Ellery in Chautauqua County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
What Does "Chautauqua" Mean?
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, May 18, 2018
1. What Does "Chautauqua" Mean? Marker
Chautauqua Institution
The term "Chautauqua" has come to be associated with the Chautauqua Movement which grew from the county's own Chautauqua Institution. The Institution began in 1874 as a training camp for Methodist Bible School teachers. Since then, it has grown into an educational and cultural center attracting more than 150,000 visitors during its annual nine-week summer season. The Chautauqua Movement spread across the country and hundreds of traveling or tent "Chautauquas" offered educational opportunities to the public. Many of these exist to this day.
Chautauqua Institution, Amphitheater. Courtesy: Fenton History Center, Jamestown, N.Y.
Variations of the word "Chautauqua" appear on French maps dating from their early explorations of the area. Legends regarding the meaning of the word are unsubstantiated, but the most often heard interpretation has its origin in Seneca language: "Bag ties in the middle". This name represents the elongated shape of Chautauqua Lake, with the narrow point near the lake's middle (Bemus Point-Stow).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Transportation (a few steps from this marker); Farming and Industrial Development (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Land Around Us (about 300 feet away); Packard Mansion (approx. 2.2 miles away); Lakeview House, Sterlingworth Hotel and Lakewood Country Club (approx. 2.2 miles away); First Kent House and Second Kent House (approx. 2.2 miles away); Lakewood Honor Roll (approx. 2.2 miles away); Paul Sorg Mansion (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ellery.
Photographed By Craig Doda, April 7, 2023
2. What Does "Chautauqua" Mean? Marker
Bottom portion missing.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, May 18, 2018
3. What Does "Chautauqua" Mean? Marker
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, May 18, 2018
4. What Does "Chautauqua" Mean? Marker
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, May 18, 2018
5. What Does "Chautauqua" Mean? Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2018, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 1,085 times since then and 166 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 20, 2018, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 2. submitted on April 16, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 20, 2018, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.
