Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-08-11
LETTER FROM CHAUTAUoUA.
A Visit to ChautauQua-How % Get
There-fhe Scenes Within the Gates
The Grounds and Pavilion. Etc.
'pondence Of THE EVENING Stan.

Correspondence Of THE EVENING STAR
CHAUTAUQUA, N. Y, August 9, 1888.
About year ago I read q book entitled
-Four Girls at Chautauqua," by Pansy, and it
created in me great desire to visit Chautau-
qua. This summer 1 found a friend having the
same wish, and we concluded to crafty it. We
started from Binghampton, N. Y, at the un-
earthly hour OF $3.50 a. m, and reached James
tC wn at noon. After dinner we took steamer
for Chautauqua, which is on the lake of the same
name. This lake reminded one of an immense
gOurd, with long winding neck. with jamestown
at the neck and Mayville at the other end, Chau .
tauqua being three miles from Mayville. Chau-
tauqua lake is a beautiful sheet of water, about
twenty miles long and two miles across Mt its
widest part. 1t is twelve hundred feet above
the level OF the sea. and seven hundred feet
above Lake Erie although only seven miles
from it. After a delightful but rather
breezy sail on the lake, during which
we found heavy shawls not uncOmfOrt-
able, we reached those charmed shores.
and purchased ticket at the gate for g. which
admitted us to all entertainments for q week.
!.ntering We were suddenly brought to a stand
still on the edge of what we thought was moth
ing but a good-siZed trench, but which friend
assured US. much to our establishment, was the
dead Sea-" After we recovered from our
amazement we proceeded to view this minia-
ture Palestine. and then We wendell our way to
the Birch cottage. where We had engaged rooms
and board. We found this cottage delightfully."-
situated. just opposite the Hotel Athenaum and
facing the lake. Miss Sue Birch, the daughter
of the landlady. and perfect type of the true
Chautauquan, eXcelS in art embroidery. She
draws. stamps her own designs from nature
and, believe. intends to visit Washington this
open art parlOrs. After refreshing ourselves
with physical treat we went to the amphithea-
ter for an intellectual treat in the shape of some
readings by Professor Bradshaw.
THE GROUNDS.
On entering the gate We noticed q circular
wooden gallery. Upon ascending the steps
leading to the interior we found Jerusalem in
plaster. After viewing It's temples and houses,
looking: up it's broad roads and narrow streets,
we descended on the other side and continued
our journey. short distance in front of us
we noticed a house built in the Persian STYLE
Upon entering We saw the glass-blowers pur-
suing their occupation. On the other side of
the building was a model OF Palestine. We
studied this for some time and then started out
to explore the country, as It lies just outside
the door: but man on a bicycle was ahead of
US, and We stood gazing in amazement at the
progress of civilization along those ancient
we saw at the end of it the Hotel Athen@um,
a new, elegant and imposing structure, situated
on the edge and facing the lake, surrounded by
a beautiful lawn bordered by flower beds One
bed especially attracted our attention. 1t con-
tanned the word Chautauqua in letters of living
green upon background of brown earth.
Turning to the right we next came to the amphi-
theater. large frame structure built IN nat
ural ravne. In the rear, from which side we
approached, is large pipe organ and
choir gallery. In front of this gal
lery Is platform containing a pulpit
and concert grand Ahlstrom piano. The low
est seats. or orchestra chairs, are on level and
behind these the seats are raised. The aisles
are the sides of the ravfne, without flooring.
Thus. the members of ChautauQua audience
can come and go without disturbing the remain
der. This building will seat 1900 and on the
opening Of the assembly contained 10000 peo-
pie. From this stage may be heard the finest
vOcasts. instrumentalists. orators and scien-
fists. On the lett We see the CLEAN of the white
columns Of the Hall of Philosophy. or, as Pansy
says. 1.-THE hall in the grove" On the opening
night we witnessed most magnificent pyrO-
technic display from this site.
JOuIneyng on in q circle we pass the school
of language. where one can study the ancient
or modern languages the museum containing
antiquities. both sacred and secular and last,
but not least, the school of cookery. This brings
me to the steamboat landing. and, embarking,
bid farewell to those memorable scenes of pleas
ure and profit. F. B.