Nowadays, people use gadgets like smartphones and computers for entertainment or to learn about what’s going on in the world.
However, that wasn’t always the case.
According to Florida’s state archives, options were limited back in 1902, so people instead relied on something called “Chautauqua.”
Chautauqua was a traveling show that included public speakers, musicians, actors and other performers — traveling around the county to put on shows in different towns and cities.
Shows would typically feature singing, orchestras, lectures, comedy performances and speeches, and they would stick around for up to a few weeks (based on how well-received they were by locals).
Local committees would usually contract with a Chautauqua management company to schedule them, with shows being advertised through newspapers and handouts.
Then, large tents would be set up in the outskirts of town, which is where the Chautauquas were later held.
Some Florida cities — such as Lakeland, Mount Dora, Arcadia and DeFuniak Springs — loved these shows so much that they set up permanent auditoriums for them.
In fact, these shows were so popular that families would travel for miles just to set up camp and attend.
At this time, these shows were a huge source of entertainment for many in Florida, with especially popular performers achieving a level of celebrity similar to today’s big movie stars.
While Chautauquas have largely fallen off with the advent of things like radio and television, they’re not completely gone.
DeFuniak Springs still hosts a Chautauqua annually, with the next one scheduled for March 14-17 in 2024.
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