Forest Park, Shelbyville, IL
| Chautauqua Auditorium | |
Forest Park, Shelbyville, IL |
|
|
|
| The Chautauqua Auditorium is undergoing a facelift. | |
| Visit Shelbyville Chautauqua on Facebook | |
| For events click here | |
| The Chautauqua Auditorium was built in 1903 and served the community faithfully until recently. The auditorium was placed on 2009 Landmarks Illinois Ten Most Endangered Historic Places List. Currently, a massive restoration effort has been launched. To learn more click here. | |
| The bowled floor provided seating for 5,000. Above the stage, there are Grecian statues designed by Robert Root. The interior floor space of the building is 15,000 square feet and there are no posts inside the structure. The roof is supported by a unique series of beams and supports in the ceiling. It is the largest building of its kind anywhere in the world and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous speakers included William Jenning Bryan and Billy Sunday, and vibrant musicians and performers including the John Phillips Sousa Band, Dolly Parton, the U.S. Air Force Hot Brass Band and more. | |