Winfield Digital Collections

Winfield, Kansas

Chautauqua Assembly in Winfield, Kansas

From 1887 – 1924, Winfield’s Island Park was known as a regional destination for an annual summer Chautauqua. Modeled after the original Chautauqua founded in 1874 in New York, up to 10,000 attendees camped on the grounds of Island Park and attended lectures, skills classes, recreation, and social gatherings.

The Chautauqua provided a platform for social issues of the day to be revealed and discussed, for voices to be heard and democracy to flourish.

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Bate, Seth
Brief synopsis of the history of Winfield Chautauquas, held in Island Park from 1887-1924, with dates and times of current programs. This program,…
Winfield Public Library and Kansas Humanities Council
The Great Plains Chautauqua " From Sea to Shining Sea" held in Island Park, Winfield, Kansas was a free event of programs open to the public in June…
Zaccaria, Judith
Great Plains Chautauqua performers as historical figures, Sacagawea and Dolley Madison, and musician, Ida Finney at the main tent event.
McCue, Tracy
Community volunteers raise the tent at Island Park for the Chautauqua program " From Sea to Shining Sea" hosted by the Kansas Humanities Council from…
Tent with attendees posed seated and standing in front. Sign reads "Remington Standard Type Writer. Fazel Bros., Shorthand Institute, Letters Written…
Main entrance to Island Park from bridge over Timber Creek. Many attendees walking on the grounds. In the background, the Tabernacle is seen straight…
Island Park entrance from the bridge over Timber Creek. Attendees walking in and out and sitting under trees in the background. The Tabernacle is…
Ticket booth and entrance gate to Island Park and trolley with men onboard and next to the trolley
Panorama of Island Park with Chautauqua buildings, paved walkways and many trees.
Inscription on photograph reads, "New Band Shell - Island Park - Winfield, Kan."

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  • Chautauqua Assembly in Winfield, Kansas