Lancaster Region

Throughout their history, humans have sought remedies to ameliorate or cure ailments. Various potions were developed by different cultures using locally available materials and folklore. Some worked; many did not. This presentation will deal with some of these so-called “cures.” From soft drinks to other elixirs composed of exotic ingredients, all with supposed health benefits. It will also feature a few of the people who were part of this enterprise, including Franz Mesmer, James Graham, William Radam, Lydia Pinkham, Senator Dudley J. Le Blanc, and the Kellogg brothers.

The formation of the powerful Hollywood studios turned Hollywood into a worldwide phenomenon. These “factories” included rosters of extremely talented actors, directors, writers, cinematographers, and a whole host of other creative departments that churned out so many wonderful films. During the Golden Era that spanned the late 1920s until the late 1940s, each studio developed its own specific “personality” or style. We will look at each of the major studios: MGM, Paramount, Warner Brothers, RKO, 20th Century Fox, and the minor ones: Columbia, Universal and United Artists. We will watch scenes from many of their great films. We will also learn how they started to lose their grip on the industry that they created.