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Waxahachie Chatauqua
By Kathryn E. Eriksen
 Waxahachie
is well known for its historic, grand courthouse and numerous
Victorian buildings and homes. But there is a historic jewel set in
Getzendaner Park that you should not miss.
The grey wooden structure sits regally on the northeast corner of the
Park, set on a small hill that adds to its stately appearance. The
windows remain shuttered throughout the year, and there are no
peepholes to peek inside. What is this unusual octagonal structure
and why was it built?
To answer that question, you have to understand about the Chautauqua
movement, which began at Lake Chautauqua in upper state New York in
1874. Originally designed as a summer retreat for Sunday school
teachers, the Chautauqua idea broadened to include art, music
science, religion, patriotism and education. By 1880, the Chautauqua
movement became a national forum for discussion of public issues,
art, literature and science.
In order to share these insights and knowledge with those who could
not travel to New York State, traveling Chautauquas began to tour the
country. In 1901, the success of the Chautauqua program in Waxahachie
convinced a group of local citizens to build a new 2,500-seat
auditorium. The building was completed in 1902 at a cost of $2,750.
Most noticeable about the building, besides the unusual shape, are
the large windows that surround the entire structure. Wooden windows
were designed to slide into the walls, to turn the building into an
open-air structure. A large stage, with dressing rooms built below,
was built into the south side of the building. |
From 1902 to 1930, the Waxahachie Chautauqua Auditorium was a popular
venue for numerous lectures, concerts and performances held by the
Chautauqua Assemblies. Standing room only crowds filled the building
to capacity. Those unfortunate enough to not get a seat inside could
still see and hear the presentation while standing outside those
large windows. Accounts of these assemblies estimate that the crowds
attending sometimes reached more than 5,000 people!
The Chautauqua Assemblies ended in 1930. The city still used the
auditorium for civic and high school graduations, but the structure
went into a decline from lack of maintenance. It was finally closed by
the city in 1971, slated to be torn down because of its termite-ridden
condition.
Fortunately, a group of concerned citizens pleaded for the restoration
of this historic building and it was completely restored in 1975. It
now boasts a Texas Historical Marker and the auditorium is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places.
The Auditorium now proudly hosts musicals and plays presented by the
Waxahachie Community Theatre, as well as modern Chautauqua Assemblies.
Because of the energy, foresight and determination of that group of
concerned citizens, we all benefit by the preservation of an
intriguing building that is unique to this area.
To learn more about the history and significance of the Waxahachie
Chautauqua Auditorium, please visit
www.waxahachiechautauqua.org.
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