[We request the president or secretary of every local circle
to send us reports of their work, of lectures, concerts,
entertainments, etc. Editor of THE CHAUTAUQUAN, Meadville,
Pa.]
“Days come and go much more pleasantly when our time is fully
occupied.”—_Gessner._
* * * * *
“The pleasantest society is that where the members feel a warm respect
for each other.”—_Goethe._
* * * * *
“It is a beautiful thought, that however far one shore may be from
another, the wave that ripples over my foot will in a short time be on
the opposite strand.”—_Humboldt._
* * * * *
=Maine (Auburn).=—We have here in Auburn, a thriving town on the banks
of the Androscoggin, a band of twenty-five enthusiastic Chautauquans.
We organized November 3, 1882. We meet once in two weeks, at the houses
of members, and recite fifty questions upon previous reading, as
published in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. The questions for further study have been
taken up, and will receive attention at our next meeting. The game of
“Grecian History” has been tried once, with so much pleasure and profit
that we shall probably have it again. Bryant’s and Milton’s Day have
been pleasantly observed, and we also voted to observe the birthday of
our own beloved Longfellow, who is peculiarly dear to New Englanders.
Our circle is composed of people professional and unprofessional,
denominational and literary, but all are working together with much
unanimity of feeling and interest.
* * * * *
=Massachusetts (Westfield).=—Our circle is composed of three members,
all graduates of class of 1882, but taking the White Crystal Seal
course. Our meetings are very informal, reading either required or
supplemental articles. This is a small village and we do not have
lectures or concerts.
* * * * *
=Massachusetts (Conway).=—A local circle was organized in this town
September 26, 1882, with twenty-five members. A few others who do
not join the circle have taken up the readings. The Baptist and
Congregationalist ministers are among our members. We have a board of
counselors to act with the president in making meetings interesting. We
are up with the required readings, and enjoy our meetings exceedingly.
We meet Friday evenings at the homes of members of the Circle. We used
Pansy’s book, “The Hall in the Grove,” to work up our interest, and
some of us went to South Framingham last August, to get some new ideas;
hence our success in a small hill town of Massachusetts.
* * * * *
=Rhode Island (Providence).=—A local Circle was formed in Providence in
October last, and is called the Hope Circle. Starting with a membership
of nineteen, we have since increased the number to thirty-three. Every
four weeks we appoint a committee to conduct the exercises for the next
month. We have had several lectures on geology, and propose having from
time to time lectures on subjects that will interest the circle.
* * * * *
=Connecticut (Hockanum).=—A feature of the four years’ reading course
of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, is the observance of
certain memorial days. These are made the happy occasions of literary
and social festivity among the fraternity and their friends. December
9th occurred John Milton’s day. It was observed by the C. L. S. C.
of Hockanum, numbering about thirty members in both circles, Monday
evening the 11th, in the vestry of the Congregational church. In
response to an invitation from the Hockanum local circle to the local
circle of the M. E. Church in Hockanum, it became the pleasant occasion
of union memorial exercises. After a few well-chosen words of greeting
to the sister circle by C. B. Treat, the Rev. W. P. Stoddard, president
of the M. E. circle, read Job 28th and was followed by the Rev. Mr.
Macy in prayer. Mr. Treat then gave a scholarly address on the “Times
of Milton;” Miss Adela Risley an interesting sketch of the “Life of
Milton,” and Miss Ellen M. Brewer an excellent paper on the “Works of
the Poet.” A gem was an essay on “Comus” by Mr. Stoddard. The argument
and a choice and well-rendered selection from each of the books of
Paradise Lost were given by the different members of the Hockanum
circle. The closing exercises consisted of extracts of pleasing
continuity from “Samson Agonistes,” Milton’s last poetical work, given
with much point by Messrs. Stoddard, Forbes, Brewer and Arnusius, Mrs.
C. Hollister, and Misses Alexander and Hollister of the M. E. circle.
The program closed with singing a part of the inspiring class song,
entitled “A Song of To-day:”
“Sing pæans over the past!
