The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-26
THE WESTERN CHAUTAUQUA.
A Delightful Resort Where Profit Is Found in
Company with Recreation and Pleasure.
pecia1 to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
ISLAND PARK, ROME City, Ind, July 25.-The
seventh annual session of the Chautauqua of the
West opened on the beautiful assembly grounds
here on July IA, and such rare literary, must
cal and art programme has never before been pre-
sented to Chautauquans. Island Park Assem-
bly,, from mere social gathering seven summers
ago, has grown to most delightful resort pre-
senting superb programme and all the outdoor
sports and social enjoyments that are afforded
at Chautauqua Assembly. The island, where the
assembly is held contains over twenty acres, it
is naturally beautiful, and the cool breezes from
the waters of Sylvan lake are waited through the
bending oaks, making it indeed refreshing
and delightful place to be these warm and sultry
days. The annual visitor finds many improve
ments this year, The most noticeable being the
new Chautauqua Hall, built with funds fur
nished by the local circles of Indiana, Ohio and
Michigan. What feeling of pride and rare
good cheer will come upon them when they meet
in annual reunion next Tuesday-Chautauqu
Day. The building will then be dedicated, and
the following well-known Chautauqua workers
will be on the programme for the day. Bishop
r. S. Foster, Wallace Bruce, DIR. J. H. Rerick
Hon. Lewis Miller and G. B. Chamberlain. The
days past have been days of pleasure and profit
to every attendant.
The leading lectures for last week were "Moon-
shine or Some of the Decisions of Mankind, >
by A. A. Willets, of Louisville; 1.-The
Past, Present and Future of the Colored Race, !"
by E. w. S Hammond: Across the Atlantic and
Up the Rhine" by Prof. j. n. Freeman of the
University of Wisconsin. and the course of lee
lures by Rev. George L. Curtis, that will be given
at Acton next week. Besides these, there have
been many lectures on special subjects, instru-
mental and vocal concerts, art exhibitions, con-
certs on the lake by the bands, and the pleasures
derived from boating, fishing and bathing-al
have contributed to the universal enjoyment
The young people, and great many old ones
too, have chased the "moonbea1ns" over the lake
the past week, wishing that these happy Chautau-
qua days may never end.
The officers are continually improving the
natural advantages of the lake and scenery
and their work is seen every side. The
Three Sister islands and Round island, Chautau-
qua Point, Point Cincinnati Point Cooper
Point Rerick. the Arsenal, Spring Beach, tho
famous lilly beds and fishing quarters, have all
been beautifed and made more accessible.
The programme for this week is the most at
tractive of any previous week, and as this is the
closing week, there will be an immense gathering
Of refined and cultured people from all accessible
points,
A number of new cottages and boat
houses have been built this season. and besides
all the familiar faces of former sessions, there
are many here tentng for the first time, and it
is remarked that they all speak of annual re-
turns in the future.