Grinnell Chautauqua Association, Records of

Series

Grinnell Chautauqua Association, Records of

• 1921-1932 (Creation)

Quantity: 1 – 11 ¾ x 15 blue-gray container

Background Note: The Chautauqua Movement was established in Lake Chautauqua, New York, in 1874. Affiliated with the Methodist Church, its initial purpose was to train Sunday School teachers of all denominations. The program was extended to included lectures, classes, conferences and entertainment. From 1902 on, the Chautauqua Institution established its program in local centers throughout the country. The travelling Chautauqua was initiated in the early 1900’S prior to World War I, the height of the movement’s popularity.

Following the war, the influence of films and radio weakened the movement and led to its demise. The Grinnell Chautauqua Association was founded on 2/15/1921 to provide programs “for the benefit of Grinnell and vicinity.” There is no record of formal dissolution, but the minutes indicate that by 1932, the organization was having difficulty attracting people to its programs.

Container List: Folders –
Series #1 – Constitution
Series #2 – Boards of Directors
Series #3 – Programs/Tickets
Series #4 – Correspondence
Series #5 - Minute Book

Name of Preparer: D. Lalonde

Date of Preparation: 10/3/2000