We bury the dead years tenderly,
To find them again in eternity,
All safe in its circle vast.
Sing pæans over the past!
Arise and conquer the land!
Not one shall fail in the march of life;
Not one shall fall in the hour of strife
Who trusts in the Lord’s right hand,
Arise and conquer the land!”
Immediately after a bountiful collation was served in a style most
creditable to the committee in charge, and seldom has there been more
genuine sociality. During the sociable, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Cornish
furnished sweet music. The room was aglow with light and color, and
draping and ornamentation were suggestive of sentiment, study and
religion. Upon entering, the eye was instantly arrested by a superb
representation of the Chautauquan’s _alma mater_, “The Hall in the
Grove,” mounted on an evergreen wreathed easel. It was executed in
charcoal, especially for the occasion, by the Rev. H. Macy, a senior at
Hosmer Hall, and acting pastor of the Congregational Church. Upon being
called upon he made some felicitous remarks on the “Hall in the Grove,”
which elicited applause. The circle and guests, numbering about sixty,
felt that the event had been truly a success.
* * * * *
=Connecticut (Portland).=—This is the first year of the local circle
in Portland, Connecticut, and it numbers at the present time seven
members, of three different denominations. Our circle was organized
on the fifth day of December, 1882. Our officers are president,
vice-president, and secretary. We have met thus far every Saturday
evening. We endeavor to bring in something on all the subjects taken up
in the required work, making a specialty of the questions and answers
printed in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. The president either asks the questions, or
appoints some one of the members as leader _pro tem_. All are requested
to criticise freely. After the program is concluded, all are at liberty
to ask any questions they wish in connection with the subjects taken
up in the evening’s work. Before adjournment, a short time is given to
general conversation, on the most interesting topics in the evening’s
lesson. As yet we have had no essays, but these are to come in the
future. Last year there was only one member (myself) of the C. L. S. C.
in the town of Portland. This year Portland boasts of a local circle
consisting of seven members, and already the influence of those seven
is being felt throughout the town, and we fondly hope and expect that
before 1883 dawns our circle will have increased to almost double its
present size. The students of the Portland C. L. S. C. anticipate many
pleasant hours of work and social intercourse in the weeks and years to
come.
* * * * *
=New York (Prattsburg).=—Our local circle is one of great interest. Our
members number nine. We meet weekly, at the homes of different members.
The meetings open with prayer, followed by roll-call, minutes of the
last meeting, and then the lesson. The lessons are conducted by one
appointed at a previous meeting, so each one takes a part in conducting
some lesson. In geology we had many beautiful specimens of coral,
trilobites, and brachiopods, which were very interesting, and helped
so much to explain the lesson. We observe memorial days. For Milton’s
Day we had, in answer to roll-call, favorite selections from Milton, an
essay by our vice-president on his life, and one on his life and work
by our president. We vary the work, and try to make it interesting to
all. What would we do without THE CHAUTAUQUAN and our Chautauqua circle!
* * * * *
=New York (Troy).=—Here is the program for one evening in a local
circle in Troy, the Rev. H. C. Farrar, president. It is printed on
a postal card: “(1) Greek Civilization—Lewis K. Moore; (2) Greek
Home Life—Miss Hattie E. Dean; (3) Greek Art—Mrs. H. C. Farrar; (4)
Round-Table, Questions, Words, Sentences, etc.; (5) John Milton—a
_conversazione_. Our circle organizes promptly at 7:30 o’clock. Make
unessential things give way to our monthly gatherings. Our program
is largely Greek. So is our month’s reading. Greece has mightily
influenced all nations and ages. Let us make a specialty of Greek
this and next month. Master thoroughly the questions and answers on
pages 164-66 in the December CHAUTAUQUAN. Mr. Mulford will ask most of
them. Bring written questions, words, anything and everything for our
Round-Table that will prove of interest.”
