Buckhannon: Then & Now – Buckhannon Chautauqua

Beckie Boyd

September 1, 2022

Community Bulletin

WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital's Center for Women's Health has opened its 2026 prenatal and pregnancy classes — including Spinning Babies, breastfeeding basics and Lamaze — for expecting Upshur County families, with Lamaze offered in person or online. Read more →

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Buckhannon: Then and Now. Join us in showcasing Upshur County throughout history and today.

A circuit chautauqua found themselves visiting Upshur County from 1912 to 1927. What is a chautauqua, you ask? A chautauqua is a traveling form of entertainment and education. Rural areas now had access to well-known musicians, lecturers, demonstrators, actors and other performers under a big tent!

Buckhannon’s first chautauqua was held in 1912 for a week long celebration. Each year brought new and old acts back to Upshur County, brewing more excitement for the event each year. Below are a few promotional materials from the Buckhannon Chautauqua events.

*Promotional materials for the annual Buckhannon Chautauqua / Photos courtesy of the Upshur County Historical Society*

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