When I first got to Michigan, back in the 1980s, they used to talk about holding “Chautauquas”. Little did I know, but Chautauqua was an adult education movement that was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Being from Western New York, I was only familiar with the one on Chautauqua Lake,
According to my Preferred Source, this first Chautauqua was organized in 1874 at a campsite on the shores of Chautauqua Lake by Methodist minister John Heyl Vincent and businessman Lewis Miller. It eventually was called Mother Chautauqua because many independent, or “daughter” Chautauquas were developed following their ideas.
I had been there a couple of times in the past. This was the distant past for me. Probably the 1970s. I have been eager to return ever since. Luckily for me, Mary Ellen, a friend from Kalamazoo was visiting her sister at the same time I was in the area.
When we met at choir in Kalamazoo, we found out that we were both from Buffalo. Here were are, just a couple of Buffalo gals!
I managed to get to Chautauqua in time to get parked. Sunday is a big day there. They have free parking and free admission for the Sunday church service. Mary Ellen was singing with the choir, so my mission was to get there in time for the church service.
I wandered my way through the tree and flag lined streets, past the lovely old cottages with porches.
I passed the Presbyterian House.
I passed the entrance to the Athenaeum Hotel.
I made it to the Amphitheater with time to spare. After the service, we met up at her sister’s place.
What a glorious view! I must put “get a porch” on my to-do list!
After a little lunch, we strolled about the grounds.
We admired the gracious old buildings.
There were lovingly tended gardens everywhere.
Where there weren’t gardens, there were planters.
We happened upon a craft show, with artists selling their wares.
There were also demonstrations.
We came upon a vendor selling gorgeous winter coats. For some reason, this vendor didn’t seem to have a mirror, so I made a new friend when I offered to take her photo so she could see how she looked in her coat. If I remember correctly, she ended up buying it.
Mary Ellen had to try on a coat, too. She didn’t buy hers.
I must admit, I don’t understand why this stop sign was wearing a dress. Maybe it was channeling its inner Klinger.
We wandered about a bit longer and then went to a nearby store to pick up sandwiches for dinner.
Really, is there anything more peaceful looking than these gracious old houses? A company of military musicians that travel about giving shows was on the schedule during the afternoon and we went to the amphitheater to watch. I have caught several performances by these groups. If you ever have one coming to your town, be sure to catch it. Your tax dollars at work!
It was great to get back to Chautauqua and to see my friend, Mary Ellen again.
Back to Evangola State Park in time for the sunset.