The Chippewa Valley Historical Pageant: The Story of Progressivism in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Abstract

In 1921, Eau Claire put on a production of the Chippewa Valley Historical Pageant. This pageant, however, was more than just a nice play on a summer evening, it was one of many across the nation, all part of the historical pageantry movement. Historical pageantry was an important aspect of community-based progressive reform, representing the culmination of many social movements of the period, including the city beautiful movement and the playground movement. In these productions, communities reflected upon their past, projected a common identity, and looked with enthusiasm upon their future. Thus, not only does this pageant tell the story of Eau Claire's past, but the story of progressivism in the community. This paper examines the impact of the progressive movement in Eau Claire through the lens of the historical pageantry movement and its preceding progressive movements and ideals.