The Chautauqua Movement is Alive and Well Today

Posted on October 31, 2019 by Grandma's Ramblings

After a quick drive through Bay View Michigan where we discovered beautiful Victorian houses, we learned this community was part of the Chautauqua movement from the late 1800’s. Although the movement slowly died out in the 1920’s this community has remained active from its founding in 1875.

Always interested in our country’s history I have done some research since coming home on the Chautauqua movement.

I found the word is an Iroquois word and means ““a bag tied in the middle” or “two moccasins tied together.” This name apparently was given to the movement because the first such meeting took place near Chautauqua Lake in New York where the word described the shape of the lake.

Started by John Heyl Vincent and Lewis Miller in a Methodist camp meeting site, it was used as a summer school for Sunday School teachers. Although it started in this religious setting, it was more than just religious teaching.

It quickly spread throughout the country and attracted families to enjoy educators, preachers, musicians, orchestras while also enjoying camping and other outdoor summer activities.

Politicians also enjoyed speaking at these gatherings. The large crowds that attended these summer programs gave them a way to get their message out (before the days of television, Facebook and cable news). One of the most famous of those politicians was William Jennings Bryan. A Democrat who ran for president three times, Bryan was very adamant about the importance of making education available to all. He found the Chautauqua Movement an excellent way to make educational, religious and cultural programs open to all.

Theodore Roosevelt called it “the most American thing in America.”

The movement began to die out as television and other modern entertainment venues grew in popularity. However, today it is experiencing a come back. The idea of lifelong learning has gained importance again and the desire for cultural experiences is returning. There are existing Chautauqua communities throughout the USA.

The original Chautauqua is now a 750-acre education center in New York State. During the nine-week summer season at the Chautauqua Institution, over 7,500 persons enjoy the all the programs which include the four pillars of the movement: religion, recreation, arts and education. Courses are offered in art, dance, theater, writing among many other psecial interests.

The one we found in Bay View is definitely one I want to visit next summer. In addition to the beautiful homes and the programs they are offering, I look forward to enjoying the sunsets on beautiful Little Traverse Bay just across the street.

If you do not live near Michigan, check the map to find one of the many Chautauqua facilities and check it out.

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Southern Victorian Houses in Michigan!

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Grandma's Ramblings

On our last road trip of 2019 we headed to the top of the lower peninsula of Michigan to see the beautiful fall trees.

Just outside Traverse City we came across a beautiful little community with huge Victorian houses. They were so picturesque we had to take time to drive through the community. From the look of the houses I thought I was back in Charleston, South Carolina. All the homes have large porches – and not just one porch. These two-and three stories houses had porches on the second and third level. I am a lover of porches and could not stop taking pictures of all the homes with these porches just inviting me to stop and sit awhile.

Driving through the streets and snapping pictures it appeared a lot of the homes were closed for the season. The porches on many of the homes had heavy plastic covering the front. Since the community sits directly across from the Little Traverse Bay I can only imagine the cold and snow they must get in the winter.

Fascinated by the community I did some research on my return home and discovered this community’s history goes back to the late 1800’s when it was founded by Michigan Methodists “for scientific and intellectual culture, and for the promotion of the Christian religion and morality.”

It began in 1875 as a camp-meeting where families would gather in the summer, pitch tents and enjoy revival services. The first building erected on the grounds was the preaching stand. Today it serves as the Bay View Historical Museum. We saw the museum but it was closed for the season. Slowly the area was developed with streets, parks and public area and simple cottages were built. As time passed, the simple cottages became these beautiful Victorian homes. At the same time the members of the Association organized a summer university, a home study program enrolling men and women across the nation, and became part of the Chautauqua movement.

In 1987 the National Park Service designated the Bay View area as an National Historic Landmark.

Associated with the Methodist Church it claims to be open to anyone and today has speakers from different denominations during its summer program. The summer programs look very interesting and along with the speakers and musical events the Little Traverse Bay is just across the road with its beaches and beautiful sunsets.

Disappointed that the area was basically closed for the season, we will definitely check it out come summer. They have a beautiful inn, The Terrace Inn, built in 1910 that is now a Michigan Historical Landmark. Their summer program runs from May through November.

This winter when we are hibernating from the snow and cold, we will make plans for a visit to this beautiful community where just maybe someone will invite me to sit on their porch.

The Wait Was Worth It!

Posted on October 16, 2019 by Grandma's Ramblings

Home again after taking a trip to the top of the mitten to see the Tunnel of Trees. Since moving to Michigan last year I have heard a lot about this short section of highway (approximately 27 miles) that follows the shore of Lake Michigan and the Little Traverse Bay.

Told by many how beautiful it is in the fall when the trees all turn beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange, I have waited all year to make the trip.

Was it worth it?

Yes – and no

Basically I was told three main things about the tunnel. Two of which I found to be true.

The road was said to be very narrow. Boy was it! There is no center line painted on the road. Many places were so narrow when we met another car one of us had to pull over on the tiny shoulder so the other car could go by.

I was told it was very windy. Boy was it! We would just get through one stretch of curves when we would find another one waiting.

But there were no colors! No oranges, reds or yellows! The website for the Tunnel of Trees indicated that this time was the peak for the colors.

Disappointed!!!

I am guessing if we returned in a week we would find the colors and the beauty they talked about.

However, the trip was not in vain. While there were no colors in the tunnel driving across the middle of the mitten getting to and from the tunnel there were colors everywhere. We discovered that the trees near the lake turn colors slower than inland.

So – now we know.

While the tunnel was a disappointment – the trip was not.

Acres and acres of trees – as far as the eye could see – brilliant colors!

What an artist God is! And what variety! He could have made one tree – but look at all the different trees we have.

The wait was truly worth it!