Page 15 - Leisure Living Magazine May 2019

Chautauqua Rolls Into Milan’s Town Square June 11-15
By Sherri Roth, Feature Writer
Former President The- odore Roosevelt was once quoted as saying, “Chau- tauqua is the most Amer- ican thing in America.” It’s easy to understand his thinking, when we con- sider the impact these live traveling shows had on small town America during the late 19th to ear- ly 20th centuries. A blend of musical and theatrical entertainment, education- al lectures, religious reviv- als, and political and social discussions, a Chautauqua event drew together isolat- ed rural folks seeking en- lightenment and personal enrichment.
The Ohio Chautauqua troupe will visit Milan June 11-15
These days, it’s the swipe of the screen that in- stantly connects us to whatever forms of com- munication, information, and entertainment we choose. Yet, the Chautauqua, that “most Amer- ican thing in America” has held its own over time. For the second summer in the past three years, the historic village of Milan will welcome the Ohio Chautauqua troupe to its quaint town square, June 11-15. Educational discussions for both adults and youth will be offered each morning and afternoon, with live music begin- ning at 6:30 in the evening. Seven-thirty is the magic hour, when the following six American icons will be brought to life under the stars:
Erma Bombeck —portrayed by Susan Marie Frontczak on Tuesday, June 11
“In two decades I have lost a total of 789 pounds. I should be hanging from a charm bracelet.” Perhaps America’s most beloved housewife, Erma Louise Bombeck penned the hilarious weekly newspaper column “At Wit’s End” and authored 15 best-selling books.
Julia Child – portrayed by Karen Vorunch on Wednesday, June 12
Unforgettable Master Chef Julia Child made French cooking fun for all. Her sing-song voice and easy, sometimes disheveled manner in the kitchen were trademarks that endeared her to Americans. A pioneer in the world of televised cooking shows, her original kitchen is now on display in the Smithsonian.
Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.—portrayed by Dr. J. Holmes Armstead on Thursday, June 13
“All blood is red.”—Eugene Bullard. Gen- eral Benjamin O Davis Jr., commander of the heroic Tuskegee Airmen during WWII, flew through color barriers and triumphed over rac- ism during his years of service in the U.S. Air Force. In 1954 he became the Air Force’s first African-American general, and in 1998 was awarded a fourth star by President Bill Clinton.
Cesar Chavez—portrayed by Fred Blanco on Friday, June 14
Union leader and labor organizer Cesar Chavez spent his life fighting tirelessly for im- proved pay, treatment, and working conditions of migrant farm workers. Leading by non-vi- olent means, he ultimately co-founded the
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