version.

still, after just this little bit of back and forth, I have no idea which is the Real Chautauqua.

Isn't Chautauqua a cultural movement? I thought the real Chautauqua was in New York.

Isn't Chautauqua a cultural movement? I thought the real Chautauqua was in New York.

and I thought you live in Defuniak.

and I thought you live in Defuniak.

Well actually about 10 miles southest of DeFuniak. But my business is two blocks from the office of the Chautauqua Assembly that is getting ready to start.

Maybe this will help you on your path to personal discovery.

[ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chautauqua[/ame]

Isn't Chautauqua a cultural movement? I thought the real Chautauqua was in New York.

http://www.ciweb.org/history.html

Well actually about 10 miles southest of DeFuniak. But my business is two blocks from the office of the Chautauqua Assembly that is getting ready to start.

Maybe this will help you on your path to personal discovery.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chautauqua

Thanks for the reference from the most trusted source on the internet. Yes, we all know the Chautauqua movement started in NY, hence the name. Yes, there is a Chautauqua in Denver, and other places. This discussion is based on the two in DeFuniak.

For the record, no one from either Chautauqua Assembly has named theirs the "real" one. It is only the title of this thread and an opinion.

Interesting story regarding Chautauqua events: http://www.andalusiastarnews.com/articles/2008/02/09/neighbors/neighbors02.txt

So what ever happened to Miss Chatauqua and the Chatauqua Parade that we used to enjoy in the 1970's/1980's? I didn't stumble around in an evening formal in 1980 for nothing!

Note: this is meant as light-hearted diversion. Except that the stumbling around really did happen. It's a common occurence with me.

So what ever happened to Miss Chatauqua and the Chatauqua Parade that we used to enjoy in the 1970's/1980's? I didn't stumble around in an evening formal in 1980 for nothing!

Note: this is meant as light-hearted diversion. Except that the stumbling around really did happen. It's a common occurence with me.

Good post. I can trip on flat ground with no alcohol involved

I swear, doesn't anything ever happen around here without some sort of controversy and people taking sides? I am waiting for Grit and Grace to fall into disarray, with the Grits vs. the Gracers, each holding true to their vision of the cultural resonance of Freeport.