History of Chautauqua
Did Morden Host a Chautauqua Before?
Morden hosted programs of the Dominion Chautauqua in Sept. 1919. Some of these programs were presented in the company’s Chautauqua tent; others were held at the Victoria Theatre (which was located across the street from the historic Arlington Hotel).
In this Reconstruction era after the Great War, Chautauqua performers knew the world had been torn asunder and that it would take more than a peace treaty to rekindle the spirit of Canadians. They believed that artistic and cultural inspiration could revive the nation’s “drooping spirits.”
Other Chautauquas have been held in Morden in subsequent years—a Dominion Chautauqua in 1927 and one hosted by students and staff of Morden Collegiate in 1989. Our “Chautauqua Spirit” program in 2008 shares the belief of those earlier celebrations—which our community benefits when “people of all places and planes of society, of all sects and altars” sit down together “to listen and learn of common things that concern us all.”
What is a Chautauqua?
The Chautauqua movement began at Lake Chautauqua, New York in the late 1800's. Initially it provided “education and uplift” for family groups who came to the Chautauqua camp.
The idea spread and Circuit Chautauquas began to tour North America offering programs that were informational and inspirational to small towns and rural areas. The programs were entertaining, but they were also educational. “We called it Culture,” said one early participant.
The early pioneers who settled in Morden decided to keep this culture alive and well.
Today, culture permeates the daily lives of Mordenites in many ways. Visits to museums and art galleries, public displays of artwork, theatrical, musical and dance performances, community festivals and appreciation of natural heritage are all examples of how culture touches our lives.
Morden is fortunate in that its residents support the arts and cultural activities. Join us in 2008 as we celebrate "Chautauqua Spirit."
Chautauqua is here - again!
Morden’s 2008 Chautauqua Spirit Celebrations
Morden has a wide range of artistic and cultural activities planned for 2008 and much of it is made possible with funding from Canadian Heritage. Morden has been designated a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2008.
Our spirit-building activities include many organizations providing inspiration to people in our Morden community and beyond.
The many cultural events taking place in Morden throughout 2008 are focused in six groups of projects;
- Journey Home Festival – includes music festivals, walks, plays, and competitions.
- Chautauqua Celebration Festival - includes art exhibits, art classes, a play and a heritage quilt.
- Chautauqua Spirit Workshops – on art, marketing, volunteering and preserving heritage.
- Coming Up Roses – art sculpture, banner art, photo art as well as presentations and garden tours.
- Murals of Morden – includes the production of four new murals in Morden.
- Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre – includes a film documentary, educational kits, palaeontology workshops, and entertaining fossil songs.
CHAUTAUQUA SPIRIT LOGO
The three elements of the logo depict the meaning of Chautauqua Spirit in Morden.
Tents: The tents with pennants flying symbolize the traveling Chautauqua shows from our past.
Clock Tower: The clock tower represents Morden’s heritage and the image is reflected in our Town Logo.
Book: The stylized open-book represents an early purpose of Chautauqua-- bringing education to the masses.
Yvonne Peters - Visual Arts Events Manager, designed the Chautauqua Spirit Logo.