* * * * *
=New York (Panama).=—A local circle was formed in Panama, New York, in
October, 1878, through the efforts of a few residents of our village
who were present at Chautauqua and became members of the organization
at its inception in August of the same year. Weekly meetings of the
circle were regularly kept up during the four years succeeding, and in
August last twelve members were gratified to receive at the hand of Dr.
Vincent, the beautiful Chautauqua diplomas. In October of this year
another circle was formed, consisting of most of the members of the old
circle, who could not bear to abandon so profitable and pleasurable
a course of reading, and several new members, and we are now holding
weekly meetings, as in the years past. The officers constitute the
executive board, who arrange the program for each meeting, selecting
leaders. Our work is done thoroughly, and we have the satisfaction of
feeling the inspiration that comes from work accomplished. The memorial
days are occasionally observed by special meetings of the circle, at
which time a special program, prepared for the occasion, is carried
out. We extend to every sister circle the hand of fellowship and of
hearty greeting, with the wish that, as the years go by, we may all
learn more of the word and the works of God.
* * * * *
=Pennsylvania (Sugar Grove).=—This is the fifth year of the local
circle in Sugar Grove, Warren County, Pa., and it numbers fifteen
members, ten of whom are graduates of the Class of ’82. For the first
four years our meetings were held weekly, but the past year a normal
class, under the auspices of the C. L. S. C. has been organized, which
meets once in two weeks, our circle meeting each alternate week. The
manner of reviewing the lessons varies. The conductor usually asks
questions, which are discussed by any member. This is followed by
essays, question drawer, report of critic, _conversazione_, Chautauqua
games, or any exercise conducive to our mutual improvement. During the
study of geology our meetings have been made interesting by the use
of Packard’s Geological Charts, and by examining cabinets of rocks
and shells, and also collecting various specimens, thereby forming a
nucleus for greater research. The observance of a memorial day falls on
the regular circle evening nearest memorial date.
* * * * *
=Pennsylvania (Shamokin).=—This is the first year of our local
circle in Shamokin. We have held four regular meetings since the 1st
of November and now have eight members. We have but two officers,
a president and secretary, and meet every Tuesday evening at the
homes of the different members. Thus far the president has conducted
the meetings, asking questions on the lesson, when the topics are
freely discussed by all. By not starting at the required time we find
ourselves behind in our studies, almost two months; but by taking our
regular weekly lessons, and as much of the back reading as we can
conveniently, we expect to catch up by the first of March.
* * * * *
=Pennsylvania (Carlisle).=—Our methods have been very informal, and
my report must of necessity be of a similar nature. We are not a
circle—only a triangle. Since October of last year “we three” have
quietly read and studied the prescribed course, meeting usually once
a week and comparing progress. Frequently one of our number asked
the questions as published in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and in answering them
we enlarged upon the subjects suggested thereby. At other times we
discussed the matter read. We observed each memorial day and enjoyed
them, as indeed we have enjoyed our year’s work. We have worked
together without being “officered,” for it would badly thin the ranks
to take even one from the “privates.” We feel the need of an energetic,
enthusiastic leader, who could help us in our work, and enlist others;
but failing to find one, we enter upon our second year’s work even more
deeply interested than we were a year ago, determined to finish the
course, unless prevented by insurmountable obstacles.
* * * * *
=New Jersey (Freehold).=—We organized a circle of twelve young ladies
here last year, and we are still pursuing the course laid out for
the C. L. S. C. We are all living at home, and are what some call
“ladies of leisure.” The course is taken more as a line of profitable
reading than of hard study. We meet at each other’s houses every
Tuesday afternoon, and one of our number acts as teacher, or rather
questioner. She asks the questions laid down in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and
after they have been answered, we read the article in the required
readings for the week, taking turns around, a paragraph each, and
after each paragraph has been read the others informally criticise the
pronunciation of the reader, (good naturedly, of course), and so, with
the aid of Webster, we arrive at the correct pronunciation of words in
common use. Any knotty questions which come up are laid over until the
next meeting; in the meantime we find out the answers if we can. By the
way, a large Shakspere club of ladies and gentlemen has grown from a
movement made by one of our number, and taken up by us as a class, and
already one question on art has been given us to answer from outside.
