Buckhannon: Then & Now – Buckhannon Chautauqua

Beckie Boyd

September 1, 2022

Buckhannon: Then and Now. Join us in showcasing Upshur County throughout history and today.

A circuit chautauqua found themselves visiting Upshur County from 1912 to 1927. What is a chautauqua, you ask? A chautauqua is a traveling form of entertainment and education. Rural areas now had access to well-known musicians, lecturers, demonstrators, actors and other performers under a big tent!

Buckhannon’s first chautauqua was held in 1912 for a week long celebration. Each year brought new and old acts back to Upshur County, brewing more excitement for the event each year. Below are a few promotional materials from the Buckhannon Chautauqua events.

*Promotional materials for the annual Buckhannon Chautauqua / Photos courtesy of the Upshur County Historical Society*

Local Businesses

Recent Stories

News Release · March 27, 2026

B-U Middle School announces third quarter honor roll

Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School has released its third-quarter honor roll for the 2026-27 school year, recognizing students who earned a 3.5 to 4.0 GPA. The list highlights top achievers across sixth, seventh and eighth grades.

Duane Carpenter · March 27, 2026

Softball Lady Bucs storm past Huskies for 10-4 win

Buckhannon-Upshur’s Lady Bucs broke open a tight game with a six-run sixth inning to beat North Marion 10-4, piling up 13 hits. Maddie Tucker had three hits, Marple earned the win, and Pastorius notched a save as B-U won its fifth straight to move to 6-1 (5-0 Big 10).

News Release · March 27, 2026

Elkins student ventures abroad to explore environmental science in Austria

WVU Davis College sophomore Clare Talbott is spending a semester in Vienna at BOKU, one of Europe’s leading natural science universities, to gain firsthand experience in environmental policy and sustainability.

News Release · March 27, 2026

Upshur County Republicans hold annual Lincoln Day Dinner

Upshur County Republicans gathered March 15 at the Bicentennial Inn for their annual Lincoln Day Dinner, featuring remarks from Gov. Patrick Morrisey and WV GOP Chairman Josh Holstein and a veteran salute led by Col. Robert Kincaid.

News Release · March 27, 2026

Glenville State alumnus Jim Hamrick, 91, donates $10,000 to his namesake scholarship

Glenville State alumnus and athletics legend Jim Hamrick, 91, donated $10,000 to the Jim Hamrick Athletic Scholarship he created decades ago to support student-athletes with academic and athletic promise.

News Release · March 27, 2026

Upshur County CVB hiring part-time operations assistant

Upshur County CVB is hiring a part-time operations assistant to staff the Visitors Center on weekends and support marketing and community outreach. The role pays $14/hour; applications received by close of business April 10 will be reviewed, with hiring open until filled.