Milton E. Kerr (1863-1895) at Chautauqua, 1879

On Sunday, August 17, 1879, sixteen-year-old Milton E. Kerr arrived at Chautauqua Lake in the westernmost corner of New York, where he would spend a week enjoying an educational summer camp experience. The experience itself had already come to be known as Chautauqua. For a great description and some photos, read The Endless Summers of Chautauqua by Marilyn Mathews Bendikson.

The first Chautauqua had been held earlier in the decade. It began as a way to educate Sunday School teachers, but quickly expanded in response to public enthusiasm, achieving the status of a Movement which continued to flourish into the 20th century. For those who couldn't attend in New York, the traveling Chautauqua came into being. In addition to religion, subjects included literature, science, and more. It became a forum for new ideas. Speakers included the likes of Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, and a number of U.S. presidents. Although its popularity peaked in the early part of the 20th century, Chautauqua continues to the present day.

Milton took a small autograph book with him to Chautauqua. It was signed by many friends during his week at camp, and additional entries were made later. Many entries are dated. Those dated between August 17-23, 1879 would have been signed at Chautauqua. Some entries also have a short message or verse. Signers often included their city and state:

• Agnes S. Campbell, Greenville, Penna.
• Job Fish Jr., Berlin Hts., Ohio
• Claire A. Orr, Kankakee, Ill.
• A.E. Brainerd, Boscobel, Wisc.
• Ellis E. Moore, Franklin, Penna.
• W.J. Preston, Detroit, Mich.
• Fred Evans, Franklin, Pa.
• Al Hughes, Franklin, Penna.
• Thos. Scanlan, Mercer, Pa.
• C.R. Henderson, Titusville, Pa.
• May H. Page, Mercer, Penna.
• Rafe Conover
• William Butler, Olean, N.Y.
• Inez C. Smith, Bradford, Pa.
• J.A. Moore, SOS Cobbler Shop, Mercer, Pa.
• Will Bignell, Greenville, Pa.
• Elmer Houghton, Wellington, O.
• Minnie Montgomery, Mercer, Pa.
• John C. Orr, Mercer, Penna.
• Emma Smith, Mercer, Pa.
• Harry T. Williamson, Mercer Co., Penna.
• Miss Susie Willse, Panama, N.Y.
• Mary Love, Mountunion, Pa.
• Anna Montgomery, Mountunion, Pa.
• Minnie M. Brown, Randolph, N.Y.
• Belle Jack, Mercer
• Em McKee
• Charley McCandless
• Cora Black, Mercer, Pa.
• T.J. Scanlan, Mercer, Pa.
• Charley Kline
• Geo. B. Hoag, Mercer, Pa.
• Charlie Wing, Olean, N.Y.
• Frances McKean
• E.S. Wilson, Corry, Pa.
• Z. Weir
• Bella Hosack
• Ella Seaton
• Emma Montgomery
• A.B. Carter
• Harvey Seaton, Bristol, Pa.

If you recognize your ancestor's name, you might like to view the pages of the autograph book at Picasa Web Albums by clicking on the album cover below.

Autograph Book