As much as we'd like to get back to normal it does not look like that will happen soon. So at this time we plan to cancel the Chautauqua's on April 16 and April 30 and see how it goes in May with COVID-19. Let's all stay at home, stay healthy, stay safe, please go out ONLY to do vital needs and place a WHITE RIBBON on our homes to honor our brave Hospital Workers and do our part - whatever that may be - from praying to donating whatever we can.

Thank You,

Mike Petee 

To our wonderful Chautauqua patrons:

During the coronavirus pandemic we must safeguard everyone's health and well being. I know we are all afraid of what's here and coming and in these times of stress and not knowing what the future will bring, I'm reminded our a calming quote from Kahlil Gibran....

"Sadness is but a wall between two gardens." coronavirus is the wall but when this is over we will enjoy a new garden and I look forward to seeing all of you as soon as it is safe for all of us.

​Mike Petee

​Union Spy to Speak at Chautauqua
 
MOUNT VERNON – On Thursday March 12, the Chautauqua Series welcomes Valerie Hamill Miss Major Cushman. Valerie is making her first appearance for the Chautauqua Series but is no stranger to the living history format, having performed Major Cushman for many years around Ohio.  This donation based program will be presented at the Grand Hotel (12 Public Square) at 7 PM.  Doors open at 6 PM. The Grand Hotel is fully accessible for those with special needs such as wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
 
Pauline Cushman was a spy for the Union during the Civil War, eventually promoted to the rank of Major. Born Harriet Wood in New Orleans, she was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, became a highly successful stage actress using the name Pauline Cushman. After the Civil War broke out, Pauline was in a traveling stage troupe and while in Louisville, Kentucky, many paroled Confederates asked her to make a toast to Jefferson Davis. She accepted and at the same time offered her services to the U.S. to spy on the Confederacy. She was captured and sentenced to death as a Federal spy, and was rescued at Shelbyville by the Union Army under Gen. Rosecrans. After the War, General Garfield bestowed on her the title of Major.
 
Opening the program will be FolkTails, playing songs of the era. FolkTails consists of Chris and Mike Petee and they use comedy and music arrangements similar to those they used as part of the group Elixir.
 
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 made possible in part by a grant from the Ariel Foundation and KPAC and supported in part by the Grand Hotel. The programs are presented on a donation basis, with all proceeds going to the performers.
 
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.

Union Spy to Speak at Chautauqua
 
MOUNT VERNON – On Thursday March 12, the Chautauqua Series welcomes Valerie Hamill Miss Major Cushman. Valerie is making her first appearance for the Chautauqua Series but is no stranger to the living history format, having performed Major Cushman for many years around Ohio.  This donation based program will be presented at the Grand Hotel (12 Public Square) at 7 PM.  Doors open at 6 PM. The Grand Hotel is fully accessible for those with special needs such as wheelchairs, walkers or strollers.
 
Pauline Cushman was a spy for the Union during the Civil War, eventually promoted to the rank of Major. Born Harriet Wood in New Orleans, she was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, became a highly successful stage actress using the name Pauline Cushman. After the Civil War broke out, Pauline was in a traveling stage troupe and while in Louisville, Kentucky, many paroled Confederates asked her to make a toast to Jefferson Davis. She accepted and at the same time offered her services to the U.S. to spy on the Confederacy. She was captured and sentenced to death as a Federal spy, and was rescued at Shelbyville by the Union Army under Gen. Rosecrans. After the War, General Garfield bestowed on her the title of Major.
 
Opening the program will be FolkTails, playing songs of the era. FolkTails consists of Chris and Mike Petee and they use comedy and music arrangements similar to those they used as part of the group Elixir.
 
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 made possible in part by a grant from the Ariel Foundation and KPAC and supported in part by the Grand Hotel. The programs are presented on a donation basis, with all proceeds going to the performers.
 
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.

​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

​Chautauqua Opens 14th Season with Aaron Burr
MOUNT VERNON – Opening its 14th season, the Chautauqua Series is happy to have Ken Hammontree portraying the controversial 3rd Vice President of the United States, Aaron Burr. Burr is probably most remembered for the duel he had with Alexander Hamilton in which he killed Hamilton. But few remember that he was later put on trial for conspiracy to overthrow the United States and separate the western colonies so he could service as a rival President to the current United States. All in all, Burr was a very interesting individual. Ken’s presentations are always lively, interesting, entertaining, informative and enjoyable.
This presentation will be held at the Grand Hotel (12 Public Square in downtown Mount Vernon) on Thursday January 16 at 7 PM. Doors will open at 6 PM and held in the lower level of the hotel that is accessible to those with special needs such as wheel chairs, walkers and strollers.  They are family friendly and presented on a donation basis and 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 first person living history, held on a monthly basis. It 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 what you read in 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. The Series was also 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 - Most people in Knox County do not know the name Miranda Bricker.  Most people in Knox County do not know of the Maplehurst Mansion that once stood near the intersection of East Gambier and Division streets in Mount Vernon. But it was at the Maplehurst Mansion on Sunday April 23, 1905, that the body of Miranda Bricker was found, the victim of a murder that was never solved and remains unsolved to this day.

Being an investigative reporter, historian, playwright and someone with a great fascination in discovering the truth of a matter, Mark Sebastian Jordan will provide the Chautauqua audience the findings of his investigation at the Grand Hotel (12 Public Square in downtown Mount Vernon) on Thursday October 31 at 7 PM.

The Chautauqua Series brings donation based programs of living history and historical interest monthly by Elixir Presents with the support of the Grand Hotel and a grant from the Ariel Foundation that is managed by KPAC. For 13 years the series has provided students, families and all those interested in exploring history through entertaining presentations at a cost that all can afford. The series is also recognized by the Ohio Humanities Council as being the only year round Chautauqua Series in the United States and a local treasure for the community to learn from people who do extensive research to put together programs that a fact based and go well beyond the history books.

Opening the program at 7 PM will be Joshua Hlavaty, a singer and guitarist from the Ashland area. Then Mark Jordan will present his findings as only Mark Jordan can, in a well-structured, entertaining and fascinating manner at 7:40 PM, followed by a question and answer period immediately following his program.
​
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.