The Chautauqua Question
Kennewick weighs whether the traveling education and entertainment circuit is worth the community's time and money.
As this is Kennewick’s first experience with the Chautauqua, there is naturally a difference of opinion as to its value to the community. While all admit that as a means of providing temporary amusement and entertainment the Chautauqua is a success, some there are who doubt whether or not it is worth the effort that is necessary to bring it here. Whether or not the lasting community good is sufficient to compensate the business men for the time and energy expended in working up Chautauqua enthusiasm. In attempting to measure the Chautauqua in terms of community good, we know no better method than to take the experience of other towns. The village of LaCrosse, Whitman county, won for itself the distinction of being the smallest town in the United States to hold a six-day Chautauqua. The committee worked hard to sell thousands of season tickets. The town was aroused, the community spirit was fostered, and it brought the country and town together as nothing else could have done. It is now their great annual educational and entertainment feature.
“It is our great annual educational and entertainment feature. It has brought the country and town together as nothing else could have done.”
The Chautauqua circuit was the internet of the early 20th century—a way to bridge the divide between rural isolation and national culture. Today, similar debates occur regarding the value of public subsidies for local arts and festivals in an age of fragmented media.
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