Historical figures are brought to life
The Chautauqua last came to town in 1922.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Can Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro help to change the world again?
The answer is yes, according to those involved in the Ohio Chautauqua and allied programs that follow the city's Bicentennial.
Pizarro, who conquered the Incas, and four other figures from history will be portrayed by performers from the Ohio Chautauqua.
The Ohio version recreates the Chautauquas of the past, which offered speakers at either fixed locations or in traveling companies.
Jean Alice Fehr, chairwoman of Salem's Chautauqua program, said her research showed that the last Chautauqua came to Salem in 1922. An article of the day expressed concerned that only 534 of 800 tickets had been sold. This week's events in Salem are free.
The Chautauquas were eliminated by improved communication and travel. But Ohio Chautauqua's presentation of historic figures is the opposite of today's mass media.
"You don't get much history in a 30-second sound bite on TV," said Fehr, a former teacher.
The Ohio Chautauqua will present programs each night, as well as daily programs for both adults and youths. Non-Chautauqua programs on Saturday include a portrayal of painter Charles Burchfield and recreation of a walk on the Underground Railroad.
Other figures
In addition to Pizarro, performers will portray President Theodore Roosevelt, American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, Ohio Shawnee Chief Cornstalk, and World War II correspondent Ernie Pyle.
The theme is war and peace, and city residents have been involved in activities ranging from building remote-controlled bombs to the quiet Quaker faith of the city's founders.
Fehr noted that some residents have been important not only to Salem, but to the world.
But the history of the five characters may have an impact on those who go to the presentations. Fehr said the presentation may encourage people to read and study history, which in turn may have an impact.
"Each of us, in our own way, affect the history of the community in some way," Fehr said.
That may be something as small as learning of Salem's historic buildings and architecture and helping to preserve them.
Fehr said a person's impact on the community may never come to light, although it may bring self-satisfaction.
She said her parents were community volunteers who taught her to volunteer. "You owe it to your community," she added.
wilkinson@vindy.com