Maria Sheehan --- reader

              1921
The Lyceum Magazine   September, 1921


Figure


PROPERTY OF
GAY MACLAREN BACKMAN
ROLLING PRAIRIE, IND.
THERESA SHEEHAN—READER
Manager and Owner of
Theresa Sheehan Concert Party
WITH COMMUNITY CHAUTAUQUAS



September, 1921   The Lyceum Magazine


ANSWER

I believe the various Chautauqua platforms form the most influential organized educational machine in America today.  The various entertainers on those platforms are planting the seeds.  Some seeds fall by the wayside, some fall upon stony places, some fall among thorns, and some fall into good ground and bring forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.  And whether the entertainer be a lecturer, a singer, a humorist or a musician, nevertheless, he or she is planting seeds, continuously and persistently planting seeds.  We, the audiences, are the ground or fields over which these sowers pass, and it is up to us to cultivate those seeds to the end that they may bring forth fruit.  The sower can only scatter the seeds and pass on.
Witefish, Montana, August 12, 1921.


We very much enjoyed the recent program which you furnished Marysville and feel happy to report that the Marysville people are really beginning to take to Chautauqua.  While I have been a guarantor for Chautauqua for the past five years, I believe I have been more completely won over to the merits of Chautauqua work during this last program than at any time heretofore.
Marysville, California, June 1, 1921.


We certainly feel indebted to the Ellison-White people for the splendid entertainment they bring to our little city annually and the citizens are realizing that to have such entertainments they must endorse it wholeheartedly.  You are doing a wonderful work and here is wishing you God speed in your good work.
Elko, Nevada, June 25, 1921.


In my youthful days, I was accustomed to hear such men as Russell H. Conwell, etc.; but I cannot recall any public lecturer who pleased me better than your man Mr.— who lectured to us last night.  Had my tickets cost me $50.00 I should have considered the money well spent to bring such a man to the community in which I preach.  If I could hope during the six months of my appointment to this place to impart to the young people of the community as much to make them sincere and pure, as he imparted in that one lecture, I should feel that my labors were not in vain.
I herein express the common sentiment of the community.

Morganhill, Calif., May 26, 1921.


We are just in the midst of the best Chautauqua ever.  Our guarantors are all happy over our successful sale of tickets.
God bless you all in your good work.  May you all live long to continue to brighten the lives of others and may we also live to help you, is my sincere good wishes for Ellison-White and all connected with them.

Victoria, Texas, April 15, 1921.


Chautauqua has come and gone, but its influence for good still remains in the community.  We appreciate the efforts of Ellison-White in making this the very best Chautauqua week we have ever had.
I was much impressed with the generally high quality of entertainment and the moral and spiritual tone of all lectures in the Chautauqua this year.
A program fulfilling the high ideals for which Chautauqua stands.  It is clearly revealed to me that mankind is ready to listen to, and accept the higher ideals when presented in a practical way.

From three committeemen at Napa, Calif., May, 1921.


Your letter received explaining how and why your business has been placed on a non-profit basis.  This action on the part of your association is very commendable, and I shall take pleasure in explaining it whenever occasion affords me the opportunity.
We all appreciate very much the work you are doing, and the benefits that our community derives from having you with us once a year.

Willows, Calif., May 30, 1921.


The committee entered upon another contract for a Chautauqua next year.  We feel keenly the need of something of this nature in our community and believe it is an inspiration for higher thoughts and better education to the people, we as well as the school children.
Kingman, Arizona, May 3, 1921.


We certainly had a great Chautauqua.  I understand we sold in all, eleven hundred ten season tickets.  We simply had bigger crowds than we could seat.
Yakima, Washington, August 29, 1921.



ELLISON-WHITE
The Sun is Always Shining on Ellison-White Territory