​Tecumseh to Speak at Chautauqua
MOUNT VERNON – There is every reason to believe that Tecumseh passed through Mount Vernon at one time or another. You might remember his name, but don’t know why. Tecumseh was born near present day Xenia, Ohio. He was a Shawnee chief involved in uniting various tribes to hold back white inclusion in what is now Ohio but because of the defeat at Falling Timbers Knox County became part of the land the U.S. won as part of the Greenville Treaty. His was well respected even among those who fought him. One of his most memorable quotes is as follows: “Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, and beautify all things in your life”.
On Thursday February 27, Ken Hammontree will bring Tecumseh to life as he delivers a first person living history presentation at the Grand Hotel (12 Public Square). As an Ohio History teacher Ken tried dressing the part to maybe gain his class’s attention. It worked. Now Ken portrays over 40 characters and is a favorite at the Chautauqua Series.
Opening the program will be the return of Christina of the Colonies singing songs from that were sung at the time Tecumseh lived, including church songs. Doors will open at 6 PM with show starting at 7 PM. The program is held in the lower level of the hotel with easy access for those with special needs such as wheel chairs, walkers and strollers. The presentations are family friendly and offered on a donation basis.  All are welcome whether you can afford to donate or not. The programs are meant for community enrichment and a chance to meet old friends and to make new ones.
The Chautauqua Series is organized and presented by Elixir Presents with the support from the Ariel Foundation, KPAC and the Grand Hotel. The series provides students, families and those who like history to learn more about real people, living real lives. Each performer does extensive research to put together a fact based program that goes well beyond the history books.
Entering its 14th season, the Chautauqua Series has been recognized by the Ohio Humanities Council as the only year round monthly Chautauqua Series in the United States and was recently nominated for an Ohio Governor’s Award.
For more information about this program and upcoming presentations, please visit www.elixirpresents.com or call 740-392-3018. To receive a “Gentle Reminder” email on the Sunday before each program, contact Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com.

​MOUNT VERNON – On Thursday February 13, the Chautauqua Series welcomes Julia Geiger portraying Doctor Jane Payne, the first woman doctor from Knox County and one of the first women doctors in Ohio. This first person living history program will be held at the Grand Hotel (12 Public Square) at 7 PM, doors open at 6 PM. The Grand Hotel is totally accessible for those with special needs such as wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
 
Jane Payne always held an interest in medicine and apprenticed with Mount Vernon’s Dr. J.W. Russell. She graduated from Woman’s Medical College in Philadelphia in 1861 as valedictorian of her class and returned to Mount Vernon to begin her practice. She faced many struggles, not only from the male dominated society and profession, but also because of physical disabilities. She dislocated her hip as a child that left her lame and unable to walk more than short long distances. She also lost her sight in her left eye as a child from a bout of measles. Her right eye was also impaired. She did not let these disabilities get in the way and even after having two surgeries for breast cancer she served Knox County as a doctor for 20 years.
 
Julia Geiger has graced the Chautauqua stage for several years, bringing her history degree from the Ohio State University as well as her acting and writing skills to bring to life, strong women that she believes are good role models. She has portrayed Roseanna McCoy of the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s, Olive Oatman,  captured by Native Americans in the 1800’s and Mary Jemison taken by Native Americans in the 1700’s.
 
Opening the program will be Bill Miller, playing many acoustic songs on traditional instruments that would have been heard during the life and times of Dr. Payne.
 
The Chautauqua Series presents monthly first person living history programs on a year round basis, the only programming of this kind in the United States. The programs are donation based so that all may attend, enjoy and learn. The series is organized by Elixir Presents and is made possible in part by a grant from the Ariel Foundation and KPAC and supported in part by the Grand Hotel.
 
For more information on this program and future programs in the series, visit www.elixirpresents.com or www.VisitKnoxOhio.org or call 740-392-3018. If you would like to receive a gentle reminder by email on the Sunday before each program, please send a request to Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com