You see we are beginning to make ourselves felt in the community. We
find the course doing us good, and advise others to take it up as we
have, as a pleasant way to refresh their memories on what they have
already learned in school, if they do not care to devote their time to
study.
* * * * *
=District of Columbia (Washington).=—Ours is one of several Chautauqua
circles in Washington, D. C. We have named it the “Parker” C. L. S.
C., in honor of Rev. Dr. J. W. Parker. We organized September 15,
1882, with a membership of ten; we now number twenty-five and are
still increasing. We meet at the houses of the members, twice a month;
open with prayer. The readings are reviewed by questions from THE
CHAUTAUQUAN. Our reading in geology was supplemented by explanations,
with the use of the Packard plates. Great interest is manifested by the
members, who feel that they are being benefited. The meetings close
with general questions and talks upon scientific subjects.
* * * * *
=West Virginia (Wheeling).=—Our circle has now entered its third year
and numbers twenty-seven members. The meetings are held every week
in one of the small rooms in the United Presbyterian Church and are
well attended. The method hitherto pursued has been to assign lessons
out of THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and then proceed very much as at school.
Subjects pertinent to the lessons are fully and freely discussed as
they are suggested, consequently during the past two years the circle
has ranged over a vast territory. At each meeting during the present
year a paper—usually on some historical personage connected with the
lesson—has been read, and this has proved very interesting. The general
drift of sentiment has been rather against public entertainments,
though several successful ones have been given. Visitors are always
welcome. The Wheeling circle has been unusually fortunate in enjoying
the leadership of a gentleman who is at once a business man, an
enthusiastic scholar and a teacher, with a genius for the art. Under
his able tuition, interest in the various studies has never faltered.
Comparatively few of the members have visited Chautauqua; those who
have done so have returned very enthusiastic in C. L. S. C. work.
* * * * *
=Kentucky (Louisville).=—Being more and more interested in the
French Circle, I would like very much to have in your magazine a few
lines about it, viz: all the information about the French Circle by
correspondence can be obtained by addressing Prof. A. Lalande, 1014
Second street, Louisville, Ky. Back numbers of circular will be sent to
anyone desiring to join that circle.
* * * * *
=Tennessee (Memphis).=—A local circle was organized October 23, in
Chelsea, the northern suburb of Memphis. It consists of a few members
of the classes of ’82, ’83, and ’84, who once belonged to the Memphis
local circle, and a larger number of members who have only last fall
joined the C. L. S. C. The Memphis circle had become too large to be
well handled for effective work, so we left, and organized a circle
in our own immediate neighborhood of twenty-five members. We are to
meet twice a month, and expect to do good work, as we are enthusiastic
Chautauquans.
* * * * *
=Texas (Palestine).=—We have a local circle in our town, twenty strong,
that will compare in average intelligence of its members with any other
club in the United States. The Chautauqua Idea is growing grandly in
Texas. Our State will be fairly represented in all future commencements
of the C. L. S. C. Clubs are forming in all points of the Lone Star.
* * * * *
=Indiana (Fort Wayne).=—The C. L. S. C. met in October in the
lecture-room of the Berry Street Church, to organize for work during
the ensuing year. The attendance was unexpectedly large, and the
meeting was spirited. It was decided to divide up into small circles
for work, yet continue the general organization, and to that end
officers were elected. It is expected that members of the circle will
connect themselves with some one of the smaller circles that may
be organized, and continue the readings. The smaller circles were
organized at once, and work for the year is going on.
* * * * *
=Illinois (Pana).=—Our local circle was organized in October, 1879.
The class now numbers fourteen ladies, meeting at each other’s homes
weekly. Three are post-graduates, and two or three others of the Class
of ’82, who intend sending in their papers soon. We are not, as a
class, this year taking the full course, but using THE CHAUTAUQUAN.
We find the work very pleasant and instructive, and enjoy it too much
to give it up. We have had no entertainments except social teas among
ourselves.
