2025 Schedule Is On Fire!
Victory Circus to Perform at
VAUDEVILLE IN THE STREET
Each year, the Victorian Chautauqua aims to bring unique and exciting performances, live music, and activities to Mountain Lake Park to celebrate the town’s history as Maryland’s first Chautauqua resort community. The program committee continually seeks unexpected talent, and this year is no exception.
BETHEL CENTER PREMIERE
The festival will add a new performance tent venue at the Bethel Center, the restored African Methodist Episcopal Church that initially opened its doors to Garrett County’s Black residents in 1900. The new-old building acts as a historical sanctuary to remember the African American influence during the county’s founding years. Storyteller Diane Macklin will share cameos of former African Americans who were once a part of Garrett County’s colorful tapestry. She has conducted extensive research into individuals who excelled in their trades, became community leaders, and were gracious ambassadors for visitors by rail.
The restored 1900 A.M.E. Church resembles it’s original appearance.
Be among the first to tour the Deaconess Cottage.
DEACONESS TOURS
New this year are special tours of the Thompson Rest Home for Deaconesses to be held on Saturday, July 12, at 11:00 AM. It is the oldest standing cottage in Mountain Lake Park. Although the cottage is awaiting funding opportunities to be restored, visitors are welcome to tour the historical structure and learn about plans to restore it as a public venue once again.
The Mountain Chautauqua began programming in 1882 with the first sermon by Rev. John Thompson. The reverend and his family built this summer cottage that earned its name because the Thompsons open their doors to female clergy needing a respite from their usual toils. With increasing demand, the Burlington Hotel next door was purchased and joined to their cottage with a rear first-floor dining hall and second-floor boarding rooms, increasing their accommodations to forty guest rooms. Over time, and several owners later, much of the addition and the Burlington Hotel fell into disrepair and were razed. However, the original Thompson Rest Home remains and is now fondly called “The Deaconess,” which serves as the new headquarters for the Mountain Lake Park Historical Association.
Portrayals will include historical figures Woody Guthrie, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Frederick Olmsted, and Amelia Earhart.
HISTORICAL PORTRAYALS
Historical figures are a centerpiece of the Victorian Chautauqua. This year’s program will include portrayals of musician-songwriter Woody Guthrie, Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., and pioneer aviation pilot Amelia Earhart. In a novel approach, Victorian Chautauqua veteran thespian Bill Grant and his brother Bowie will team up to present a mock interview with Woody Guthrie. Bill will also portray Oliver Wendell Holmes in another compelling and informative presentation about the longest-serving Supreme Court Justice. Mary Ann Jung is also a Victorian Chautauqua veteran thespian who impressed audiences during the maiden years of the festival. She returns with a lively performance of her favorite female pilot, who broke barriers that were once solely reserved for men. One of America’s most celebrated landscape architects, Frederick Olmsted, will be portrayed by Kirk Brown. Among Olmsted’s accomplishments are New York’s Central Park and Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York.
LIVE MUSIC
Soup Camel brings a lively spin to an array of recognizable American tunes on Saturday, and Smith and Roberts will perform original folk music on Sunday.
Vaudeville in the Street will welcome live music from Matt’s Blues, with his signature red piano and animated antics. He rarely sits down. Mark Edwards will make his second appearance, playing classical guitar with expert precision. Holly Nelson will impress with music from the turn of the 20th century on violin. It’s an impressive lineup. This year, the newly curated Victory Circus will feature impressive acrobatics by Alison Wonderland, fire, and flow by Miss Chief, and be sure to look up to see the graceful aerialist Lady Jay performing feats of strength, balance, and precision.
Not ready to say goodbye? A special evening concert, beginning at 7:30 on Saturday, will top off the day with baritone Keven Bennear, Kat Dixon on violin, and Russel Wilson on keyboard. This ensemble is not to be missed.
Engaging lectures about birds from Kevin Dodge, Chautauqua history from Dr. Elesha Ruminiski, and Victorian etiquette with Paul Browning.
FASCINATING LECTURES
Learn something new under the Deaconess tent. Experts in their field will share what they know in engaging lectures. Bird expert Kevin Dodge will talk about Garrett County’s native species. Dr. Elesha Ruminiski will explain the origins of the Chautauqua movement and how it influences modern day. Learn about Victorian etiquette from Paula Browning and how these structured principles from the past could enhance your life and help relationships today.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Another new addition will be an opportunity to meet published authors. You can purchase books, get autographs, and learn firsthand about books that spark your curiosity. This year, Armand Kinslow, James Rada, Steven French, Len Shindel, and Dave Faber will be featured. Kinslow will share They Will Not Be Forgotten, a fascinating collection of inspirational wartime stories, from the perspective of veterans, from our Nation's Independence through Vietnam. Rada has a long list of books highlighting history throughout Maryland that include Secrets of Deep Creek Lake: Little-Known Stories & Hidden History In and Around Maryland's Largest Lake, Secrets of Garrett County: Little-Known Stories & Hidden History of Maryland's Westernmost County, and Echoes of War Drums: The Civil War in Mountain Maryland. Steven French has lectured about the Civil War at past Victorian Chautauqua festivals. His extensive knowledge about the subject is available in three books. Imboden's Brigade in the Gettysburg Campaign earned him the 2008 Bachelder-Coddington Award, the 2009 Gettysburg Civil War Round Table Book Award, and the Jefferson Davis Historical Gold Medal. He has also published Rebel Chronicles: Raiders, Scouts, and Train Robbers of the Upper Potomac, and Phantoms of the South Fork: Captain McNeill and His Rangers. Shindel’s latest book takes a deep dive into the Garrett County Road Workers Strike of 1970, titled The Strike That Changed Maryland’s Wilderness County, and Faber tells the struggles and triumphs of dealing with terminal illness in Cancer; A Love Story.
