
MOUNT VERNON – Have you ever wondered what the people of Pompeii experienced when Mount Vesuvius erupted covering the entire area with lava? The one bright from the disaster was that the site was left kept intact and not rebuilt and archaeologists have been able to piece together what life really was like at that time. According to britannia.com, “The extent of the archaeological sites makes them of the greatest importance, for they provide a unique source of information about so many aspects of social, economic, religious, and political life of the ancient world. The many well-preserved house shrines give a hitherto unexpected picture of the vitality of religion in the family. The bakeries complete with mills, kneading machines, and ovens, some still containing loaves of bread, show how this staple of everyday life was produced. Numerous fulleries (processing and cleaning plants for wool) make it possible to study this important industry. The shops of the sculptor, toolmaker, and gem cutter, as well as the factories for garum (fish sauce) and lamps and the many wine and food shops, document other aspects of ancient life.”
On Thursday, October 25, the Chautauqua Series welcomes Tammy Souhrada will portray a tourist guide the day before Mount Vesuvius erupts at Pompeii. The program will be presented at 12 Public Square, The Grand Hotel in downtown Mount Vernon. The series with support from the Ariel Foundation and the Grand Hotel is organized by Elixir Presents on a donation basis for the education, entertainment for our community. Now in its 12th season the Chautauqua Series, the only year round monthly Chautauqua in the United States, is a wonderful way to learn more about people and times from history that goes well beyond history books or the History Channel.
The Grand Hotel provides a comfortable conference room that is accessible to people with special needs. The doors open to the room at 6 PM with the Mount Vernon Players Shakespeare starting at 7 PM with Tammy taking us on a guided tour of Pompeii at 7:45 followed by a question and answer period immediately after her presentation.
For more information about this program and upcoming presentations, please visit www.elixirpresents.com, www.VisitKnoxOhio.org, or www.wqio.com. You can also call 740-392-6102 or 740-392-3018. If you would like to receive a “Gentle Reminder” email on the Sunday before each program, contact Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com.