Chautauqua. Two home runs! Taryn Sternitzsky and Wesley Harris.

Home Run # 1. Taryn is a Ruston High School student who has worked up a wonderful display on the history of the Ruston Chautauqua. She lives and has been raised on the grounds of the original Chautauqua. The Chautauqua was started near the end of the 19th century and was dedicated to education, religion, and recreation. It was a big success. A three time candidate for President, William Jennings Bryan spoke at the Ruston Chautauqua. People came by train from as far away as New Orleans.

Home Run # 2. Wesley Harris is a local Historian. The title of his talk was "The Battle after the War". He discussed how wild and lawless this area was after the war. At that time Vienna was the largest settlement in the area. He discussed the possible reasons that Lincoln Paris was established in 1884.

I am looking forward to the return of the Chautauqua in the Fall.