* * * * *
=Michigan (Flint).=—A local circle has been organized here for reading
and study. There are only eight members, but several others in the city
who have commenced the work, and will probably continue it, meet with
us occasionally and seem to enjoy doing so. Being scattered over the
city, it is impossible for them to attend the meetings regularly. For
this reason they prefer not to join the circle. There are, I think,
twenty, or nearly that number, reading the Chautauqua course in our
city. Our meetings are held once in two weeks at the homes of different
members of the circle. The president conducts the review at each
meeting and plans the work for the next meeting with the concurrence
of the other officers. Our reading and study is done mainly at home,
the time of the meeting being taken up with a thorough review of the
subjects studied, varied by biographical sketches of the historical
characters, and expression of opinion upon the subjects in hand. The
interest in the work increases with each meeting; we enjoy it so much
more and remember it better than we possibly could reading and studying
alone.
* * * * *
=Michigan (Little Prairie Ronde).=—The character of the material of
which a local circle is formed, and with which it has to do, in a
measure determines the manner of conducting its meetings. In glancing
over the reports of various circles I see none whose meetings are
conducted quite the same as ours. Living in the country, and our
members having from two to four miles to drive, we strive to use all
the time in earnest work, directly connected with the subjects being
studied; hence our roll call responses are biographical sketches of men
whose names are found in the history; the history of cities, etc., and
on a memorial day selected extracts from the writings of the author
whose birth we commemorate. Besides essays, readings and conversations
on subjects in the course, we have introduced “current items,” not only
because outsiders not fully informed intimated that we study ancient
history too exclusively, but, also, as it is an excellent means of
interesting our local members and casual visitors who are not pursuing
the prescribed course of reading. The items comprise recent newspaper
intelligences, and never fail to elicit much enthusiasm and profit.
* * * * *
=Missouri (Osborn).=—Our circle, called the “Amphictyonic Local Circle,
of Osborn,” consists of eight members, including four officers,
president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. We meet on every
Tuesday afternoon, at the home of one of the members, our hours being
from 7 p. m. to 9:45 p. m. We have a constitution and by-laws, and
adhere strictly to the rules of order laid down in Roberts’ Manual. The
program is as follows: After the minutes of the previous meeting are
read and discussed, Greek history is taken up and reviewed in detail.
The required reading in THE CHAUTAUQUAN follows, after which our
president gives us an interesting lecture on some important subject.
Twenty minutes are devoted to the reading of short essays, and whatever
time remains we spend in discussing the chief topics of interest in THE
CHAUTAUQUAN.
* * * * *
=Missouri (Kansas City).=—Our circle organized the 21st of October,
with the circle of last year, consisting of five or six members, as a
nucleus. We have now a membership of over forty-five, which will soon
be largely increased. Ten new members joined at the last meeting. A
good deal of interest and enthusiasm is manifested. Our officers are
a board of three directors, a corresponding secretary, and treasurer.
The board of directors have a general oversight of all the interests
of the circle. They arrange for all lectures, special meetings,
memorial day exercises, and appoint a committee of three to arrange a
program of exercises for the regular meetings of the month, which are
presided over by the chairman of this monthly committee. The circle
meets every Tuesday evening at the residence of one of the members
centrally located, who has very kindly thrown open his house for the
use of the circle. We open our meeting at 7:30 p. m., promptly, with
singing and prayer, followed by roll call and reading of the minutes.
The members are then ready for the general exercises of the evening,
consisting of answers to the questions for the week in THE CHAUTAUQUAN,
of answers to written questions given out at the previous meeting, of
essays and talks on themes relating to our readings, of exercises on
the geological charts, music, critic’s report, social conversation, and
adjournment.
* * * * *
=Minnesota (Crookston).=—We can not claim the dignity of a local circle
yet. Our class consists of two members, the wife of the editor of
the Crookston _Chronicle_ and the writer, who is one of the teachers
of the graded school in Crookston. We are delighted with the course,
studied faithfully and well last year, and have commenced this year
with renewed pleasure and zeal. We met for reading, recitation and
conversation weekly last year and will pursue the same course this year
unless our class should become a circle. We have the promise of several
members.
