Jefferson County Online A part of the IAGenWeb and USGenWeb Projects Lecture Course

In October, 1876, O. L. Hackett, Esq., a son of Providence, R. I., inaugurated measures that resulted in the establishment of a regular lecture and amusement course. The enterprise has been well sustained by the Fairfield public, who by this means are afforded a series of amusing and instructive entertainments that could not have been otherwise secured. Among the lecturers and readers that have been induced to visit Fairfield through Mr. Hackett's agency, are Wendell Phillips, Rev. David Swing, Rev. Robert Collyer, Gen. Kilpatrick, Helen Potter, Laura Dainty and others. The giant secret of Mr. Hackett's success is the fact that previous to his coming West he was for ten years a member of different lecture committees, and not only enjoys a personal acquaintance with many of the prominent lecturers in the country, but also knows what kind of talent will suit the people.