The August 11, 1904 Ames Intelligencer reported about the first Ames Chautauqua. Wednesday, August 17th, marks the beginning of the Ames Chautauqua. Arrangements already made involve an expenditure for entertainment and instructive talent, larger by far, than ever before expended in this county for a similar purpose. And this obligation has not been blindly incurred, for a wise discrimination has been used in the selection of all the features. Only ability of the highest order could have developed the great reputation of most of the speakers appearing on the program.
Ames should accord this movement all necessary support. Aside from its good influences, which are certain to be of advantage to the community, business reasons of the best require that this be generously done.