The Story of Chautauqua

by Jesse Lyman Hurlbut

The second week, from July 8th to 14th, was denominated "Arts and Letters," with lectures on these subjects by Dr. Mitchell Carroll of Washington, Henry Turner Bailey of Boston, and others. But underneath the artistic and the literary, the echo of the war might still be heard in many of the lectures, and it sounded out in the Devotional Hour addresses of that soldier in the army of the Lord, the Chaplain, Bishop Charles D. Williams.

During the week of July 15th to 21st, the Methodist Bishop, William Burt of Buffalo, to whose "area" (for Methodists of course could not call it a "diocese") Chautauqua belongs, was the Chaplain. During this week we heard lectures by Admiral Peary, the discoverer of the North Pole; by Thomas Adams of Canada; by D. R. Garland of Ohio; by D. A. Reed of Michigan, and by George A. Bellamy of Cleveland.

July 22d-28th was Musical Festival Week, when we had with us once more the Russian Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Modest Altschuler, who was welcomed with sincere rejoicing by Chautauqua's multitude. Looking over the crowded Amphitheater during those daily concerts, the only reminder of a war in progress was that scarcely a young man was to be seen, although every seat was occupied.

From July 29th to August 4th, the Great War was the theme on the platform. Mr. Earl Barnes gave a series of lectures on "Historical Backgrounds of the War," respectively in the British Empire, France, Germany, Austro-Hungary, the Russian Empire, and the Balkan Peninsular. Dr. Herbert Adams Gibbons presented some of the "Problems of the Peace Conference,"—though at that time nobody knew when the Conference would be held or whether anybody would be left alive to hold it. But the cheerful assumption was taken that Germany would be beaten, which proved to be correct, and also that the Allies would rearrange the map of the world, which does not now appear to be quite certain. Mr. Sanford Griffith, just from the front, gave us an inspiring word-picture of "Paris Reborn."

The concluding address of the symposium was given by President Bestor on "America and the War." It was considered by the National Security League as of sufficient value to be published in pamphlet form, and received a wide circulation.

From August 13th to 18th, Bishop Charles B. Mitchell (Methodist Episcopal), living at Minneapolis, held the post of Chaplain, and gave a number of heart warming addresses on "The Transforming Power of Divine Grace." During the week the Recognition Day exercises were held, with all pomp and ceremonial, the address being given by President George E. Vincent. His father was present and that afternoon, as Chancellor, gave the diplomas to the graduates, but none of us knew that it was for the last time, and that his face would not be seen again at Chautauqua, although he lived nearly three years longer.

In 1917, President E. B. Bryan of Colgate University accepted the position as Director of the Summer Schools. But to one who through the rest of the year has a college full of students to keep in order, and also a faculty to maintain in harmony—which one college president told me he found the harder task,—the burden at Chautauqua of a hundred and twenty-five teachers, two hundred courses of study, and forty-five hundred students during nearly all his summer vacation, proved too heavy even for Dr. Bryan's shoulders, and after three years, in 1919, he was compelled to relinquish it into the hands of President Bestor.

This summer, also, the new traction station of the Chautauqua Lake Railway was opened at the highway entrance to the grounds; a handsome pillared structure with more room than Chautauqua had ever before possessed for waiting room, ticket office, baggage, freight, and express, a convenience appreciated by every visitor. Also, by the shore a new bathhouse and the Jacob Bolin Gymnasium were built and opened, as well as the Fenton Memorial Home for Methodist Deaconesses on the Overlook addition.

In 1918, we were in the grip of the war, with our young men in camp by the million, overseas and on their way by the hundred thousand, and every woman "doing her bit" in the Red Cross work. Outwardly, Chautauqua seemed as flourishing as in other years, the hotels and cottages appeared to be full, the Amphitheater was crowded at the concerts and popular lectures, and the main streets before and after lectures were a continuous procession. But the gate receipts showed that the Institution, in common with every college in the land, was lessened in its attendance and its financial returns. Nevertheless, the program was not allowed to decline in its extent and its interest. Indeed, one added feature attracted attention. In the field of the Overlook a National Service School was held in cooperation with the Woman's Naval Service. A tented camp was maintained under the strict discipline of Mrs. George E. Vincent, with regular guards, and training for more than two hundred khaki-clad young women in agriculture, telegraphy, basketry, and canteen management. I am not sure about carpentry, though I saw a photograph of young women sawing boards and putting up a house.

The value of Chautauqua in national patriotic leadership was recognized, not only by our own government, but by the Allies as well. Great Britain, France, Belgium, Italy, and Greece sent official speakers, either through their embassies or their special war missions. It was a mark of distinguished favor that the French High Commission gave the French Military Band to Chautauqua for a week, their longest engagement in this country.