Experience Chautauqua of 1916 at free Crystal Lake event

Relive Crystal Lake's cultural past from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at the Colonel Palmer House for the "Chautauqua of 1916."

Hosted by the Crystal Lake Park District and Crystal Lake Historical Society, the Summer Sunday event is free and open to the public.

In 1916 from July 13-18, Crystal Lake contracted with the National Lincoln Chautauqua Bureau to host speakers and musical performers. As one of many Circuit Chautauquas in the early 1900s, towns would raise the necessary funds to contract with a company that provided a wide range of educational and entertainment offerings.

The Crystal Lake Chautauqua, held on the lots now occupied by Bethany Lutheran Church, was a highly anticipated event.

If you wonder what attending a Chautauqua was like, this is your chance to find out. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Crystal Lake Community Band and Clef Hangers barbershop quartet.

Enjoy learning about the "University of Hard Knocks" as told by local historian Craig Pfannkuche as humorist/lecturer Ralph Parlette.

If you suffer from ailments or need to improve your diet, author Louise McIntyre and dietitian expert Margaret Hall will be on hand to help. Even the kids will be entertained when they visit the Junior Chautauqua.

The Crystal Lake Library will read "Aesop Fables" using puppets to act out the stories. Children and adults alike will enjoy playing lawn tennis or croquet as they did 100 years ago.

The Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Road, will be open for tours during the event with exhibits on the Chautauqua movement. It was built in 1858 by settlers Gustavus and Henrietta Palmer and is on its original site. The home was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Currently, the Colonel Palmer House and two acres are maintained by the Crystal Lake Park District and home to the Crystal Lake Historical Society.