Discover Central Illinois : Shelbyville Chautauqua welcomes guests inside

SHELBYVILLE, Ill. (WAND) - Located right in the middle of Forest Park is the Shelbyville Chautauqua.

Built in 1903, the 20-sided building has no interior pillars and was used in the early 1900's for performances, events and political speakers. The Chautauqua movement brought people from all over to Shelbyville, said Mark Shanks.

Shanks, Commissioner of Parks and Public Property for the city, has spent years learning history of the building. He was also one of the leaders within the community who helped save the century-year-old building from being demolished. At one point, the Chatauqua was closed because it needed renovation. A group worked to restore it and was able to hold some events, but soon years of wear and tear had its way through the structure and it was closed due to structural problems. Shanks said about 4 years ago the building started to collapse. A group called, Saving the Shelbyville Chautauqua worked to raise funds for the renovations.

"It was close to the wrecking ball," Shanks said. "A few of us didn't want to see it go, so we fought hard to save it and I'm glad we did."

In Spring 2020, voters approved repairing the building. It was soon after that vote, Shanks and others in the community found a special contractor who came in and replaced 8 of the truss columns and roof.

"The first time he was here and looked at the building, I was very nervous. But, he looked at it and was like yeah, I can fix that," Shanks said.

In summer 2021, the Chautauqua officially opened. Shanks said there had already been a school ceremony, wedding and musical performances. There are plans to have the Chautauqua open for tours on Saturdays throughout the year.