The Story of Chautauqua. Jesse Lyman Hurlbut
of knowledge of which he who knows the most knows such a very little, and feels more and more, with every increase of his knowledge, how very little it is that he knows.
Julia Ward Howe, author of the song beginning "Mine eyes have seen the glory," and honored throughout the land as one of the greatest among the women of America, wrote as follows:
I am obliged for your kind invitation to be present at the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Chautauqua Assembly. As I cannot well allow myself this pleasure, I send you my hearty congratulations in view of the honorable record of your association. May its good work long continue, even until its leaven shall leaven the whole body of our society.
The following letter was received by Dr. Vincent from one of the most distinguished of the older poets:
April 29, 1882.
J. H. Vincent, D.D.,
Dear Friend: I have been watching the progress of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle inaugurated by thyself, and take some blame to myself for not sooner expressing my satisfaction in regard to its objects and working thus far. I wish it abundant success, and that its circles, like those from the agitated center of the Lake, may widen out, until our entire country shall feel their beneficent influences. I am very truly thy friend,
John G. Whittier.
After these endorsements, we may confidently affirm that a book on Chautauqua, its story, its principles, and its influence in the world, is warranted.
And now, a few words of explanation as to this particular book. The tendency in preparing such a work is to make it documentary, the recital of programs, speakers, and subjects. In order to lighten up the pages, I have sought to tell the story of small things as well as great, the witty as well as the wise words spoken, the record of by-play and repartee upon the platform, in those days when Chautauqua speakers were a fraternity. In fact, the title by which the body of workers was known among its members was "the Gang." Some of these stories are worth preserving, and I have tried to recall and retain them in these pages.
Jesse Lyman Hurlbut.
Feb. 1, 1921.
ILLUSTRATIONS
| PAGE | |
| Lewis Miller | Facing title-page |
| John H. Vincent | 4 |
| Steamer in the Outlet | 8 |
| Old Business Block | 16 |
| Old Amphitheater | 24 |
| Old Auditorium | 24 |
| Old Guest House "The Ark" | 32 |
| Old Children's Temple | 32 |
| Lewis Miller Cottage | 40 |
| Bishop Vincent's Tent | 40 |
| Old Steamer "Jamestown" | 50 |
| Oriental House | 50 |
| Palestine Park | 60 |
| Tent Life | 60 |
| Spouting Tree | 70 |
| Rustic Bridge | 76 |
| Amphitheater Audience | 84 |
| Old Palace Hotel, etc. | 92 |
| Old Hall of Philosophy | 100 |
| The Golden Gate | 100 |
| Flower Girls (2 pictures) | 116 |
| Pioneer Hall | 122 |
| Old College Building | 122 |
| C.L.S.C. Alumni Hall | 130 |
| Chautauqua Book Store | 140 |
| Hall of the Christ | 150 |
| Hall of Philosophy, Entrance | 150 |
| Congregational House |