Back in Iowa - depots, chatauqua and lessons - June 26, 27, 28, 29 - 1911 and 2011

Rita's Entries:
Monday, June 26, 1911
We washed - rather Mother did most of it.  After lunch, Famie here to practice.  We all - F and F and I - went up town.  Gadded with Cleo.  At 7, Fam and I went out to Row's in Hill's auto.  Nice time.  Played lots.  Home about 1.  Fama here all night.

Rita's mother and father

Tuesday, June 27, 1911
Took early train for State Center.  Mrs. R. met me.  Went to her studio.  I played a little.  Very much pleased.  They are cmapers at Chatauqua.  Dandy time.  Played in the orches. at afternoon and evening performance.  Stayed all night with them in tent.  Very nice.

Wednesday, June 28, 1911
Home at 9.  Went direct to studio to take Mrs. R's pupils as she wasn't coming down.  Phoned home.  Mother said I had company.  Wouldn't tell who.  Bro't Oma up.  Lunch at Y. W.  Rested after noon.  Gadded more.  Saw parade, etc.  After supper Fran - Connie, Clare and I went to Rex and Elite.  Dandy time.  me all in.  4 lessons.

Thursday, June 29, 1911
Slept late.  Took Oma's dress to Mrs. N. to be fixed.  McCords for lunch.  Gadded in afternoon.  H. B. and I took Onia to train at 7:55.  Rested and read.

IN RITA'S DAY:  Performances by Chatauqua groups in tents set up in rural areas were an important entertainment.  I believe this June performance was the first by Rita in such a group.  Later in 1912 and 1913, she will travel the American West doing performances as part of the winter circuit of chatauqua.  The great tents and more famous performers of the summer are replaced in the winter by lesser know and smaller acts that perform in schools and churches.  Much more later in Rita's 1912 and 1913 diaries.  For now, she seems happy "gadding" back in her home town.
Trains were the main form of transportation and Rita will be seeing lots more than just the Marshalltown depot (above) when she is off performing.

TODAY:  The end of June 2011 is filled with conflicts between President Obama and the Congress.  Things are not getting done.  Perhaps the Republicans don't want the economy to get better because they really want to win the Presidency in 2012.