About the Chatauqua:

Around 1874 two New Yorkers, a business man and a Methodist preacher, formed an alliance to train Sunday school teachers at Lake Chautauqua in western New York state. The professed goal was 'education and uplift'. So successful were those summer camps that by 1904 spin off enterprises included 'Circuit Chautauqua', a sort of traveling road show of elocutionists, lecturers, musicians, actors, and readers. A ticket purchaser could enjoy 3 to 7 days of virtually non-stop entertainment and enlightenment. The Chautauqua became a recognized national force for 'molding the mind of a nation' and the likes of William Jennings Byran were regularly featured on the Chautauqua bill.

Seemingly informed residents of Defuniak Springs say this city became the 'winter headquarters of Chautauqua' with thousands of people attending Chautauqua events held in tents around the lake. Some attendees traveled great distance and the rail station's proximity to the lake made this spot an excellent choice.