Novelty Experiences
Novelty street performers will include Lars Mathew Rieck, a contact juggler who manipulates objects that defy gravity in striking visual play. He’s happy to share his unique talent and explain how it’s done. Stilt-walker, Dakota Fox, will be donned in fanciful attire, towering over the crowd. Be sure to get pictures with this sky-scraping beauty. See Wheelman Brian Birkner demonstrate his vintage bicycle with a 54” front wheel. He makes it look easy as he scoots around Mountain Lake Park. Listen for his bell to flag him down and get your questions answered about this early form of personal transportation. Free rides in authentic Model T cars and a horse-drawn carriage will transport you back in time. Enjoy a time-travel experience in the historic district of Mountain Lake Park.
Emcee, Mikey Virts brings home the laughs at the competions.
CONTESTS
Don’t forget to enter the Beard & Mustache Contest and the Women’s Victorian Hat Competition. Both divisions have proven to be a highlight of the Victorian Chautauqua weekend as contestants compete for two impressively large champion trophies. Signups are held on Saturday before judging begins at 6:00 PM.
KID-TAUQUA
Families will stay busy all day under the Kid-Tauqua tent, which is filled with activities and workshops. A new special guest, Professor Horn, will revive a bygone era with Punch & Judy. This tradition dates back to the 16th century in Italy. The slapstick puppetry will have the entire family laughing along. Mark Edwards will hold his second year of beginner guitar lessons. Kids can learn from an award-winning guitarist, an experience that could change their lives. Jo Ann Dadisman will teach puppet-making and perhaps inspire a child to start a puppet show at home. Playtime will include dress-up, bubbles, face painting, tie-dye, and make ‘n’ take. The Garrett County robotics team will provide a demonstration of their latest robot that can do amazing things. As if that’s not enough, break away to the Splash Pad at Leo Martin Memorial Park. By the end of the day, the little ones will be worn out.
Artisan Row offers a wide range of handmade goods.
ARTISAN ROW
The curated artists at Artisan Row are back again. This unique blend of handmade goods includes jewelry, honey products, textiles, pottery, unique collectibles, gifts, and so much more. No two artists are the same, and everything you see is top-notch. Come with your birthday and holiday gift lists, to get the perfect item for that special someone, who may be yourself!
Dave Wilson captures timeless images with his vintage photographic technique.
TINTYPE PHOTOGRAPHS
One of the most popular things to do at the Victorian Chautauqua is to get your picture taken by tintype photographer Dave Wilson. He has perfected the wet plate technique that was popularized during the Civil War and lasted well into the 20th century. He has a variety of period costumes on hand to dress you in style or come as you are to capture a unique and lasting image in a timeless photographic technique.
NEW FACILITIES
Another wonderful but far less glamorous addition to the festival grounds is the new permanent public restrooms with men’s, women’s, and family/ADA-compliant restrooms centrally located in Leo Martin Memorial Park. With the growing number of attendees, the restrooms became a priority for Mayor Don Sincell and the Town Council. There will still be portable units and the air-conditioned restroom trailer, located on the outskirts of Leo Martin Memorial Park.
LET’S EAT
You won’t be hungry at the Victorian Chautauqua. Enjoy some of the area’s best food truck favorites from D’s Eats, coffees from Steeple City Coffee, gelato, handpressed lemonade from the Garrett County Robotics Team, and grain bowls from Harvest House.
FUNDING PARTNERS
Grants from the following organizations and businesses have made this year’s programming possible: the Maryland State Arts Council, the Community Trust Foundation, Samantha Funding the Arts, Mountain Maryland Heritage Area Gateway to the West, and Heritage Areas Authority. Generous business sponsors include First United Bank & Trust, Sunrise Sanitation, Edward Jones, Clear Mountain Bank, Garrett County Arts Council, Aaron’s Rentals, and the Town of Mountain Lake Park.
This year’s sponsors include individual gifts from The Gilbert & Schlattman Family, Don & Suzie Sincell, Tom Shelton, The Rev. Dr. Chip Lee and Kathleen Gibbs, Mary Helen & Bob Spear, Bowie Grant, Sharon Harwood, Laurie & Bill Grant, Laura Miller, Cherie Krug, Gary Ruddell, Roland Hunn, Dr. Thomas & Kathy Johnson, Steven & Nancy Jo Shelton, Carolyn Henderson & Mike Hood.
