By Steve Rawlings
Part 1- Early Beginnings
Chautauqua Institution will Celebrate its 150th “Old First Night” on Tuesday, August 6th at 6:30pm in the Amphitheater. Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit, 750-acre lakeside community where more than 100,000 attend scheduled public events each year and even more engage online via the streaming channel, CHQ Assembly (CHQ.org). For me, it’s been 50 years since I was standing on the Amphitheater stage singing “Happy Birthday to Chautauqua” for their 100th “Old First Night” in 1974. I had no idea that this sacred place would become the foundation of my life, and would impact me in ways I could not possibly understand at age 5. Chautauqua was a blissful place to be a kid. Looking back, I was lucky to spend my childhood summers here. My grandfather, Roger Clouse, purchased 6 Vincent Ave in 1955. Because he later became a Trustee, everyone knew him and I was introduced to everyone and every-thing Chautauqua. There were many nights hanging out around the famous statue on Bestor Plaza of the 4 pillars of Chautauqua: Religion, Knowledge, Art and Music. At Boys Club, I learned sportsmanship, how to swim, sail, shoot archery, and developed a passion for art. This cultivated my interest into taking art, music and special interest classes in every topic from chess to photography.
My first job at 11 years old was helping the Curator of the Massey Organ in the Amphitheatre. Jared Jacobsen, the former organist, nurtured my curiosity into a passion which blossomed into a decade of study through my college years, and opportunities to sing and play instruments in the great cathedrals of Meinz, Augsburg, Cologne and Ulm. Now, these many years later, my passion has turned to sharing this magical place with others. I gladly give detailed, historical tours to friends and family but am amazed that many people in the area do not know what this place is all about, its history, what amazing things have taken place here, or why it is still important. I am thrilled to share our story, and invite any-one to come and share the Chautauqua experience.
The Genesis: Religious Beginnings and Early Growth
The Chautauqua Institution was conceived in an era of great societal change. Just a decade after the Civil War which ravaged the nation, and left many in mourning and grief, the founders envisioned a place where individuals could gather to deepen their religious understanding and im-prove their moral character. Founded in 1874 by Methodist minister John Heyl Vincent and businessman Lewis Miller, Chautauqua Institution evolved from a summer camp for Sunday school teachers into a renowned center for lifelong learning and cultural enrichment. This mile-stone invites a reflection on the rich history and enduring impact of the Institution, which has continually adapted to meet the needs of a changing society. Since its beginning, Chautauqua has always nurtured open dialogue and all views on what have often been controversial topics of the day.
Early visitors arrived at “Fair Point” where the Miller Bell Tower now stands, on a steam boat with trunk-loads of belongings. There were no houses. Early attendees stayed in canvas tents with only candle lighting. Two weeks became three, then four. Tent site platforms soon became little cottages, crammed together. Before long, the assembly grew to a full 9-week summer season.
Chautauqua pioneered an ecumenical community, where all religions and beliefs are not just welcome, but sought to be understood, and where similarities can be discovered and discussed. And though religion still re-mains the foundation of Chautauqua, it set the stage for open dialogue around any subject
Art, Music, and Dance Programs
Chautauqua Institution has long been a cultural beacon, particularly in the realms of art, music, and dance. These programs have been integral to the Chautauqua experience since its earliest years, providing enriching experiences throughout the summer. The Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, currently directed by Rossen Milanov, was founded in 1929 and today continues its legacy as the center of musical life at Chautauqua Institution and performs more than 20 concerts in the Amphitheater every season. The CSO is a tenured union orchestra that draws its member-ship from around the nation and around the world. It has grown from its original complement of 52 musicians to the current roster of 74 active members. (CHQ.org)
In addition to the CSO, The Chautauqua Opera and Theatre companies perform throughout the season. And for the first 7 weeks of the sea-son, Chautauqua hosts students from all over the world to study music, voice, dance, theater, and art from some of the world’s most esteemed instructors.