June 21, 2006

Chautauqua in Cape Girardeau

MONDAY: Chautauqua performers and support crew guided local residents Monday evening in raising the tent for the week-long cultural festival behind the Osage Community Centre.

WEDNESDAY: Cajun fiddle music by Dennis Stroughmatt entertained the crowd.

John James Audubon, portrayed by Richard Johnson, arrived by horsedrawn buggy for his Wednesday appearance at Chautauqua.

Richard Johnson as John James Audubon

THURSDAY: Mary Elizabeth Lease, portrayed by Glenna J. Wallace, spoke about the problems facing the country in the late 1800s. "We need change!" she repeated, to which the audience responded by throwing their spare change onto the stage.

FRIDAY: Dan Cotner stood up to play his part on the trombone as he performed with Jerry Ford, trumpet, and John Quinn, clarinet, in the Jerry Ford Dixieland Band on Friday.

The famous restaurateur Fred Harvey, portrayed by William Worley, describes the restaurant business and what he looks for in his waitresses, or "Harvey Girls."

SATURDAY: With cooler temperatures and a full tent, the crowd enjoyed entertainment by the Vintage Strings.

George Washington Carver, portrayed by Paxton Williams, extolled the scientific uses for peanuts and sweet potatoes.

TUESDAY: In historical fashion, Theodore Roosevelt, played by Doug Mishler, arrived on horseback for his performance as part of Tuesday's Chautauqua.

George Washington Carver, left, played by Paxton Williams, restauranteur Fred Harvey, played by William Worley, Mary Elizabeth Lease, played by Glenna J. Wallace, and John James Audubon, played by Richard Johnson, prepared for their performances behind the stage.

A crowd of about 200 enjoyed the music of the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band during Chautauqua.

Lauren Lamar, 2, was more than happy with the performance of the Cape Municipal Band. Lauren is the daughter of Rebecca, right, and Josh Lamar of Cape Girardeau.

Paxton Williams presented details of the life of George Washington Carver to a gathering at St. James AME Church.

Richard Johnson talked about the life of Mrs. Audubon and what it was like to be married to John James Audubon during one of the Chautauqua events at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

Glenna J. Wallace spoke to residents of Chateau Girardeau on Tuesday about her portrayal of Mary Elizabeth Lease, a political activist, for the Chautauqua event.

Theodore Roosevelt, played by Doug Mishler, pushed his way through the crowd and onto the stage.

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