What is a Chautauqua?

This is the second year the Lake Tahoe Historical Society has put on a Chautauqua, yet many people are unsure of what one is.

Chautauqua was a very popular adult education movement in the United States during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Named after Chautauqua Lake where the first was held, Chautauqua assemblies expanded and spread throughout rural America until the mid-1920s.

Former US President Theodore Roosevelt was quoted as saying that Chautauqua is "the most American thing in America."

Now, South Lake Tahoe audiences have a chance to experience Chautauqua right in their community.

Five historical characters will visit the Grand Hall at Valhalla on Sunday, engaging the audience and taking them back into a time long gone.

Actors will become John Muir, Juliette Bulette, Yank Clement, Kit Carson, and Charley Parkhurst on the stage of Valhalla.

I recently spent some time with "Charley Parkhurst," finding out about both Charley and the actor who is playing him.

"It's a great character," said Museum Director Diane Johnson who is portraying the stagecoach driver. "He's colorful, live a fascinating life and has a big secret to share."

Born in 1812, Parkhurst has a tough childhood, growing up in an orphanage and running away when he was just 12. He headed to California to get rich on gold in 1852, arriving to find most of the golf fields picked clean of their riches.

He became a "whip" in San Francisco and was equal with the famous Hank Monk. His nickname was "One Eyed Charley" after loosing an eye after being kicked by a horse.

"Even though he was on par with the other whips of the day," Johnson said, "his secret overshadowed hi ability with a whip."

What is the secret?

We'll have to go to the Chautauqua to find out.

Johnson has spent over 50 hours preparing for her character (she was Hank Monk last year). All of the actors in the show have to research, write their script, and develop their character. The actors also have to create their own costumes.

Since Parkhurst died in 1879 there were no movies of him, or recordings of his voice so Johnson had to get a feel for the character before figuring out how he'd sound. "I had to fantasize what he'd sound like," she said.

Costuming was the most fun part of the experience according to Johnson. She found a beaver skin Stetson and an authentic range coat to wear at the Chautauqua.

Tickets are still available for the September 20 event. Dinner and wine are included in the $70 ticket price (Historical Society members are $60). From 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. there will be a socializing hour and people will have time to look at the amazing raffle baskets. Dinner is from 5:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m. and the show from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

The main raffle prize is a chance to win a BBQ lunch for six at the historic Celio Ranch in Christmas Valley. The Celio family will then take the winners on a personal tour.

For more information and tickets, visit the museum on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., located at 3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe, or call 530-541-5458. Tickets will be available at the door if available.

-South Tahoe Now Staff Report