Before the days of the Internet, television, and the wireless radio, there was the Chautauqua. These massive meetings promised "uplift and education", and their heyday in the United States was from the late nineteenth century to the end of World War I. They went from state to state, and during a gathering, interested and curious patrons might see a play, listen to a Metropolitan Opera star, check out a glee club, and listen to a political pundit speak. Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt praised these gatherings, while philosopher and writer William James found it "depressing from its mediocrity." This collection from the University of Iowa Libraries brings together promotional materials, musical and spoken word recordings, and programs from the Records of the Redpath Lyceum Bureau. The Bureau was the largest booking agency for circuit Chautauqua, and visitors should start their visit here by reading the essay "What was Chautauqua". Afterwards, visitors can look over the sample searches they have provided here, or take a look at the finding aids. To get a sense of what it might have "sounded" like at one of these confabs, listen to Corinne Morgan sing "Old Folks at Home" or take in Princess Watahwaso's version of "By the Weeping Waters".