* * * * *
=Iowa (Muscatine).=—The editor of a local paper characterizes an
entertainment of the local circles in this way: “Seldom has an occasion
been appropriated to a more pleasant or profitable purpose than that
which attracted a large number of our more cultivated people to the
cheery apartments of Mr. A. K. Raff one evening of last month. It
was the two hundred and seventy-fourth anniversary of the birth of
John Milton, and the two Chautauqua clubs in the city had united to
memorialize the event in some appropriate way. A splendid program of
exercises, consisting of dissertation and essay, interspersed with the
finest of music, both vocal and instrumental, had been arranged for the
occasion, furnishing to those who were fortunate enough to be present
a fund of interest, and a feast of intellectual enjoyment as rare as
it was acceptable. We can imagine no entertainment more pleasant or
elevating in its character than these Chautauqua reunions.”
* * * * *
=Iowa (Oskaloosa).=—The circle of Oskaloosa consists of fifteen
ladies—ten regular members and five local ones. We meet every Wednesday
afternoon and a leader is appointed by the president for each week. We
have thorough schoolroom recitations and discussions of the lesson as
assigned in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and the questions for further study.
* * * * *
=Kansas (Stockton).=—The most satisfactory method we have found of
conducting our circle is this: Let each member prepare two plain
questions, not puzzles, on the reading of the week. Let these questions
be handed to the president, who asks them, the author of the questions
answering if no one else can, and no one but the chairman needs to
know who hands in any question. This review helps to fix many points
in memory. Besides, we had nearly every time one or more essays from
persons having time and inclination to prepare them.
* * * * *
=Kansas (Wichita).=—For more than six months we have had a literary and
philosophical society, with objects somewhat similar to those of the
C. L. S. C., with a working membership of twenty or more. At our last
meeting the merits of the C. L. S. C. were discussed at length, and
we concluded to change our organization into the C. L. S. C., and the
preliminary steps were taken in accordance therewith. Will you please
send us by return mail two dozen blank applications for membership,
and whatever other documents and instructions are necessary for
organization and work.
* * * * *
=Nebraska (Seward).=—We meet every Monday evening; the regular order
as laid down in THE CHAUTAUQUAN is carried through; we keep up in the
different branches from month to month, and enjoy the work.
* * * * *
=California (Sacramento).=—Our method of conducting the work, after
disposing of the general order of business, is as follows: The
committee of instruction, numbering three, and appointed once in three
months, prepare one week in advance questions on each lesson. These
questions are drawn promiscuously by each member—questions being, sent
to absentees. Answers to these questions, with the questions attached
thereto, are given in writing at the following meeting, to some one
appointed by the president to read, after which they are placed in the
hands of two members, who are also appointed by the president, from
which they are to compile papers, adding all such other information
appertaining to the subject that can be obtained. This involves close
research, and we hear from at least five members in an evening, who
are followed in the same manner by five others at the succeeding
meeting. From the papers, questions, and answers, arise profitable
discussions, if time permits. A committee on entertainment, appointed
annually, supervise all lectures, concerts, social entertainments,
etc., which—if practicable—are arranged for once in three months. We
number twenty-four active members. Eight other names are upon our roll,
of whom three are irregular. We launch out this (the third) year with
much enthusiasm and general interest, hoping to far exceed in profit to
ourselves and in influence in favor of our grand Chautauqua work either
of the preceding years.
* * * * *
=Canada (Pictou, Ontario).=—About twenty members of the C. L. S. C. met
at the residence of G. C. Curry, Esq., recently, to compare notes and
talk over matters connected with their daily readings. Considerable
enthusiasm was manifested by the several members respecting the
subjects on the program for the present year, which began on the 1st
of October last. Some, however, have only just joined, and it is
not too late yet for new ones to join and take up the work for the
current year. At the next meeting of the circle notes will be read
on the month’s reading and difficulties met with brought forward for
explanation.
[_Not Required._]