Chataquas in Corvallis

Above: Mark Twain (in Tesla's lab)

Before cinema, popular pastimes included vaudeville, melodramas, recitals and the ever popular Chataqua lectures. Mark Twain made his living on the lecture circuit after he went broke in the publishing business.

 The Chataqua lectures usually included an expert in his or her field, for example a flautist might lecture on Chinese flute music and give some pleasing demonstrations. A scientist might lecture on electricity and demonstrate some simple generators.  In the flyer at right, Mr. Harold Loring lectured on "authentic Sioux Indian music" and played some examples. On the piano.

Below are flyers from other Chataqua lecturers,listed in the Library of Congress, who visited Corvallis. Click to see a larger picture.

Edward Flynn Scientist

The Apollo Duo, Musicians

John Ratto, Impersonator